Esther-The Decree that Saved More than a Thousand Lives

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From Mordecai's Journal

Photo Coutesy

I am Mordecai, a humble servant of the Almighty and a Jew.

I am standing in the court of King Xerxes. He has given me his signet ring and the honor of second in his empire to replace the evil Haman.

The huge problem facing me is although Haman has been punished by hanging from the gallows, the decree he wrote to kill all the Jews in the twelfth month still stands. 

Only moments ago, the king gave me permission to write a new decree that would address the problem.

See, once a decree has been written and signed with the king's signet ring, it can never be undone. So Haman's order to kill all the Jews in the twelfth month stands. I whispered a prayer to the Almighty, asking His help to create a decree that would undo Haman's.

King Xerxes called for the royal secretaries to record the decree. They've just arrived, and God has also given me the perfect words. I turned to Esther who was standing close by and smiled. "God has given me an idea. Trust me."

The concern on her face eased.

This is the twenty-third day of the third month. Nine months to prepare for Haman's destruction. I told the royal secretaries to write these words in the new decree:

This edict grants the Jews in every city the right 
1. To gather together and protect themselves. 
2. To destroy and kill any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them, their women, or children. 
3. To plunder the property of their enemies. 

I wrote King Xerxes' name at the bottom, sealed the decree with the king's signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers who rode their fastest horses especially bred for the king.

The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all provinces of King Xerxes is the thirteen day of the twelfth month, which happened to be the same day Haman had appointed for all the Jews to be killed. 

This edict was then translated to every language in the empire and read to all Jews and leaders in the land and gave the Jews plenty of time to be ready for the day to avenge themselves.


 
The story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What had the king given to Mordecai?
2. What problem did Mordecai first see to take care of?
3  Why did the king call the royal secretaries?
4. Who did Mordecai ask to help him think of the right words?
5. What permission did the Jews receive from the king?
6. Why was this one day given to the Jews to defend themselves?

Esther-A Plot to Undo a Plot

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From King Xerxes' Journal

Photo Coutesy

I am Xerxes, king of all the Babylonian empire. I have always been a strong, decisive person. Always.

Except this second.

I mean, I'm still a decisive person, I have to be as king. The problem is Esther, my lovely queen who has been nothing less than the ideal queen, is on her knees begging, and her claim is valid.

A few months ago, Haman, the man who once held the position of second in my kingdom, conned me into allowing a decree to become official. Haman wrote the decree to get what he wanted. 

Apparently he became angry with a man, a Jew, and decided to blame the entire Jewish nation. He convinced me that these people would persuade others to turn away from me, that they did not respect or obey my commands, and much more. He seemed so convincing, and I was a fool. 

Well, the decree was signed ordering all Jews residing in Babylon to be killed in the twelfth month. I have since seen proof that Haman was the one who was not loyal or respectful of my commands. If there was a way to undo the decree, I would! I didn't even know Esther was a Jew when I gave the permission to Haman.

Now she is at my feet crying and begging for me to undo a decree. That is the one thing I cannot do. It is not in my power.

I said to her and Mordecai, "No document written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked. I cannot undo Haman's decree. But because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given you his estate. I have also hung Haman on the gallows he built to hang you, Mordecai. I realize this doesn't help undo Haman's decree."

I sat back and thought a moment. "There is one thing you could do. You could write a new decree in behalf of the Jews. Something that seems best to you. Then seal it with the king's signet ring."

Esther stood and wiped her eyes. She looked at Mordecai. 

He said, "I have an idea."

She looked back at me and smiled, "Thank you, your majesty."

"You're welcome."

I called the guards. "Bring the royal secretaries at once."

"Yes, your majesty." The guards left the room.

I invited Esther and Mordecai to stay. The new decree could be drawn up right here in my presence then immediately sent out to the whole empire.




 
The story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What bothered the king?
2. What did Esther want?
3  Why couldn't the king do it?
4. What was the king's new idea?
5. Do you think Mordecai will be able to write a decree to stop the killings?


Remember, no decree could be undone.

Esther-The Wrath of the King

By Mary Vee
Esther 7

From King Xerxe's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Xerxes, king of the Babylonian empire.

This was suppose to be a special night, and so it started out that way. But, oh, it did not finish special.

I asked my queen, the lovely Esther, what she would like in return for the wonderful banquet she gave me. She told me then that Haman, my second in command had threatened her life and the lives of her people.

At first I didn't know what she was talking about. My lovely queen on one side, and the man I had come to trust with everything on the other.  And now I hear he has threatened my queen?

I needed to get away from them both. Think through what had just been said. I couldn't make any decision with all this turmoil.

I walked in the gardens where the sweet scents of the flowers helped to calm me down. After pacing a bit, I returned to the banquet hall. And what did I see as I opened the door? Haman falling on my queen. He'd pressed his hand over her mouth to quiet her screams for help.

I couldn't believe my eyes. What a fool I was for promoting this evil man. Queen Esther was right. I yelled, "Will this man Haman now hurt my  queen while she is with me in the house?"

My anger burned into a rage. 

THEN

One of my guard came to me and said, "A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman's house. He had it made for Mordecai, the one who saved the king from the assassins."

I turned to Haman, and would have put him to death right then for these actions. Instead a better idea came to me. "Take Haman, bind him, and hang him on his gallows."

When I received word that Haman had been hung on the very gallows he'd planned to kill Mordecai the Jew, the man who saved my life, my anger left me. 


The story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Where did the king go to have time to think alone?
2. Why was the king so upset?
3. What did the king see when he returned?
4. What did the guard tell the king?
5. What punishment did the king give Haman?
6. What news finally made the king feel better?




As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther-Terrified

By Mary Vee
Esther 7

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Haman, appointed second highest in all of the Babylonian empire.

I have had the most disastrous, horrible, rotten day of my life.

At the rate everything continues to go wrong for me, this may just be the last day of my life.

I blame Mordecai the Jew. If he had bowed down to me like all the other people none of this would have happened. 

He made me mad. No I won't take the responsibility for my decision to go before the king and ask that all the Jews be killed. It was all his fault. Such a meager excuse he had. Claiming to only bow down to his One God. Who worships one god? 

My position gave me the right to expect Mordecai's praise and worship. The king agreed with me. He is the one who let me go through with this. The king is just as much at fault as Mordecai. Of course I would never tell the king that.

When the queen invited me to the banquet last night, I assumed I was being honored. The queen should have to honor the man in second rank in the empire. I am more important than her.

At this second banquet, I saw I was wrong. In front of the king she said, "The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman."

I was shocked she said that. Me? Before I could utter a word in my defense the king got up from the table and went out the door to the gardens. Anger reddened his face. His hands balled into fists. He paced in the garden, clearly confused what to do. I could offer advice, turn this whole mess into something good. I know I could persuade him if only he'd let me speak with him.

I looked at the queen and felt terrified. My blood pulsed in my ears. My hands shook. This could end in my death. I had to fix it. Beg for her mercy, or show her how powerful I am? 

She reclined on a couch, watching the king in the garden. I got up from the table and walked toward her. I intended to kneel before her and beg for my life. Seemed she had more influence over the king than I did. "My queen," I said as I kept walking toward her, "I never intended to harm your people. I didn't know you were a Jew."

I pressed my hands together, pleading and as I stepped closer to her, I tripped, falling onto the couch where Esther sat.

She screamed. Oh the noise. The terrible sound. I knew what it meant. Please, don't let the king hear her. "Please don't scream." I pressed my hand over her mouth.

The garden door flung opened. 


The story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why did Haman feel Mordecai caused all his problems?
2. Why did Mordecai do that?
3. What did Queen Esther tell the king?
4. Who was Haman afraid?
5. Where did the king go and why?
6. What did Haman do to fix the problem?
7. What happened when he did?



As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther- Xerxes Jewel, His Queen Threatened?

By Mary Vee
Esther 7

From Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Xerxes, king of all the Babylonian empire. 

Esther, my queen, whom I chose from all the young women in the land, invited me to this banquet in my honor.  It was the second day in a row that she has done this. In truth, she pleased me greatly. 

All that she did honored me as king.

She even invited the man I placed second in rank in the empire. 

When we finished our meal I asked her what she wanted, offering her anything up to half the kingdom. It took a few moments for her to finally answer me. She is a humble woman.

Finally, she took a breath and said, "If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life--this is my petition."

What? Grant her life? How could she possibly think her life had been threatened? She looked so afraid to say more. I waited for her to compose herself and finish her message, giving her my full attention.

She said, "And spare my people--this is my request."

Her people? I'm confused. Who are her people?  

She continued, "For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king."

This is news to me. Why didn't I know someone threatened my queen? She looked down at the table, afraid to keep eye contact with me. My jewel. My queen. I had to know who caused her this sorrow.

I asked, "Who is he? Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?"

She pressed her shoulders back and raised her chin ready to give me the answer in all truth. She said, "The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman."

What? I couldn't believe my ears. Haman? Anger raged inside of me. Haman had threatened my queen? I got up, leaving my wine on the table and went into the palace garden. I had to be alone to think this through. My queen. My precious jewel threatened by the man who had pleased me enough to be made second in all my kingdom?

How could this happen? Was this truth? I had to get away and walk by myself to think this through. This was supposed to be a great evening, and now it is all ruined.


The story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why did Xerxes offer Esther in return for the wonderful meal?
2. What did Esther ask the king to grant her?
3. What else did she ask for?
4. Who caused the problem?
5. Why was the king confused?



As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther-Haman's Humiliation

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

The king asked me, I couldn't believe I was saying this, he asked me to honor Mordecai.

Yes. The thorn in my side. The one who refused to bow to me. The one I wanted to hang on the gallows.

My orders were first to get one of the king's robes and a horse. I had them brought to me then walked to, did I have to say his name again? You know his name.

I crossed the court to the gate where he sat. All the men sitting there looked up at me. All but Mordecai instantly bowed to me.

"Mordecai." I forced myself to say. 

He tipped his head and looked at me. His eyes showed the confusion I expected. "The king wishes to honor you for saving his life."

As I expected, Mordecai sat there, silent. His confusion remained on his face.

"The king wishes you to wear this robe of his and ride on this horse which the king has ridden. You will be paraded through the streets so that all may know the king is honoring you."

Two guards walked to Mordecai's side and brought him close to the horse. The robe was draped on his back and he was lifted on top of the horse. 

The men who had been in his company and still bowed, cheered for Mordecai. Such misguided voices shouting for Mordecai. It stirred my anger immeasurably.

I took the reins and led the horse out the gate and into the city streets announcing, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!"

Men, women, and children poured out of their homes. They listened to what I said then cheered for Mordecai. Up and down the streets until my feet ached horribly I had to endure this torment. Didn't these people understand my pain?

I had never been so humiliated in my entire life. Mark my word. Mordecai will receive his just reward and I will be honored above him.

Oh, my back. 

My sore feet. 

I need a cup of cool water.

Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What was Haman supposed to get?
2. What was he to do with those objects?
3. What did Haman do all that afternoon?
4. What did he shout to the people in the streets?
5. Why did this bother Haman?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther-Hamon: I Could Have Been Hung!

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

The king had asked me,  "So, Haman, what should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

Naturally, I assumed he meant me. I mean who else would he mean? Think about it, in all of Babylon could there be anyone more deserving of the king's honor than me?

No. I didn't think so either.

So I answered. It took only seconds to come up with my perfect reward. Something that would show Mordecai, that bothersome thorn in my side, how truly worthy I am to be respected with bows from the masses. Including him. 

I think I smiled. I couldn't help it. My plan was brilliant! 

I said, with the most humblest voice, of course "For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'"

I watched the king's face for his reaction. Had I asked for too much? No. Impossible. I waited to look up then took a chance. The king had a smile so wide he burst into laughter. I knew it. I knew it. 

The king said, "Well done, Haman. Go at once. Get the robe and the horses and do just as you have suggested--"

Yes. My name would be spoken next. I nodded my appreciation. And then he spoke.

Wait. That's not my name. What was he doing? This is impossible.

Mordecai the Jew? The one who sits at the king's gate? That disrespectful Mordecai?

I wanted to pound my fist in the air and scream "NO!" And, "You're honoring the wrong man!!"

But I couldn't. To my right and left the king's guards stood with their weapons. Could any moment be worse? I faked my understanding and approval, bowing to the king. As I turned to follow the most ridiculous command ever, the king stopped me.

"Oh, and Haman. I am very pleased Mordecai saved my life, so do not forget anything you've mentioned."

I took a deep breath and counted slowly to five before turning to the king. "Yes. Yes, your majesty. I will do so right away."

I walked out of the palace and didn't care who heard me any more. I screamed, "How could this happen? To me?"

This should have been my epic day. Hang Mordecai on the gallows. Eat with the king and queen at a banquet. Oops. I didn't ask permission to--I pressed my hand against my face. What would have happened to me if I had asked before the king spoke his wishes?

I--

I could have been hung instead. I pressed my hands around my neck and swallowed. 

Across the court sat Mordecai. Like usual. 

Well, he may get this honor...but one day soon, I will get mine. I laughed, a satisfying dastardly laugh.


Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Who did Haman think the king was talking about?
2. Why was Haman angry?
3. Why didn't Haman tell the king he was mad?
4. What did Hama forget to ask?
5. What would have happened if he had remembered?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther-Hamon's Idea for The Perfect Reward

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Xerxes' Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of Babylon. 

Last night I couldn't sleep at all. I asked the scribe to bring the scrolls with the chronicle of events in the land to entertain me. 

He read for some time, several hours in fact, while I lay awake until he happened to mention an event about a man who had reported the plans for an assassination. 

Apparently, the man had never been rewarded. This was the kind of behavior I wanted to continue. Good. Upright. 

When I discovered he hadn't been rewarded, I was too tired to come up with a something suitable for him. It should be something big. Something that would let the entire kingdom know how much the king appreciates and honors those who are loyal to the kingdom.

There was only one man who had a mind to think of the richest rewards. He was a bit arrogant, but smart. And when the servant told me he was the only one in the court at the time I was quite pleased. 

Haman appeared at the door and I immediately gave him approval to approach. No need for ceremony. "Haman," I said. "Come here. I have a question."

He approached the throne. A smile had spread across his face. Something made him very happy. I didn't know what it was, and at this moment didn't care. I wanted his advice. "So, Haman, what should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

The smile on Haman's face grew wider. His eyes drifted to the side and up. There was a great plan working in his mind and I couldn't wait to hear what it was. "So? What do you suggest?"

Haman bowed and said, "For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'"

I looked at him amazed at his creativity. Only someone as pompous as Haman could think of such a reward. I liked it. I liked it a lot. He was a genius. Of course the most entrusted noble prince would have to be him. Yes. This was the perfect way to reward the one who saved my life.

I smiled, I think I even laughed. "Well done, Haman. Go at once. Get the robe and the horses and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. And be sure to not neglect anything you have recommended."


Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why did the king want to reward Mordecai?
2. Who did he ask for help to think of the best reward?
3. Who did Haman think was getting the reward?
4. Since he thought that, what reward did Haman suggest?
5. What did the king think about Haman?
6. What did the king think about Haman's idea?

Esther-The Unfinished Gallows

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am the second highest ranked person in the empire. The famous Babylon Empire. Yes, yes, I am very important and that is why I must tell my story.

I got up early this morning and inspected the gallows. My wife Zeresh and my friends came up with a brilliant beyond brilliant way for me to get rid of that disrespectful Mordecai. I ordered gallows built right by my house that would stand seventy-five feet tall.

I told the crew to work through the night. They needed to be finished by today. The problem was, no one could be executed in the land without the kings approval. That I planned to get when I saw the king this morning. 

Any way, I walked outside and saw the men sleeping. Really? Sleeping instead of doing the job I ordered. Didn't they know who I was?  "What are you doing?" I bellowed loud enough to wake them all. They must have been asleep for a long time based on the work that still needed to be done. "Why aren't the gallows done? I ordered you to work through the night."

"Yes, lord Haman. We're sorry." They scurried about and got back to work. 

"I want to know the second these gallows are finished." I lowered my voice threatening them, "And make sure they are sturdy. If they can't hold the weight of the man ordered to be hung, you all will be strung on better gallows."

Their eyes widened. "Yes, lord Haman." They bowed and returned to their work.

My wife walked out the door. "Haman, you could still ask the king. The gallows should be ready by the time all of that is done."

She was right. Her words made me feel much better. "Yes. That's a great idea." I climbed on my horse and road to the palace. There I left the horse at the stable and walked to the court. 

Half way across the court toward the palace entrance, one of the king's servants approached me and stopped. He bowed. "Lord Haman, the king asks me to escort you to his chambers."

Me? This was wonderful news. Already he depends on me for counsel. Maybe he wants to honor me with more. Oh, this is the perfect moment to ask his permission to hang Mordecai from the new gallows. "Yes, of course." 

I followed the servant and was allowed in the king's chambers without any question.

The king said, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

I knew it. Who is there that the king would rather honor than me? I'll not only ask to hang Mordecai, but this is my chance to receive what I deserve. Yes!



Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why did Haman have the gallows built on his own property?
2. Who did he want to hang?
3. Who did he have to get permission from to hang this person?
4. What were the workers doing when Haman went to check on the gallows?
5. What did Haman's wife encourage him to do?
6. What happened when Haman arrived in the court?