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Esther, 10

1. King Ahasuerus levied tribute throughout the empire including the distant islands.

2. All his acts of power and valor, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai who was raised by the king to high honor, are recorded in the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia.

3. The Jew Mordecai was second in rank to King Ahasuerus; he was great among the Jews and esteemed by many of his brothers as the harbinger of peace and welfare for all his people.

4. And Mordecai said, "This is God's work.

5. I remember the dream I had about this, nothing of which has failed to be fulfilled -

6. the little spring that became a river, the light, the sun and the flood of water. Esther is the river, whom the king married and made queen.

7. Haman and I are the two dragons.

8. Those who assembled to destroy the Jews are the nations.

9. And my nation is Israel, my people, who cried to God and were saved. Yes, the Lord has saved his people and delivered us from all these evils. God has worked such signs and great wonders as have never occurred among the nations.

10. For this purpose, God prepared two destinies - one for his people and the other for all the nations.

11. These two destinies were fulfilled at the moment, the hour and the day laid down by God among the nations.

12. He remembered his people and rendered justice to his inheritance.

13. Thus, gathering together with joy before God on the fourteenth and fifteenth of the month of Adar, Israel will celebrate these days from generation to generation.


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Footnotes:

10:1 - The chapter opens with a mention of the king's tribute on the land, highlighting the power and authority of the Persian government. This serves as a backdrop for the glory God bestows on Mordecai (see also Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13-14).

10:2 - Mordecai's greatness, his position at the king's side, and his accomplishments are a testament to God's sovereignty in turning things around. This emphasizes that God exalts those who remain faithful to Him (see also Psalm 75:6-7 and James 4:10).

10:3 - Mordecai is described as second in importance in the kingdom, evidencing God's promotion of those who are faithful. This illustrates that true promotion comes from the Lord (see also Psalm 145:19 and Luke 1:52).

10:3 - The reference to Mordecai as "the Jew" reaffirms the identity of the people and God's providence in keeping His covenant. The connection between identity and salvation is central to Jewish theology (see also Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 2:12-13).

10:3 - Mordecai's commitment to promoting the well-being of his people is an example of servant leadership. This highlights the importance of leaders who seek the common good and justice (see also Mark 10:43-45 and Philippians 2:3-4).

Verses related to Esther, 10:

Esther chapter 10 concludes the main narrative. What legacy do Esther and Mordecai leave? The text summarizes Mordecai's greatness in the Persian empire and his role as defender of the Jews. This brief chapter explores themes of wise leadership, positive influence, and the lasting impact of courageous actions. Esther 10 highlights how God can elevate His people to positions of influence. Consider with us five biblical passages that relate to the concluding themes of this final chapter.

Proverbs 29:2: "When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice; When the wicked rule, the people groan." - This proverb reflects the joy of the people under Mordecai's leadership, described in Esther 10.

Daniel 6:3: "Daniel stood out so much among the supervisors and satraps for his great qualities that the king planned to place him at the head of the government of the entire empire." - This verse about Daniel echoes Mordecai's elevation to a position of authority in Esther 10.

Proverbs 14:34: "Justice makes the nation great, but sin is a shame for any people." - This proverb reflects how Mordecai's righteousness brought honor to the Persian empire, as described in Esther 10.

1 Peter 5:6: "Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time." - This verse reflects Mordecai's exaltation in Esther 10, following his previous faithfulness and humility.

Isaiah 52:10: "The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God." - This prophetic verse echoes how the salvation of the Jews through Esther and Mordecai became known throughout the empire, as mentioned in Esther 10.

FAQ:

What was Mordecai's position after the events of Esther 9?

Mordecai was elevated to a position of great honor, becoming second in rank to King Ahasuerus. (Esther 10:3)

How did King Ahasuerus reward Mordecai and Esther?

King Ahasuerus made Mordecai great in the kingdom and gave him a place of honor, rewarding his loyalty and courage. (Esther 10:2)

What does the book of Esther reveal about the rule of King Ahasuerus?

The book describes King Ahasuerus's rule as extensive, encompassing 127 provinces, and with decisions that impacted all of Persia. (Esther 10:1)

Why was Mordecai so respected by the Jewish people?

Mordecai was respected because he saved the king and fought for the survival of the Jews, promoting justice and kindness throughout the empire. (Esther 10:3)

How important is Mordecai in the story of the book of Esther?

Mordecai was a central figure in the preservation of the Jews, being responsible for instructing Esther and guiding the people during the crisis. (Esther 10:3)


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