Don Smith :: The Study of Providence - Esther 8

Exposition of Esther - Chapter Eight

How Was God’s Providence at Work in Esther’s Life to Save Her Seed?

1. In God’s providence Haman’s authority was bestowed upon Esther and Mordecai.
   1. Esther 8:1-2
      • Esther introduced Mordecai to the king as her father.
      • The king gave her the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews.
      • Mordecai received the king’s signet ring of royal authority as the “Prince of Persia.”
      • Esther appointed her father to oversee Haman’s house and business affairs.
2. In God’s providence Esther petitioned the king to reverse his edict against the Jews.
   1. Esther 8:3-14
      • Esther fell down before the king in tears, pleading for him to “counteract” Haman’s scheme.
      • The king held out the golden scepter again to show his acceptance of her and her request.
      • Esther expressed her love for her fellow countrymen—literally “her Seed.”
      • The king, unable to reverse the previous edict because of the law of the Medes and Persians, authorized Esther and Mordecai to write their own edict concerning the welfare and future of the Jews.
      • Mordecai wrote an edict that permitted Jews everywhere on one day, the thirteenth of Adar, to gather together in self-defense and fight against all who attempted to kill them.
      • The edict was sent “expedited by Federal Express” so that Jews throughout the empire would be prepared for the date Haman determined by “lot.”
3. In God’s providence, Mordecai became the joy of Israel’s desire.
   1. Esther 8:15-17
      • Mordecai wore the royal robe Haman so desired.
      • Mordecai’s royal position brought joy and gladness to the people of Shushan.
      • He brought to the Jews “light, gladness, joy and honor.”
      • When the Jews throughout the provinces read Mordecai’s edict they had joy, gladness, a feast and a holiday.
      • Even though Gentiles living before in Israel are said to have become Jews, many Gentiles living outside of Israel became Jews because of Mordecai’s life.
   2. In God’s Providence, He reversed Saul’s curse through Mordecai’s faithfulness. (1 Samuel 15)
      • Saul was of the Tribe of Benjamin like Mordecai
      • Saul was commanded by the Lord to completely destroy Israel’s arch enemy (Amalek) for killing men, women and children of Israel.
      • Saul and his army utterly killed all the people but spared Agag the king, and kept for himself all the best of the sheep and cattle in disobedience of God’s command.
      • Samuel the prophet was called by God to confront Saul for his disobedience.
      • When he arrived, Saul denied Samuel’s accusations.
      • However, Samuel asked, “What then is the bleating of the sheep and the lowing of the cattle I hear in my ears?”
      • The prophet told Saul to be quiet and say nothing more for fear of God’s wrath.
      • Samuel called Agag to him.
      • The prophet would not be deceived by the clever tactics of Agag.
      • Samuel took his sword and hacked king Agag into pieces. (1 Samuel 15:33)