Victorious In A Foreign Land (Part 2) Series

Victorious in a Foreign Land (Part 2)

Esther 9: 1-19

At this point in our study, we have considered much regarding the lives of Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews living within the Persian Empire. Following many ups and downs, the pendulum has finally swung in their favor. Although they couldn’t see it, God was working on their behalf all along. Even when it seemed as if all hope was lost, God remained in control. He was sovereignly working behind the scenes to ensure the survival of His people.

The day had dawned for Haman’s decree to be carried out. King Ahasuerus had signed a counter decree that allowed the Jews to defend themselves, but their fight wasn’t over. In order to secure victory, they would have to stand together united against those who embraced the hatred and prejudice of Haman. God had provided a path to victory, but they would have to stand if they were to be successful. Let’s take a moment to review our previous study.

I. The Timing of the Victory (1)

A. The Date

B. The Decree

C. The Dominance

II. The Thrust in the Victory (2-4)

A. The Assembly (2a)

B. The Assertion (2b)

C. The Alliance (3)

D. The Authority (4)

III. The Triumph in the Victory (5-10)

A. The Ability (5)

B. The Abundance (6-10a)

C. The Abstinence (10b)

As we continue to examine the aspects of the text regarding the Jews’ victory, I hope to conclude the thought: Victorious in a Foreign Land. Consider:

IV. The Tribute for the Victory (11-14) – Again Esther is found before the king, but this time she doesn’t have to approach him; he comes to her offering to grant her request. Notice:

A. The Report (11) – On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. One can only speculate how the king would have felt at this moment. No doubt he was outraged that anyone would dare raise a hand against the queen, but these were his countrymen who had died in fighting with the Jews. Surely he had requested to be kept informed of the battles and the casualties that resulted from the fighting. Those who were in charge of keeping up with the information brought a report to the king.

B. The Request (12) – And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done. The king knew the results of the fighting in Shushan, but he had yet to hear from the outlying provinces. Although he was unaware of the damage done to Persian citizens, he offers to grant any further request Esther had. If there had been any doubt of her favor with the king, this should have set her mind at ease. He likely was still upset that he had not understood the grave danger she was in, and wanted to make every effort to please her.

I am thankful we serve One who knows our every need. He doesn’t have to ask or seek the counsel of others. He desires to meet our needs and ensure that we live in complete victory through Him. He is able and willing to meet the needs of the church. Many times we go without or lack provision in our lives because we fail to seek the Lord.

C. The Response (13-14) – Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. [14] And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons. Esther requested that the ten sons of Haman be hung upon the gallows the following day, and Ahasuerus granted her request. Clearly these men had been slain during the battle that day, and their bodies were to be hung on the gallows. This would further proclaim the favor the Jews now enjoyed in Persia. Haman had plotted to kill and innocent man, filled with prejudice and hatred, and now his own sons were dealing with the consequences of his awful sin. His hatred had destroyed his life and that of his family as well.

This serves as a sobering reminder that we never sin in a bubble. Our actions, and even our attitudes, often have far reaching effects. While we are not blamed or judged by God because of the actions of another, we often have to deal with the consequences of their sin. Families have suffered greatly because of the sinful actions of a member of the family. Our nation is dealing with the effects of sin, and the judgment it brings. This ought to challenge us to live upright before the Lord, seeking to receive His blessing instead of His wrath and judgment!