The book of Esther takes place during the exile of Israel between the time when Persia conquers Babylon and the return of Zerubbabel to Jerusalem. What is the overall theme of Esther? Is the book about a rags-to-riches journey of a young woman? Is the book just a random picture of life for the Israelites in exile? Does the story really apply to people living in the church today? God’s faithfulness is evident in the lives of the people of Israel throughout the book. The seemingly small events that unfold for Esther and Mordecai are instrumentally used as God delivers the Israelites from peril. Continue Reading…
Tag Archive - Persia
Joy, fulfillment, and blessing from God: Esther Summary
Living in the midst of a lust driven world: Esther 1 and 2
It is a truly unique blessing to be reading through Esther. I have always held Esther one my favorite book in the Bible. This time through the book I am excited to read the text with more thought and reflection. Why do I like the book of Esther so much? Why do I find so much hope and encouragement in the book? The story of Esther has been given the Hollywood movie treatment with One Night With the King, a movie that I have become fond of. How will the glamorized movie presentation of Esther compare to the truth of Scripture?
In Esther 1 and 2 it was surprising how the nation of Persia behaved under the rule of king Ahasuerus. The picture portrayed in Esther 1 tells about how the people celebrated the greatness of their king for over half a year. This isn’t that a little too indulgent? Was this indulgence due to an unchecked pride? King Ahasuerus seems to be eager to present himself as a great and splendid king to everyone in his nation, so he all too willingly takes the advice of his wise men. What does such lust say about the motives and desires of the Persian nations? What are your motives and desires in life? Are your motives characterized by lust? When wrong is done in sinning will committing further sin make it amends? When lust is a motivating factor in a persons life it becomes a cascading life of sin as more sin is committed to fulfill lusts appetite. Continue Reading…
Out of brokenness rebuilding can begin: Nehemiah 1 and 2
What grieves your heart so much that you weep, fast and pray for God’s intercession? Zerubbabel and Ezra led the first two groups of exiles back to Jerusalem. Thirteen years after Ezra returned to Jerusalem, leading a remnant to offer sacrifices to God, Nehemiah, a cup bearer to king Artaxerxes of Persia, hears word from Jerusalem that grieves his heart. The news from Jerusalem that the walls and gates are in ruin after over ninety years of exiles having returned to Jerusalem breaks the heart of Nehemiah. Why is Nehemiah so concerned about the state of the walls of Jerusalem? He is living in comfort as the cupbearer of the king of Persia. Wouldn’t life be easier if he just pushed aside the feelings and remorse? Have you ever quenched the Holy Spirit’s prompting in your life because you were afraid to step out in faith? Continue Reading…
When opposition looms find hope in God: Ezra 5 and 6
Where do you find strength and confidence? When was the last time that you stepped out to complete a task with people actively working to stop you? Did you have hope to complete the task? In Ezra 5 and 6 the people of Israel who have returned from exile are facing the same moment of crisis. Will they continue to follow God and rebuild the temple despite the enemies and rulers who had forbidden the work? Where did the Israelites find their hope and strength? What reassurance would you want before you would step out in faith to follow God? When we are surround by people of the world that are claiming that are work we intend is useless and fruitless, what will we do? Continue Reading…
What is in greater need of rebuilding: Ezra 3 and 4
In Ezra 3 and 4 the peoples who returned to Jerusalem from Persia are starting to rebuild the temple of the Lord. The first priority for the people was not to build up the physical building of the temple but they sought to rebuild their adherence to God’s commands. The rebuilt the altar of the Lord and started to sacrifice again to God. Why was it of greater importance for the people to seek out God than to build the Temple? The people knew that it was God alone who was working to bring them home and they needed to submit to Him to have any lasting success. The rebuilding of the temple was secondary to the rebuilding of the people dependance upon God. Continue Reading…
More than a homecoming to Jerusalem: Ezra 1 and 2
All you know is life in a foreign land and your homeland of Israel is only a memory. You were under the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon and recently Persia gained control of you under King Cyrus. How would you view your future? Would you believe in hope? In the midst of these emotions God moved to prove His faithfulness in fulfillment of the words spoken by Jeremiah.
Can you imagine awaking to your daily routine to hear the king of Persia say, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:2-4 Continue Reading…
