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.

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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-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.

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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-What is Your Request?

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylonia. My title doesn't give me many privileges other than to live in the King's palace.

I don't make important decisions for the kingdom, I basically am available to visit the king or do something for him when he asks.

Everyone knows that visiting the king without his permission could result in death. I was no exception.

I stood at the door to his throne room and trembled. He sat on his throne looking very sad. The guard called to him. The king looked up at me. Quite to my surprise, a smile poked on his face. I didn't know why. I only hoped he wouldn't be displeased I came to speak to him without his permission.

Sweat made my hands moist. A guard in uniform, holding his weapon, stood next to me. I didn't know if the king would sentence me to death or not.

I stood still, waiting to see what he would do.

He looked down at his hand with the scepter then back at me. Like he forgot he needed to give the signal for me to approach his throne or be hauled off to be killed.

He smiled even bigger and held his scepter out to me. "Please approach, Esther." 

I did as he asked. I walked down the long aisle toward his throne and at the mark on the floor stopped. I bowed. 

"What is it, Queen Esther?" the king asked. "What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you."

Oh. The Almighty God has rescued me! He has let me approach the king's throne and given me permission to speak to the king. My heart was so happy I could barely answer the question.

...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What power did Queen Esther have?
2. Why did she have to stand at the door and wait for the king's permission?
3. Did the king give her permission to approach the throne?
4. What did he say to her?

Esther-My Beautiful Esther

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From King Xerxes' Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is King Xersxes. I am king of the Babylonian empire. 

Today started out like any other day. Complaints to deal with, edicts to approve, decision to make, meetings with advisors. 

Being a king isn't as easy as it seems. I can't take a vacation. Even when I'm sick I have to tend to matters of the empire.

Work. Work. Work.

Just once I'd like to have something special happen. I don't really know what that would be, but some gesture of kindness without me asking or ordering someone to do it. Can you understand?

Even the man that I promoted to second position, Haman, brought complaints to me. Blah. Blah. Blah. The man was so passionate about his problem that I simply said, go ahead. Do what you want. What I meant was, leave me alone.

At least he has left me alone and gone off to fiddle with whatever project he had.

But alone isn't really what I want. I would really just like to see a happy face. One that would soothe my soul. I'd give them anything, if only someone would think of me instead of what they wanted from the king.

I leaned on my arm and waited for the next problem to walk in the door.

The guard cleared his throat then said, "My king." 

I looked up--then I saw her face. 

She looked so nervous. That's when I remembered the power of my scepter. The law stated if I didn't reach it out to her she would be taken away and killed. All because I hadn't asked her to visit.

Oh, not my beautiful Esther. My queen. The one who brought me the greatest joy just when I needed it most. I shouldn't have to ask her to visit. She should have the right to visit me anytime she wants.

I didn't care the reason that brought her to me at all. I was so happy to see her lovely face. I held my gold scepter out to her and urged her to approach my throne.


...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was the king bothered?
2. Why did he let Haman have his way?
3. What did King Xerxes expect to see at the door?
4. Who came to visit him?
5. What was the punishment for visiting the king uninvited? 
6. What did King Xerxes do when he saw Esther?

Esther-For a Brief Second I Wanted to Run

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. Three days have gone by.

My maids, servants, and I have prayed and fasted. I'd like to say I'm not worried, but deep down in my heart there is an uneasy feeling.

The king has the power to kill me. Even though he chose me to be queen over all of the other women in the empire.

My uncle, Mordecai asked me to go before the king. Plead with him to undo the terrible act Haman has done. What did that awful man do? He convinced the king to sign an edict to kill all the Jews in just a few months. Mordecai seemed to think I can get the king to change his mind.

I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do.

My maids, attendants, all the Jews in Susa and I have prayed these three days and still the words have not come to me. 

But it is time. Three days have gone by.

"My lady," one of my maids walked toward me. "Here is your royal robe as you requested."

I slipped my arms through the sleeves and rotated my shoulders to help the cloth fall smoothly down my body. I asked my attendants to fix my hair. 

I absolutely had to look pleasing to king if there was any hope of him extending his scepter...and saving my life.

They added makeup, jewels, everything available that would please the king. When they finished I stood straight. "So, will I please the king?"

Their smile told me the truth. "Yes, my lady. He will be very pleased."

I hoped so.

I walked out to the inner court of the palace in front of the king's hall. I could barely breath. I knew Almighty God had this. I trusted Him completely. That didn't mean I wasn't scared on a human epic level. 

The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 

I saw him and for a very brief second wanted to run back to my chambers. Breathe. God will help you. Many people have prayed for this moment. Must be strong. Oh Lord, have mercy on me.


...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. How many days have gone by?
2. What did the maid bring her?
3. How did Esther feel about going to see the king?
4. Why?
5. What did her maids and attendants feel about all of this? 
6. When Esther stood before the king what did she want to do?