Haman Plans to Kill the Jews

Open Your Bible

Esther 3:1-15, Psalm 68:1-10, Psalm 68:20, Proverbs 16:33

I remember learning to write my first stories in grade school. Character, setting, problem, climax, solution: the formula was right there, on my worksheet, just ready for my imagination to fill it in. My first stories were about pioneers, of course, as I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder. While I never progressed much further as a fiction author, the basic elements of a good story are still embedded in my mind when I read. 

Esther is one of the grandest stories in Scripture. It is the dramatic tale of an orphaned girl, swept up to be queen of all of Persia, then putting her own life at risk to save her people from mass execution at the hand of the king’s evil vizier. And today, in Esther 3, we read about the problem, the complication that leads to rising action. Haman, King Ahasuerus’s evil vizier, commanded all people to bow to him. And they all did—except for Esther’s cousin Mordecai, a Jewish man. “Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage” (Esther 3:2). 

Here’s where the story gets really interesting. All the other Jewish people bowed to Haman, as it was customary to bow to leaders and kings (Scripture is full of such examples, like David bowing to Saul in 1Samuel 24). But Mordecai didn’t, and we don’t really know why. One popular theory from scholars suggests that perhaps it was because Haman was a descendant of Agag (Esther 3:1), and Mordecai of King Saul (v.4), and since Agag and Saul were enemies, their descendants were too (Esther 9:24). 

We don’t fully understand the root of their hatred for one another, but regardless, it was the spark that lit the fire. Haman wanted to punish not just Mordecai, but all the Jewish people in Persia. And so, the punishment far, far outweighed the crime. Haman dismissed an entire people and pursued them to death.

In reading this passage again and again, I recognize that the qualities present in this feud are also present in me. I’m quick to anger, slow to change my mind. I root down into long-held prejudices, and I refuse to stretch the muscles of an empathetic imagination. It’s easier to be prideful and mean, hasty and hurtful—especially when almost every interaction I have these days seems to  take place on a screen. 

The power imbalance between the two led to Haman’s anger materializing into intended mass destruction, and we get to see God work through the brave young Esther to stop the genocide. But this isn’t Esther’s story of heroism, Mordecai’s story of selfless sacrifice, or even Haman’s story of falling from favor and power. It’s all a foretaste of God’s story of sacrifice and redemption.

Hundreds of years later, when Jesus broke into our world as a baby, God was writing the same story. He was writing the story of redemption, of promises kept, of a people who were once not a people becoming one, and of people who did not know mercy receiving mercy (1Peter 2:10). It’s what God offers the prideful Mordecais and the evil Hamans of this world: mercy, belonging, restoration. It’s what Jesus secured in His selfless sacrifice on the cross. And it is ours to receive with repentance and with hope. 

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94 thoughts on "Haman Plans to Kill the Jews"

  1. Pam Stayer says:

    God always at work to redeem his people

  2. Lynda Pontious says:

    This is such a powerful chapter of describing racial tensions and in some ways a reflection of today’s divisions.

  3. Beverly Thompson says:

    Yes I totally agree with this! There is nothing in the scriptures, however, to tell us exactly why, but I think to assume the opposite, that he wouldn’t bow out of arrogance is completely wrong. He was a Jew and loyal to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It would not be right to bow to a man, even if other Jews did it. That certainly doesn’t make it right. Maybe he was the only one willing to stand for the truth and it now his knee to a mere mortal when his heart and loyalty belonged to the Lord alone. This would make sense, as he would have raised Hadassah (Esther) to have this same courage in standing up for her people and therefore her God.

  4. Katherine McCormick says:

    The proverbs verse is incorrectly identified — it is 16:33 not 16:20. That said, I’m loving this study so far. Thank you!

  5. Austin NWhitney says:

    God is certainly powerful.❤️

  6. Megan Beach says:

    Thankful for a God who gave it all so we could have it all. I love how this isn’t a story about Esther or any other character. It’s about Jesus. Reminds me how much bigger my life is. It’s not about me—it’s about Jesus through me

  7. Sonia Onyenegecha says:

    ❤️

  8. Nicole Meadows says:

    God always has a plan for His people, whether it’s when Esther is queen, Jesus as our sacrificial lamb, or details of our life. He is faithful and good.

  9. Mariah Montanez says:

    Woww

  10. Sherry Wold says:

    What a story of love for is written into the book of Esther, just like the entire Bible. Even the messiest parts of the bible that aren’t filled with joy and happiness, it is all a grand love story, pointing to God’s love for us and its wrapped into every single word.

  11. Miriam says:

    Humbling to think about how much our actions affect others. It was mentioned that Haman was a descendant from King Agag and that King Saul was commanded to destroy the Amalekites along with Agag but Saul let Agag live and then generations later here is Haman about to destroy the Jews. The disobedience of Saul did not just affect him but generations to come. Also, the actions of Mordecai affected all of the Jews in the fact that they were to be destroyed just because one man did not bow to Haman. I so easily think that my disobedience and failure to listen to God just affects myself but really affects so many others and could potentially affect generations to come.

  12. Jennifer Miller says:

    ♥️

  13. Jill WallenMiller says:

    If anyone is looking for a good romantic Christian fiction… check out The Peasant Queen! It is a retelling of Esther and it is SO SO SOOOOO good!!!!

  14. Karen Lefebvre says:

    ANGIE GUIMARAY, YES! In past studies I have done about Esther, I have never heard mention about why Mordecai chose to not bow down – I always assumed that it was a “Daniel” like situation. I went down a little rabbit hole searching that subject, and I found that it may have been due to political differences or a family feud type of grudge. Considering this possibility really shifted the narrative for me. If Mordecai not bowing down was personal and not spiritual, his ego put the Jews at risk and he was asking Esther to fix it. It puts a very interesting spin on their relationship and perhaps explains why Esther seemed hesitant to act at first, but then took charge and started doling out orders for the fasting of the Jews, etc. She took responsibility for Mordecai’s actions ( lack thereof) and cleaned up his mess, knowing all the while that she was putting her life at risk.

  15. Rachael Collins says:

    Hmm.. so interesting to reread this. My ‘Esther’ knowledge has largely been rooted in Vegetales show from when i was little. But Esther had been queen now for a few years. I’m imagining Esther torn between two worlds, two homes and loyalties as this story unravels!

  16. Sharon Borggaard says:

    ❤️

  17. Lori D’Souza says:

    Hey Angie! That sounds like an interesting sermon series. I’d love to check it out. What’s it called?

  18. Angie Guimaray says:

    Always thought Mordecai was being g honorable and loyal to God, but after listening to a sermon series on Esther, the pastor made a good point I never thought about. He is living in Susa, away from Jerusalem. Isaiah told the Israelites that God said to go back to Jerusalem after they were released from Babylon, but Mordecai and his family did not. And if he had faith, it was not public since he told Esther not to reveal that she was a Jew. Just a little insight. Seems like Mordecai had an issue/history with Haman and not necessarily like Daniel who refused to bow to the king out of reverence for God.

  19. Andrea P says:

    ❤️

  20. Oto Okon says:

    The same way Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship the king in the book of Daniel.

  21. Oto Okon says:

    I love this. In my understanding I thought that Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman was in obedience to God’s law.

  22. Courtney McGuire says:

    I believe the Bible in a Year plan is free, so if the other books don’t work it sounds like there is something wrong with his subscription code. I would check that he is logged in with his code or email the SRT support so they can fix the problem!

  23. Karen Wagner says:

    Thank you for leaving that comment. That makes me understand why Mordecai does not bow down to him, and explains his faithfulness to God.

  24. Dani Warner says:

    Thank you for the added in site. Powerful

  25. Laura Bossert says:

    Has anyone else not received their copy of this book that has the subscription box? I have not yet and have not heard back from my emails.

  26. Ashley Romans says:

    Does anyone’s else’s husband have the He Reads Truth App to do studies together? My husband downloaded it yesterday but it keeps saying oops something went wrong when he taps the Esther study & Faith in Practice but it did let him do the Bible in a year.

  27. Sarah Ashburn says:

    Gods gift of redemption is and amazing story

  28. Jackie says:

    Haman was a descendant of the Amalekites who King Saul was commanded to exterminate but instead Saul left King Agag alive. Saul’s disobedience lead to the throne being taken from him (1 Samuel 15). Mordecai, as a member of Saul’s family tree (Kish was both Saul’s father and the ancestor of Mordecai) is an instrument of the Lord to finally exterminate the Amalekites as God had previously commanded. This time God is using a more obedient member of the family of Saul to finish what Saul did not because of his disobedience.

    I think Mordecai is well aware of the fact that Haman is an Amalekite, a member of a people group who had attacked the weary stragglers coming out of Egypt. He was not about to bow down to a ruler whom God had declared whose line and clan was unfit to live, let alone rule (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

  29. Laura J says:

    I hope this will make sense and will be helpful! I am a little reluctant to share because I am using my Catholic study bible and I’m not sure how this information will be received, but I thought it was interesting and worth sharing in regards to why Mordecai refused to bow to Haman. The intro to Esther in my bible states that the text of Esther was originally written in Hebrew (ch. 1-10) and later translated to Greek, which includes 107 additional verses. The Catholic bible uses both translations, with the Greek verses inserted at appropriate places within the Hebrew form of the text. These Greek additions are labeled ch. A-F. Chapter C is inserted after Ch 4 and says this: “ Recalling all that the Lord had done, Mordecai prayed to the Lord and said: “Lord, Lord, King and Ruler of all, everything is in your power, and there is no one to oppose you when it is your will to save Israel. You made heaven and earth and every wonderful thing under heaven.You are Lord of all, and there is no one who can resist you, the Lord. You know all things. You know, Lord, that it was not out of insolence or arrogance or desire for glory that I acted thus in not bowing down to the arrogant Haman. I would have gladly kissed the soles of his feet for the salvation of Israel. But I acted as I did so as not to place the honor of a mortal above that of God. I will not bow down to anyone but you, my Lord. It is not out of arrogance that I am acting thus.” (Ch C: 1-7)

  30. Amanda Brown says:

    Loved this! Something that has really grown me personally is looking for myself even in the villains of the Bible. I was so quick to applaud Mordecai and scoff at Herod, but I loved this blog post. It made me stop and be honest about myself for a moment, and even willing to relate to Haman. I pray my bitterness towards people quickly fades away in light of all God has done for me!!

  31. Lauren Yarberry says:

    Forgiveness is so hard. It’s tough to look at yourself and realize you are a lot like Haman. What an eye-opening thought.

  32. Carly Klaassen says:

    Honestly I never realized this part of the story, I just assumed all the Jews didn’t bow or something. I don’t know. I didn’t really think about it. I never saw Mordecai as being mischievous or difficult, just loyal to God. But maybe there was more to the story with the family history. Really interesting. Nevertheless, God prevailed and ensured His people were saved. Like He always does.

  33. Nicole Langham says:

    My Bible commentary says that because the Jewish people put adherence to Gods law above all else this gave them an allegiance higher than human law and also helped them to make their own judgements. This is how I answered reflection question #2. I had written down a note wondering why Mordecai wouldn’t pay homage to Haman.

  34. Ebony Wallace says:

    I thought the same thing, Mordecai knew Haman’s spirit wasn’t right and he wasn’t going to feed into his ego and power trip. He knew who he was and whose he was.

  35. Ebony Wallace says:

    Very well stated. Amen!

  36. Kelli Phillips says:

    I didn’t see Mordecai as being prideful. I thought it was a reflection of God’s commandment as stated in Exodus 20:4-6.

  37. Emma Childress says:

    Lord help us to be faithful. Help me in my unbelief.

  38. Laurie Crary says:

    Amen and amen.

  39. Mercy says:

    Reading today’s verses, I realize that if a person is wicked , they can use any reason to hate on the righteous. I see this happens in real life as well. For instance if Mordecai does bow, I am sure some other reason might come up to make Haman still hates. It is so crafty how Haman approaches the King, just like in modern day government, an advisor can offer wicked counsel to target a specific group of people, like the small group of exiled Israelites were targeted back then. It is extremely dangerous for wicked counsels to be offered to government leaders. It started small and personal at first, and the issue quickly escalated to a national scale of legalized mass execution. Can you imagine an executive order was passed approving killing? This is such a Hitler move. I was so hurt reading this. God please have mercy.

    The Bible says in Proverbs 29:2, “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan”. And we know what God’s will is, we read it today, “ let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: Yea, let them exceedingly rejoice” (Psalm 68:3 KJV). Let us pray that God will revenge his righteous people, one way or another, let us pray that the godly will be in governmental authority so we can be glad!

    I am thankful that God is our salvation! I am glad that the government shall be upon His shoulders! His Name is the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor. He is mighty to save. And whoever calls on the name of the Lord, shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Praise the Lord!

  40. Caitlyn says:

    I really admire Mordecai for sticking to his faith and remain standing instead of kneeling after what I imagine would be several days or even weeks to praise Haman. I know in the past that I have had bursts of energy and confidence in my faith to do or not do something, but then I would get scared or I would be peer-pressured to “hide my light under a bushel.” Even before the thought of the genocide, Mordecai himself had a lot to lose: his position in the kingdom and his life. Yet, unlike Esther later on who worries about breaking royal decorum (and who worries just like me about where I am and my future), Mordecai says that it doesn’t matter what someone does to you; it matters Who you believe in.

    Mordecai will later tell Esther that no matter what, the Jews will receive relief and deliverance, and I think that this is an early example for Mordecai believing that for himself. Any day now, and for any reason, Mordecai is living his life on the edge because he could easily lose his job and his life. Here, Mordecai is testifying to his fellow coworkers that he would rather disobey an earthly king rather than the True King, and he has hope that God’s salvation will always come even if he is not there to see it. To me, Mordecai is another faithful hero in the Bible who reminds me of those listed in Hebrews 11 who had faith even though they did not receive what was promised. Another commenter also said that Mordecai reminded them of Shadrach, Misach, and Abednego who said that even if God did not save us from the fire, we would still believe.

    I’ve always thought that Esther was the only hero of this book, but I’m really glad that I can learn so many things from two heroes!

  41. Laura Beckom says:

    God is always at work in our lives. Praise God! God has the last word, I pray to always believe that.

  42. Dorothy says:

    Maybe the reason Mordecai didn’t bow down to Haman was because he was being faithful to God. Yes, we have seen where David bowed down to Saul but we have seen where Daniel refused to bow down to the idols also. Like Melanie said we don’t know. God doesn’t reveal the reason for this.
    Have a blessed day sisters.

  43. Melissa Mcronney says:

    Lord help us to be faithful

  44. Peggy says:

    My thought on why Mordecai did not bow would be that he had discernment to know Haman was as evil as we find out he was. Sometimes you can just know that you should avoid certain people. Also Mordecai didn’t stop anyone else from bowing to Haman. Sometimes God is purposeful in what He doesn’t reveal in His word.
    I did love the last paragraph and especially the part about hope. Hope is something that the Lord showed me in 2019 that is very necessary for our spiritual health. He showed me I was lacking in hope and restored my hope.

  45. Jennifer Ficklen says:

    The lesson convicted me today. How often is my judgment found just like Haman’s? I believe that we are all in a way just like him. Thank you God for always being there. Thank you for sending Jesus to do what we can’t, cleanse our hearts and restore us to you! Thank you Father!

  46. Mari V says:

    He is greater then our government. Totally agree Gretchen!

  47. Katie says:

    I think the he reads truth devo nails it on the head and I appreciate it much more than this one today.

  48. Katie says:

    I agree I don’t think Mordecai was being proud at all. I think it’s because he was going to serve God only. I think that contributes to the division between their generations as well.

  49. Jackie Hays says:

    I don’t think he was. I think he refused to bow to Haman because he believed in God. Maybe they’re making the argument he is prideful if he did it because Haman was his enemy? I’ve never taken the story that way.

  50. Ana Valenzuela says:

    My first initial thought was that Mordecai did not bow because he knows the One true God and only bows/kneels before Him. Considering that His name isn’t mentioned.

  51. Nicole VazquezNorcross says:

    I agree with you, Mordecai only serves one God and he knew not to give that power to another person on earth. I hope that when I am given that choice in life I have the power to always choose God, even in a severe situation. Mordecai was facing evil and now death and chose God.

  52. Nicole McDuffie says:

    ….redemption and salvation. I’d love to hear of others opinions on why Mordecai didn’t bow down to Haman. I believe it’s because Mordecai wouldn’t “bow down to any other gods before him.” So because he stood up in his faith, he unknowingly would cause a call to genocide. But without this call, Esther wouldn’t be able to rescue her people. All in Gods plan. To redeem and restore. ❤️

  53. Nicole McDuffie says:

    Never done a deep dive into Esther it wow! There are so many parables planted within this drama. Truly a story of self sacrifice,

  54. Monica H says:

    @ELLIS Thank you for both posts that you shared. They resonated with me. God bless all of you ladies today!

  55. Jamie Ward says:

    Can someone help me understand how Mordecai is considered “prideful?”

  56. Nads says:

    @ GINNY…Yes!

  57. Nads says:

    @OLUSEYE…Wow! I really need to think about that. It is SO easy to forget WHO is our example and not just go with the flow of what other believers might be doing.

  58. Donna Wolcott says:

    Good morning LG, the questions were:
    What reversals of fortune or “coincidences” occur in today’s reading?
    How was God at work in these events?
    When you look at your current circumstances, where do you see God at work? Write a prayer asking God to help you see His presence and provision in your circumstances.
    Blessings.

  59. Kristina Mari says:

    Thanks Nancy for your testimony- it resonates with me ❤️☺️

  60. Kristina Mari says:

    Thanks Autumn for the recommendation! I’ve listened to Charles Swindoll in the past and he’s always been one of my favorite pastors

  61. Mari V says:

    I’m right in the middle of my devotion. My daughter just texted me to pray for her as she had an unsettling dream. Ironically I did too. Please pray for her.

  62. LG says:

    Will someone post the questions in the study book? I have a subscription and my Esther study never came. I have sent a few emails and am waiting for a reply, but in the meantime am just reading online. Thank you!

  63. Ellis Collado says:

    This is a great thought. But also was he refusing because it was simply gods will in order to accomplish his purpose for the people of Isrrael. God was the one who placed Esther in the kings home because he knew he would edify Isrrael with her

  64. Ellis Collado says:

    Today learning after reading today’s passage. Gods clear message of redemption and of sacrifice. God loved the people of Isrrael and they became deaf because they refuse to just have faith and obey at times. But god being the god that he is always redeem them and blessed them and kept his promise. How many times have we been in tough seasons and he forget that god died for us that he died for all of our sins, that we have a future because god sent his son into this world to show us love and to bless us and to show us the way. How many time have we been broken or boastful or angry and god has made us knew understanding that all things have a purpose behind them. All glory and all praise be to god and may god bless you all may he be their in any moment of need may he remind you of all he’s done when you become boastful and may he show you in vivid color his promise to you.

  65. Nancy Singleton says:

    When studying heroes of the faith, like Mordecai & Esther, I wonder if I would have the courage & strength to rely solely on God’s protection & plan if tested to the extreme. All I can do to prepare for “what if’s” is to be faithful daily, to trust that as my faith grows stronger He is preparing me to face whatever may come. Thank you, sisters & SRT, for sharing your hearts, prayers, & godly wisdom so that we might all stand firm when evil attacks.

  66. Renata Corns says:

    This is my first study with SRT. I joined with the intent of finding a worthy online alternative to spending time on other social media. Even when reading conservative news I find myself discouraged, especially with people’s comments. This is like a breath of much needed fresh air for me. I intend to keep in touch with current news and this study group will help keep me grounded in God’s word that I desperately need!

  67. Taylor says:

    Esther 3 reminds me of the line in “See a Victory” by Elevation that’s also based in Genesis 50:20 “You take what the enemy meant for evil, and you turn it for good.” Loved today’s connection to our redemption in Jesus!

  68. Ginny Keteles says:

    Melanie, in the essay says it’s all about God’s story of sacrifice and redemption. As I read the psalm, it occurred to me that all the rescues were never about just making Israel comfy. It was always about redemption and restoration. Esther certainly fits into that plan. We always look for relief and recovery, whereas God is all about redemption and restoration.

  69. Autumn Rae says:

    One of the best in depth books I’ve read about Esther is written by Charles Swindoll. It’s called Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity. I learned so much about this book and the history and laws surrounding this era. I highly recommend!

    1. Megan Lyczak says:

      Thank you!

  70. Jasmine D says:

    Love how the writer related this story to the story of the gospel, as a whole!

  71. Olivia Gray says:

    I had to read the message version of proverbs 16:33 “make your motions and cast your votes, BUT GOD has the final say” wow!! So powerful

  72. Ashleigh Horner says:

    I have read Esther a few times before this as a child and an adult. For the first time, Mordecai’s actions are brought to light to me. I wonder if his refusal to bow to Hamen are due to a godly reason like Daniel or if it was a human response due to who Hamen was. Did he bow to the king or refuse to there as well? I can now see an extra layer of grief this must have brought to Mordecai when he found out Hamen’s plan of genocide. Not only were his people to be destroyed, he had played a role in their destruction.

    I would love to hear more about this from those who have studied it. I plan to ask people I know who have gone to seminary or studied Esther with more depth than I.

  73. Julie Myers says:

    Thank you, Angie, you captured my thoughts with you words!

  74. Dianne Pacewicz says:

    ❤️

  75. Jeanne Scott says:

    My prayers are for all of you today. May God keep you strong and true. May you all be able to battle adversity with grace.

  76. Megan Henderson says:

    Much to ponder from today’s lesson. ❤

  77. Addi Light says:

    It is so, so sweet to look into these comments and see women in God’s word studying Esther together, encouraging each other and lifting one another up! I’m grateful for SRT and the community it’s created, ESPECIALLY in the season we find ourselves in right now. So many things seem uncertain but God is here, orchestrating everything to draw us closer to his heart and to bring him glory. Amen! This study was meant “for such a time as this”. ❤️

  78. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    My husband is being what I would call bullied at work. He is quite a good engineer and people are trying to find ways to get him out of the plant. Now they just made up a rule since he had Covid and then I had Covid, and even though he has had two negative tests, which is not a state requirement but their requirement, now he can’t be in the plant until the end of February because I’m just finishing up my quarantine.
    I know that God will do great things with this, but it is beyond frustrating for him and me. Please keep us in prayer.
    Thank you sisters.

  79. Beth Dalton says:

    ❤️

  80. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    Amen

  81. Angie says:

    Yesterday we read about an orphan-teen who had only God-given gifts of beauty in body and spirit, a godly uncle/caregiver, and God’s hand upon her. Today we meet Haman, a self-made man of power, position, and prestige. Such a contrast. Such opposites. One had everything, and one had nothing. (Which is which?) We know in the story of Esther, because we know how it ends. What about in the lives we are living and writing today? How easily I can get caught up in the self-life of power, position, prestige and drama. How easily influences creep in. How easily influences taken in, seep out. Lord God, thank you for the influences You have provided in my life that led me to You and continue to draw me close. Thank you for protection and escape from influences that draw me away. May my life, my body, and spirit, be yours to shine brightly the influence of who You are to a lost world with my brothers and sisters in Christ. May our lives in You shine like flood lights, bright and strong, chasing away all ungodly influences. And finally, THANK YOU, because like the story of Esther,…we know how this ends. We know we are Yours as is the VICTORY. Amen.

  82. Kristen says:

    Yes, Churchmouse. I do want God to show me any hurtful ways residing in there. I do want Him to change me so that the meditations of my mind and the words of my mouth are pleasing to Him. I am not able to do good on my own.
    Also, I ask that we pray for people that are far from God and even living in defiance of Him. They think they have power, or wealth, or are self-
    sufficient and don’t realize they are lost and powerless. They wouldn’t even have breath if it weren’t for God. They are in or serving the devil. May God go after them and let them see the truth! May He do whatever it takes to let them see their condition and depravity. May they all eat convicted and repent and rejoice because they have Jesus as Savior and Lord . In Jesus Name Amen!

  83. Katherine S. says:

    Amen! There’s some powerful discernment in prayer within these reflections. Thank you so much for sharing your unveiling of scripture. Amen!

  84. ILIANA CANALS says:

    DAY 3: Wow, the Jews can never catch a break… they have been getting punished since Jesus time. I am curious to know why all the other Jews bowed except for Mordecai, I will ask my theologian friend for that answer. I feel that this is going to be an empowering story where Esther changes everything, can’t wait to read more!

  85. Searching says:

    PETRA STEAD – sounds like your daughter’s experiences are similar to what I dealt with/endured throughout my school years. No internet back in the old days but kids/teens were still creative in coming up with ways to torture, embarrass and humiliate, including my “friends” and even my “best friend” – it was awful! She is blessed to have your understanding and encouragement! I love my mom but she never understood/grasped the effects of what I faced every day. If your daughter could look back with me at the lives of my tormentors … most of them have made a mess of their lives, and I can only guess that they were dealing with unseen issues back then and I was a convenient target. Stopping now to pray for them!

    JILYNN PARMLY – I’m not involved with social media but one thing I like to do with many texts and emails is to type them out in draft and then look at them a little later, just to make sure that I really want to say whatever it is and that I’ve said it in a way that hopefully won’t be misunderstood, hurtful or discouraging. As you can probably guess, many of those get rewritten or deleted entirely.

  86. Erin Hudgins says:

    I struggled to answer the question in the study book: Where do you see God at work? This question has found me at a time when I am personally struggling with all the things this crazy year has brought. Then the devotion reminded me that God is ALWAYS at work redeeming His people. My heart needed that reminder. That’s what is going to help me get through today.

  87. Deborah Bassoff says:

    ❤️

  88. Holly BradleyDyer says:

    This is such a good study. I haven’t read Esther in a long time and it’s really hitting home. It’s so important for this to become personal and learn from it and you are right… we have many of these same issues at work and home.

  89. Jilynn Parmly says:

    Paragraph 5: “…I recognize that the qualities present in this feud are also present in me.” Thank you for this paragraph, Melanie. Thank you for making it personal, for bringing it back to the present, and for helping us make this story relevant. Twice, in the last month, I’ve apologized for a comment I made in anger and haste. Both times, the comment was made on a screen (a text and a social media comment). Ugh. Screens. I try not to say anything on a screen I wouldn’t say to someone in person. Even so, screens don’t allow the recipient to see our facial expressions or hear our tone, so our words can easily be misinterpreted. And, because I like to write, I often comment without sitting with my thoughts to make sure they are kind, true, and necessary. I pray I will remember Haman each time I feel a need to comment on something on a screen.

  90. Ruth M says:

    Mordecai, like Daniel before him, refused to obey the king’s command to kneel down and pay honour to anyone but God. Mordecai knew that only God himself was worthy of worship and he was willing to hold to his convictions even at the risk of his life. Also reminds me of Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego who boldly defied the king and said: “The God we serve is able to save us……but even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods.” Praise God for people like these men throughout history who refused to give an inch – not knowing where such “defiance” might take them, but trusting the consequences to their mighty God.

  91. Caroline Melchert Prado says:

    Amen

  92. Churchmouse says:

    His mercies are new every morning. Even when I fail as a Christ follower, His mercy gives me a fresh start. Great is His faithfulness. Even when my faithfulness is wavering, God remains faithful.

    God was merciful and faithful to His chosen people. Though they thoroughly tried His patience, time and again He rescued and delivered them. It’s His modus operandi. It’s still His business plan today. When I confess my sins, He gives me what I don’t deserve. He gives me mercy. When I confess my sins, He extends grace. When I fall to my knees in repentance, He greets me with open arms. He lifts my chin to look into His eyes and He whispers “Beloved” and He calls me forgiven.

    Oh, sisters, let us be introspective today. Let us give Him permission to search our hearts to see if there is any hurtful way residing there. Lord, lead us in Your everlasting way. (Psalm 139: 23,24)

  93. Oluseye Ashiru says:

    This is so powerful to read and what struck me the most was the fact that all other Jews bowed to Haman but Mordecai refused to. And I am here thinking each believer should know what their consecration is when it comes to our relationship with God. It’s not enough to know the general consecration for all believers, I must know what God is asking me to give up for the sake of His kingdom.