The Jews kill their enemies

The Book of Esther Chapter 9


On March 7th the two decrees of the king were put into effect. The enemies of the Jews had hoped to destroy them, but the opposite happened. Jews in all cities throughout the provinces gathered to defend themselves against harm. But no one could make a stand against them, for everyone was afraid of them. And all the commanders of the provinces, officials etc, helped the Jews for fear of Mordecai. For he had been promoted in the king's palace and his fame spread throughout the land.


But the Jews went ahead and struck down their enemies with the sword. The killed and annihilated their enemy and killed five hundred people in Susa and killed the ten sons of Haman.


That evening, the king was informed of the number of people killed and he called for Queen Esther and asked her what more did she want granted to her? She said the Jews needed one more day to do the same to their enemies and she asked that Haman's 10 sons be hung from the gallows. In all, the Jews killed 75,000 of those who hated them, then they rested and celebrated their victory. Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters out to encourage this time be celebrated from then on. His suggestions were adopted and an annual festival became the custom. The day is called Purim, because it is the ancient word for casting lots. Jews passed this tradition along to their descendants and kept these days remembered from generation to generation.

Then Queen Esther wrote a letter putting her full authority behind Mordecai's plan to establish the Festival of Purim.


BIBLE NOTES SHOW: There were no additional riots after the two-day slaughter, so selfish gain or revenge was not a primary motive of the Jews. They simply wanted to defend themselves and their families from those who hated them.


HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Mordecai recorded the events so that the people did not forget the reasons behind the festival. People DO forget after time. Just like we tend to forget the real meaning behind Christmas and Easter. Pray that God will help us to remember the true meaning of the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Don't let gift giving take over the reason for the season.

Yours in Christ,
Mary


Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Pray for Janice Long’s parents, especially her mother whose cancer has returned and her father with Alzheimer’s and now her mother in law also with Alzheimer’s. Their family is feeling the strain both emotionally and financially. Pray for them. Update on this family: Her mother-in-law is being taken to Oklahoma to live with an aunt who will care for her.
Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.
Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer.
Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.
Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who made it six years with cancer but may now go home with hospice in her final days.
Pray for my cousin Diane who had total mastectomy surgery for breast cancer.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. Thanks to your prayers, she is able to hobble without a cane and has been granted disability. She still has surgery scheduled on her hand, but I saw her recently and her attitude is fantastic.
Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.
Pray for Judy’s husband who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pray for her too, that she can deal with the side effects of his illness.
Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who is undergoing chemo for his prostate cancer.
Pray for John’s recovery from a heart attack and for the doctors who have difficulty diagnosing his other symptoms.
Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.