Bible Basis

Memory Verse

The Jews had light [a dawn of new hope] and gladness and joy and honor. Esther 8:16 AMP

Key people

Here is a list of key people found in today’s reading (in order of appearance) with bios from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

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Today’s Devotional Reading:  Esther 8 – 10

• Esther 8 Amplified Version (AMP)
• Esther 9 Amplified Version (AMP)
• Esther 10 Amplified Version (AMP)

Reflection

Esther revealed the fabric of her relationship to Mordecai (Esther 8:1) after it was made known to King Ahasuerus that she was a Jew.

It is written that the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the just (Proverbs 1322). In Haman’s plotting against the Jews, he lost wealth, family, and life. King Ahasuerus gave the entire house of Haman to Queen Esther, who set it all under the rule of Mordecai. The King also gave Mordecai his signet ring, which identified Mordecai as a leader in the King’s court who was also able to speak and act on behalf of the King.

A signet ring contained an engraved signet, seal, or monogram. It would be pressed into softened wax or clay before drying, creating a stamp or seal for official communications such as letters from the King. The signet was unique to the King and not to be used without the King’s expressed permission. Thus, a message bearing the King’s signet was trusted as a genuine communication of the King. The message would not be questioned or even verified. The King’s signet meant business and there was no person who could reverse the seal of the King.

Haman of course knew the power of the King’s seal. Garnering this power symbol for his own purpose gave Him (he-thought) un-rivaled authority to persecute his enemies. Yet, Haman had no knowledge of the favor of God. Esther had favor (Esther 8:5); and she was also an extension of God’s favor toward an entire people. Though no person could overturn the seal of the King, which Haman had procured for evil, yet God allowed His favor to save many alive.

God spoke to Zerubbabel – the Governor of the rebuilt Jerusalem and representative of the Davidic Monarchy (he was a descendant of King David and the grandson of King Jehoiachin of Judah who had lost throne when he was carried away to Babylon, which occurrence God referred to as His signet ring being removed from His hand) (Haggai 2:23)). God said that He would make Zerubbabel His signet ring. It meant that God had chosen Zerubbabel His servant to renew His covenant which He had made with the house and lineage of David. God said that His very Spirit abode and stood in the midst of that people (Haggai 2:5).

It is written that the Angels of the Lord encamp around them that fear Him. In your darkest hour, the Lord is there. There is no place that He cannot find you. When you read that no weapon formed against you shall prosper, consider that the very Angels of the Lord are encamped around you. How could the wicked prevail when the army of God is standing watch? An appearance of gain by the adversary is an illusion designed to shake your faith. It is written that the Lord will fight for you. What is required is that you be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. He will not forget your labors for Him.

When God chooses a representative, He also protects His investment with divine favor. His favor is like the seal of His signet offering both authority and protection in all matters of concern and also uncommon blessing even when no else thinks it is significant (it does not have to be a major event in order to have God’s favor – He also blesses in small things). God’s favor delegated to you cannot be overturned by His enemies. It will make their weapons of none effect.

When God’s people called by His name do humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from wicked ways, He will heal their land. Esther called for a three-day fast of all her people (Esther 4:16) before ever she spoke to the King concerning the signet-sealed letters of Haman, which called for the slaughter of her people.

Your land is not just the soil under pristine grass in the backyard by the garden. Your land is everything in your possession (stewardship). There is the ground of your heart (which can need tilling (Jeremiah 4:3) – we know since it is written that this “ground” can be “fallow” if unkept (Hosea 10:12)); there is the ground of your relationships; and the ground of your actions (which is where you “sow” works of righteousness (hopefully)).

² For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands. Isaiah 66:2 AMP

The favor of God is something to be sought and cherished (Psalm 119:58). It will seek you out and find you when it is required and just because God likes to express His feeling toward you. When you favor (prefer (Hebrews 11:25) and give preeminence to in seeking Him first (Matthew 6:33)) God, he replies in kind (Psalm 5:12, Proverbs 8:35)

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