Esther- Mordecai Remembered Because He Worked For the Good of the People

By Mary Vee
Esther 9,10

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am a Jew and the queen of Babylon.

My story comes to an end today. 

My cousin, Mordecai, who was given the position of second to the king, wrote a letter to all 127 provinces of Babylon.

Now that Haman and his patriots had their plan to kill the Jews foiled and are dead, Mordecai has declared two days of celebration.A celebration to remember how God saved us.

Haman had used a system called casting lots to decide what day would be used to kill the Jews. Another word for casting lots is, pur. To remember the reason why we were celebrating for generations to come, a time when God stopped the Jew's enemies, the feast was named Purim.

During the two days of Purim the Jews and anyone else who chose to join them held a day of feasting, celebration, and praise to the Almighty for His protection. Mordecai's letter said the two days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. These days of Purim should never stop being celebrated by the Jews, neither should the memory of what happened among their descendants.

Mordecai's letter showed the people his goodwill and assurance of their safety.

There is more information about what happened this year, and it was a wild year, in the book of the annals of the kings of Medes and Persia.

My cousin, Mordecai was held in high esteem by the Jews because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. 

As so we worship God in peace. We follow the laws given by the Almighty. We eat and live each day.

**Note from Mary Vee- Purim is usually celebrated in March, but like Easter, doesn't fall on the same day every year. Google "When is Purim" to find out the date each year. *********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. How many provinces were in Babylon?
2. What rank did Mordecai have?
3  What rank did Esther have?
4. Why was the new feast day called Purim?
5. Why did the Jews celebrate Purm?
6. Why did the people how Mordecai in high esteem?

Esther: At Last, We Can Bake Bread and Raise Our Families

By Mary Vee
Esther 9

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am a Jew.

I have been Queen of all Babylon. A job I would have never imagined having. The only way I was given this position was because God worked out the details. 

The twelfth month came. The thirteenth day arrived and Haman's terrible decree happened. Soldiers and citizens who hated Jews raised their weapons and attacked with the full blessing of Haman's decree.

This was also the day Mordecai's decree took effect. Mordecai, the Jew and my cousin, pleased the king. He then asked permission to write a decree allowing the Jews to protect themselves. The king said yes because of the terrible crimes Haman committed.

The battle began rather early this morning. Many Babylonian citizens and officials fought with the Jews. 

Reports came in to the king throughout the day telling of the Jews success. 

Supper time ended and the last report came to the king. He turned to me and said, "Esther, my queen, the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men here in Susa. What is your request? That, too, will be granted because of Haman's terrible deeds."

This time I didn't need Mordecai to give me advice. I knew exactly what needed to be done. There were other men in Babylon who hated the Jews and wanted to kill all of us. I said, "If it pleases the king, give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day's edict tomorrow also, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged on gallows." I wanted to make sure none of his sons ever tried what their father did.

"Very well," he said. "It shall be done."

Haman's ten sons hung on the gallows and 300 men who hated the Jew's were put to the sword. The Jews didn't touch any of the 300 men's possessions, even though they were given permission to take what they wanted.

In the rest of the providence, seventy-five thousand enemies of the Jews fell to the sword. None of their possessions were touched. On the fourteenth day in the rest of Babylon, the Jews and those who fought with them rested, making it a day of feasting and joy.

The Jews in Susa rested on the fifteenth day.

There is a calm in Babylon. The fighting and threats done by the Jewish haters has stopped. At last, the Jews can bake their bread and raise their families without great fear. All thanks to the Almighty. 



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 was the date?
2. What two decrees took effect on this date?
3  What did the king ask Esther at the end of the day?
4. What did she answer?
5. Esther asked for only a certain city, which one?
6. What did the Jews and those who helped the Jews do the next day?

Esther-The Nobleman Who Lived to Tell the Story

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From A Nobles' Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am a noble. A man of wealth and name living in Babylon. Those of us who have had family living here for years have had to deal with a lot lately.

Earlier this year, Haman, the man King Xerxes appointed to be in second position in the kingdom issued a decree in the king's name saying that all the Jews were to be killed in the twelfth month.

Haman was later found guilty of serious crimes. King Xerxes had Haman hung and gave the position to Mordecai, a Jew. Sounds odd, right? It turns out, Mordecai saved the king's life. 

Mordecai, with permission of the king, then wrote a new decree giving the Jews power to defend themselves and kill any enemy on the day Haman's decree took place. I and the other men of power watched the Jews prepare the last six months for the day. I must admit, we've been frightened. 

Mordecai is a fair man, he has served the king well, but he is also a man to be feared. He has such power. So much so that I and several of my friends have become Jews to insure the safety of our lives. Many men and their families from all nationalities have joined satraps, governors, and kings administrators to help the Jews.

There are the fools who have let their anger grow against the Jews. They will not be able to stand against the Jews tomorrow, the appointed day. What fools.

Already the Jews have gathered in the cities in all the provinces to attack those who want to kill them and their families. 

I went to bed that night, hoping my family would remain safe. In truth, I didn't see any problems with the Jews. They had their own celebrations and foods, but what does that matter? It's not worth eliminating them. No. I will stand on the side of the Jews. 

The next morning the enemies of the Jews started the battle. The Jews struck down all their enemies, as the king has given them permission to do. Throughout all of Babylon, the enemies of the Jews were killed. Even though they had permission from the king to take all the possessions of their enemies, the Jews didn't touch any of it. 

Maybe they are better than I thought. I wonder about this God of theirs. Maybe I will ask.



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. Why was this noble concerned?
2. What did the noble choose to do?
3  Why did he think about the Jews?
4. What didn't the Jews do, even though they had permission from the king?
5. Was the nobleman spared?

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-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.

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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.

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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-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.

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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.

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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-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?