Bible Study

*Just for Your Thought.*

*The Book of * *Esther — Bible Study 8*

*Expository Commentary* on the *Book of Esther*

Meditation Passage: Esther 6:13
This verse can be understood in two ways.
First Perspective:
What was the meaning of the warning given by Haman’s advisers and his wife Zeresh? What exactly was their warning?
“Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him; you will surely come to ruin.” — Esther 6:13
We must look at the historical background behind the words spoken by Haman’s wife. A Jew named Daniel held a very high position in the Babylonian Empire, serving as the governor of the province of Babylon. Likewise, under Darius the Persian king, he served as a high-ranking official. In other words, he was one of the three chief administrators who stood next to the king.
Zeresh may have realized that Jews who had come as captives had risen to prominent positions in two great empires. To some extent, she may also have known the history of the Jewish people. She may have understood that there was a supernatural power working among those people — the same people who had been delivered from 400 years of slavery and established as a nation. Based on this understanding, she may have spoken these words.
It is sad that the historical awareness and spiritual understanding that Haman’s wife seemed to possess were absent in Haman himself.
Even today, it is true that God is with the Jewish people, and God has blessed nations and ethnic groups that support them. Even in our nation, the first political party that openly voiced support for the Jews was the Bharatiya Janata Party. We should not forget that the government which first established diplomatic relations with Israel was also that government. It is also noteworthy that they attempted to maintain a balanced diplomatic relationship with both Islamic nations and Israel.
(Please understand this explanation in the right spirit and proper perspective. This does not mean that I politically support them.)
Therefore, the Jewish people are a people chosen by God. It is our duty to pray for them.
This is the literal meaning of the word.
There Is Another Perspective:
Mordecai was a true government servant. He protected the king’s life from the conspiracies of enemies. He was zealous for God and for his people. He did not seek false praise. He refused to bow before Haman. He stood passionately for God. At the right time, he gave counsel to Esther. He played a major role in the deliverance of the Jews from destruction.
No matter what kind of opposition rises against such a man, those who oppose him will ultimately fall.
Whether a person is a government employee or someone working in any organization, if he carries out his responsibilities with zeal and integrity, those who rise against him will eventually fall. This is another lesson we can learn from this passage.
No power in this world can ultimately destroy those who stand zealously for God. God will not forsake them; He will surely exalt them.
Like Mordecai, may we also remain faithful witnesses and stand zealously for God in the places where we work.