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!
V. The Thankfulness for the Victory (15-19) – The closing verses reveal the rejoicing and gratitude of the Jews for their victory. Consider:
A. The Completion (15) – For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand. Bear in mind, there had been 500 men slain the day before, but the battle was not over. Some of the Persians continued to fight against the Jews and another 300 were slain in Shushan on the fourteenth day of Adar. The Lord had ordained complete and utter victory for the Jews. Again they refrained from touching any of the spoils of war. They were content to be delivered from death.
B. The Conquest (16) – But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey. The Jews throughout Persia enjoyed a resounding victory as well. They gathered together within the provinces and God delivered their enemies into their hands. Throughout the kingdom, 75,000 Persians perished in the fighting. Following this intense time of adversity, the Jews rested from their enemies and enjoyed peace in the kingdom. God had been faithful and His people were preserved in victory.
War and fighting are never pleasant. As I read these verses I thought of the thousands who perished because of their hatred for the Jews. No doubt these were not walking with the Lord and had no relationship with Him. They went out into eternity separated from God. They will spend the endless age in utter suffering and pain.
I was also reminded of the struggles the church faces globally today. Many are being persecuted and murdered for their faith. The world stands opposed to the message of the Gospel and the Lord, Jesus Christ. He alone rules and reigns as the living, sovereign Lord. He will come again, at an appointed time in the future, to defeat Satan and the vast army he will gather in the end times. Mankind is proud and rebellious, but one day they will stand before the Lion of Judah as He proclaims judgment upon all who reject Him. I am thankful I enjoy rest in Him, with the assurance of acceptance and eternal life!
C. The Celebration (17-18) – On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. [18] But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Here we discover their feasting and day of rejoicing following the intense struggle with the Persians. The Jews in the outlying provinces celebrated on the fourteenth day of Adar, and those within Shushan celebrated on the fifteenth day of Adar, following their extra day of battle. Although they initially celebrated on different days, no doubt it was a time of rejoicing by all. They had experienced victory over their enemies and enjoyed a day of celebratory rest.
This day of rejoicing stirred my heart. We live in a troubled world, dealing with evil and struggles continually. We have the assured anticipation of our Lord’s return. He will one day gather the church unto Himself and we will spend one eternal day of celebratory rest and praise. The struggles of this life will have ended and we will enjoy perfect peace in the presence of our King and Lord. What a day, glorious day that will be!
D. The Consideration (19) – Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another. This day of celebration was not private or segregated. The Jews celebrated together and sent gifts to one another. They rejoiced for their complete victory, throughout the kingdom. They were pleased that all the Jews had been delivered.
This challenged me as I pondered its significance. We gather together and worship with those of like faith on a regular basis. I love gathering together in corporate worship with God’s people, but I am also aware that many of our friends and loved ones do not share our joy or worship. We possess the greatest gift ever given, and we have the wonderful opportunity to share this great gift with those who have yet to receive it. I pray we will share our portion with others, seeking to lead them to the gracious, loving Savior!
Conclusion: As we consider the passage we have considered in our past two studies, it is apparent that God is sovereign in the lives of men. He has the ability to provide victory for those who belong to Him. Although we face great adversity in life, we are more than conquerors through Christ our Lord. Look to Him for the strength and wisdom you need in this difficult day.
If you are yet unsaved, I urge you to come to Christ in repentance and faith before it is eternally too late. The Persians met their day of reckoning, and those apart from Christ will as well. He stands ready to save and pardon.
