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-Hamon's Diabolical Decree From the Grave

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Esther, queen of Babylon, servant of King Xerxes, niece of Mordecai.

The horror of the banquet was over.

The king believed what I said after Haman attacked me. He hung Haman on his gallows then looked at me with the most apologetic eyes.

He took my hands and thanked me. He gave me Haman's estate. I reminded him of all that Mordecai had done then told him the rest of the truth. Mordecai and I were Jews.

The king summoned Mordecai and honored him again. He gave my uncle the king's signet ring. That means Mordecai had the same power that Haman once had. 

I turned to Mordecai after the king finished speaking. "Uncle, the king has given me Haman's estate. I appoint you over all his property and dwellings."

Mordecai lowered his eyes and smiled. "Thank you, my queen." 

I hugged him, and as I did, he whispered in my ear. "Remember you may have been put here for such a time as this--to save our people."

He was right. This was the best time to speak with the king about Haman's decree to kill all the Jews in the twelfth month. I was overwhelmed with sorrow thinking about all the men, women, and children who would die.

I fell to my knees at the king's feet and wept. "Please, your majesty, put an end to Haman's evil decree to kill the Jews."

He had to follow the rules. Even as queen, and even though he had spoken with me at the banquet, he still had to choose whether to extend his scepter to me or not. If he didn't, I would be taken away and killed.

The king held out his gold scepter to me.

I arose and stood before him then continued. "If it pleases the king and if he thinks of me with favor and thinks what I am about to say is the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the decrees that Haman wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces. I cannot bear to see disaster fall on my people. I cannot bear to see my family suffer destruction."

I looked up just a little and saw his eyes. Worry was there.

Oh dear. He may say no. I closed my eyes again.


 
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 gift did the king give to the queen that she in turn gave to Mordecai?
2. What did Mordecai ask Esther to do?
3. Did Esther wait to obey him?
4. When she spoke, what did the king have to do?
5. Was Esther able to finish saying her request?
6. What did Esther want the king to do?
7. What do you think he will say?

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.

*********************************************************************************************
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.

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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.

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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'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.

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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.

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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?

Esther-The Scroll With a Trigger

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From King Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of the Babylonian Empire. My land spreads as far east as what you call Iran and west to what you call Turkey.

I went to bed this evening but couldn't sleep. I couldn't see any reason why. I had a great meal, prepared by my queen, good company. True the morning wasn't that great, but that was this morning. 

No matter what I tried I couldn't sleep. I ordered my servant to bring me the book of chronicles which had the record of my reign and a scribe to read it to me. 

This record had lists of facts and events. Either something will trigger my memory, let me solve the problem and get back to sleep--or the reading will bore me to sleep. Either way, I'll go back to sleep.

"Your Majesty, I have the book of chronicles." The scribe said.

"Yes. Good. Bring it here and read to me."

"Where would you like me to begin?"

"Somewhere in the middle." I didn't know how long it would take for me to get bored enough to sleep.

The scribe opened the scroll and read. It seemed he read for hours when the name Mordecai was spoken. "Wait. Read that part again."

"On this day, two of the king's officers, Bigthana and Teresh, guards for the doorway, have been found guilty of conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai has been granted the credit for exposing the guards and thereby saving the life of the king."

"Is that all to that entry?"

The scribed looked at the page. He even scrolled up and down to make sure of his answer. "There is nothing else recorded, Your Majesty." 

"There is nothing that tells what honor and recognition had been given to Mordecai for his actions?" How could I have let this slip?

The scribe shook his head. "No your majesty. Nothing has been done for him."

I couldn't believe the man hadn't been rewarded for saving my life. t looked out the window and saw morning had come already. "Fine. Who is in the court?"

The attendants walked out of the room. They returned a little while later. "Haman has just arrived."

"Good bring him here." 

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I don't know how I missed rewarding Mordecai. I'm so tired I can't think of what would be best to give him. Saving my life is no small thing. This man deserves a great reward. Haman should have an idea. I'm glad he is the one who is here.



...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What did Xerxes do when he couldn't sleep?
2. What name perked Xerxes' attention?
3. What wasn't in the book?
4. Who was in the court?
5. What is Xerxes going to ask Haman?

Esther-King Xerxes Sleepless Night

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From King Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of the Babylonian Empire. My land spread as far east as what you call Iran and west to what you call Turkey.

I went to bed a few hours ago with fond memories of the day. It hadn't started out great, in fact I was convinced it would be just another boring day with people complaining and troubles popping up in the land.

To my incredible surprise, Queen Esther showed up at the door. She was stunning. Her timing couldn't have been any better. I invited her forward to speak to me. 

Hah...I am so amazed with what she said. She wanted to invite me to a banquet. She included Haman, my second in command. Why, I don't really know, but that didn't matter. On a boring day, my queen came to my office and invited me to a banquet that she had put together.

We ate at the table she prepared. Oh did we ate. The servants brought plate after plate. My stomach is still full.

I had this feeling, though, that she wanted to tell me something but had trouble forming the words. She is so lovely and so sweet, of course I wanted to hear what she had to say. But no, she proved her graciousness by not interrupting the good food or conversation with her matter. I have such respect for her. What a complete difference from Vashti. I am truly a happy man.

I thought I'd fall asleep quickly after eating all of that food. I needed my rest for whatever events pop up tomorrow. And I did. For a very short time. 

I tried everything to go back to sleep. Counting. Laying there with my eyes closed. Walking the floor. Nothing worked. Finally I just decided to get up. I called for my servant.

"Yes, your highness?" He rubbed his eyes. 

I didn't care that he was tired. I couldn't sleep and it was his job to serve me. "Get the book of the chronicles, the record of my reign, and bring it to me."

The servant left.

I had hoped that while he was gone sleep would come. But it didn't. Restlessness ran through me. My legs needed to move. My arms needed to move. I paced not knowing what, if anything, was bothering me.

I walked through my day in my mind. Maybe I forgot something. Maybe I should have done something differently. Did I judge something wrong? 

I just could figure out the problem.


...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. How big was King Xerxes empire?
2. What kind of day did he have?
3. What changed his bad morning and afternoon?
4. What made him so happy?
5. What didn't Esther do?
6. The king went to bed feeling...
7. When the king couldn't sleep, what did he do?

Sometimes something will keep us awake. Sometimes God is reaching out to us, calling something to our attention.