1 King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea.
2 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
The True Meaning of Esther 10
The Book of Esther is believed to have been written by Mordecai, a Jewish exile living in Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. Mordecai, as a trusted advisor to the king, played a pivotal role in the events that unfolded, which are recounted in this final chapter. The aftermath of the dramatic events that threatened the very existence of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire is seen in this chapter. Mordecai’s courage and Esther’s intervention had saved their nation from annihilation, and now we witness the lasting impact of their actions.
The chapter highlights the elevated status of Mordecai, who is rewarded for his loyalty and wisdom. We also see the continued prosperity and security of the Jewish community, a testament to the power of faith and the providence of God. This passage serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the Lord can work through His people to bring about deliverance and restoration. Mordecai and Esther stood firm in their convictions and trusted in the Lord’s plan, even when the future seemed uncertain. Their story reminds us that God is always at work, even when we cannot see the full picture.
Esther 10:1-3
King Xerxes and Mordecai are mentioned in Esther 10:1-3. This final section of the book of Esther highlights the great honor that Mordecai received from King Xerxes. The verse starts by emphasizing the power and might of King Xerxes, noting his extensive kingdom which included 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush. This verse serves to emphasize the global reach and influence of the Persian Empire during this period.
The focus then shifts to Mordecai, who is described as being second in rank to King Xerxes and highly esteemed by his fellow Jews. This is a remarkable turn of events considering Mordecai’s humble beginnings as an exiled Jew living in Susa. Through a series of events orchestrated by God, Mordecai’s loyalty and devotion to his people helped him rise to a position of great authority and respect within the Persian court. This reversal of fortune demonstrates the theme of divine providence and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil present throughout the book of Esther.
This conclusion to the book of Esther serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in preserving His people, even in the midst of great adversity. Mordecai’s story echoes the biblical principle found in verses such as Proverbs 16:7, which states, “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” Mordecai’s promotion to a position of power and influence not only brought honor to him personally but also ensured the safety and well-being of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. The story of Esther and Mordecai in the book of Esther also serves as a powerful example of God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through ordinary individuals to accomplish His purposes in a broader sense. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Esther and Mordecai remained faithful to God and were used as instruments to bring about deliverance and salvation for their people. This timeless message of courage, faith, and divine intervention continues to inspire and encourage believers today to trust in God’s plans and timing, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
After Esther 10
The reverend solemnly closed the book, his brow furrowed in contemplation. “And so we have seen the hand of God at work, guiding the fate of His people through the actions of a humble servant. Yet, the story does not end here. For in the chapters to come, we shall witness the unfolding of a new chapter, one that will test the faith and resilience of the Israelites once more. What challenges await them, and how will they rise to meet them? The Lord’s plan is ever-unfolding, and His ways are not our ways; let us turn the page and discover the answers.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.