As we near the close of a study on the book of Esther, think about the situation within the ancient Persian empire: Many Jewish people had been exiled from their own country and were still living in other regions as foreigners. Judea was also part of the Persian empire, so even those in Jerusalem were still under foreign rule. Yet, God had placed two of His people (Esther and Mordecai) into powerful roles within that empire. Their paths to these roles were different, but – in chapter 9 – both helped issue another decree: this one proclaiming celebration, rather than bloodshed.
Let’s take a look at what appears to be a third “publication”.
So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance— to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation. Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.
Esther 9:29-32 NIV
In verse 31, there’s a reference to the establishment of “times of fasting and lamentation” (NIV). I’m not exactly sure which event this is referring to, but Esther 4 mentions two times of fasting.
- Esther 4:3 talks about “fasting, weeping, and wailing” among the Jews, as a result of receiving the order of Haman.
- Esther 4:16 talks about Esther having Mordecai organize a fast among the Jews in Susa (along with Esther and her attendants), prior to Esther’s unannounced visit to the king.
So, Esther 9:31 might be referring to one or both of these times, or maybe there were instructions for remembering the sad times, too. Or, maybe fasting and lamentation were commanded for other reasons. After all, the Jewish people were still under foreign rule (more on that below).
Regardless, there’s a purpose to this celebration. Now, to be clear, it wasn’t some sort of “storybook ending”, where the Jewish nation broke free from Persia, becoming an independent regional “superpower” again (as they were in the times of King Solomon, for instance). This isn’t yet the eternal life with God that He alluded to within the Jewish Scriptures. Sin was still around, so it was still going to take work to grow crops, and sickness and death still held sway on earth. However, there was still something significant worth celebrating. The Jewish nation had been in danger of being wiped out, but God had made a way for them to be saved (which ended up being a key part of His fulfillment of other prophesies).
I think that this is a good reminder that, if God has helped you through trials (or, if you’ve accepted His offer of salvation through Jesus, which He offers even though we didn’t earn it), don’t wait for everything to go your way or to get everything you want. Make sure that you are celebrating everything that God has done for you regularly. Not only does this help us fulfill our purpose of glorifying Him while we live on this earth, but it reminds us that God’s faithfulness in keeping His past promises confirms our faith in His integrity to keep His remaining promises that are yet to be fulfilled. That is something to look forward to, something to celebrate regularly (and with others), and something to get excited about!
From Sunday School lesson prepared for July 28, 2024
References:
- The Lookout, July 28, 2024, © 2024 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The Bible and Archaeology, by J.A. Thompson, © 1962, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., p.166-171.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Esther & Daniel, by Mark Mangano. © 2001 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 