Title: Feast of Memories/Esther (8-10 chapters)
Content 3. Feast of Memories (Chapter 8-10)
Once Haman was removed, peace rested in the courts, Mordecai gained the power Haman had enjoyed, and now everyone knew that Esther was a Jew. This change of power is a beautiful illustration of the Christian triumph. Once the body is crippled (Romans 6-7:0) God's peace and power can rule our lives (Romans 8).
However, one problem remained. The king could not enact this decree, and in nine months the Jews would be plundered and killed (compare 8:9 / 3:13). We see the application of God's providence in the casting of lots (3:7). Because the king had time to issue new decrees over the whole empire. Esther once more pleaded with the king to bring down the Spirit for the salvation of her people. The king gave Mordecai authority to issue a spirit on his behalf. The new decree will force the Jews to defend themselves and destroy people like Haman, their enemy. The king did not repeal the Law of Et, but issued a new spirit to replace it. This is also true of the Christian life. The law of sin and death was conquered by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ (Romans 8:1-12).
Verses 10-14 are beautiful illustrations of the gospel. This is a matter of life and death! The scribes hurriedly wrote the messages, and the ministers of affairs hurried to spread it throughout the kingdom. If Christians of these days had half the heart of preaching the message of this Gospel, many more would be rescued from eternal death (see Proverbs 24:11-12). Note that many others were employed to spread this good news. It is as if God is using many workers today. Of course, when the Jews heard the message and believed it, this brought them great joy and salvation. They knew that the Persians would not avenge the king's wrath by fighting against them. In fact, many Persians "calling themselves Jews" when trying to escape punishment.
When December came (chapter 9), the Jews were ready to triumph. Because they had the king's decree on their side! Numerous enemies of the Jews were slain, including Haman and his ten sons (9:6-10). In the Hebrew Scriptures the names of these ten sons are listed in columns as long as poles! Note that the Jews did not take the spoil, although it was specified in the decree in 8:11. Enemies would of course have taken the Jews' wealth as the king had commanded (3:13), but God's people had to prove they were superior to their enemies. Verse 16 records that more than 75,000 enemies were killed. On the 14th day of the month the Jews rested and rejoiced in God's salvation. To commemorate this great salvation, Mordecai set the 14th and 15th days of December as holidays. So, to this day, the Jews observe this day as the Feast of Purim. Verse 26 explains the meaning of Purim. This is the plural of “Pur,” which means “to cast lots” (3:7). Although this feast is not confirmed by the Old Testament, it has been observed for thousands of years and has been an example of God's grace and power toward His people.
The book ends by recording the promotion and prosperity of Mordecai, a man of faith who believed in God's promises and acted boldly. We cannot forget Esther, who gave her all to save the people. The entire book of Esther is a marvelous testimony of God's governing power and providence. Romans 8:28 is attested by this book.