King James Bible Study – [Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.]
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Chapters: ESTHER 1-4
Study: Women Who Fear God
Hello My Brother/Sister/Friend,
The other day I went through my closet to get rid of clothes that my husband does not want me to wear. He literally had me try on dresses and had bend over to see how high it would rise up in the back. Now, if my husband had his way, I would be wearing dresses down to my ankles, while I am not too keen on that, I agreed to let go some of my favorite dresses out of respect for him. Respect for one another works both ways, [1 Corinthians 7:3-5 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.]
The Book of Esther contains ten chapters and was written to the Jews who where in Babylon. The author of the book is unknown, but it is most likely Mordecai. The timeline for these events took place approximately 464–434 BC. The purpose of the book is to testify to the secret watch and care that God has over His people no matter where they are. What we are to learn from the book is that God uses all people in some way, but prepares those who fear Him to be great witnesses that lead them to Him, [Esther 8:15-16 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.]
Satan, loves to put a wedge between a husband and wife because it is the closest thing to a relationship between Jesus and His bride. Satan, is extremely jealous over God’s love for man, and if he is successful in destroying a marriage then he has a better chance at getting them to turn on God. That is why we need to be on constant watch for his temptations, and that goes for any relationship really. Well, the story of Esther proves this, no where in the book is God’s name even mentioned, but watch how His presence comes through. It all began when Xerxes (Ahasuerus), was king. Xerxes, called for all the men for a great feast that actually lasted a hundred and eighty days, in Shushan, which was the winter capital of Persia. When that was over, the king decided to have another feast at his palace that lasted seven days.
[Esther 1:1-5 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) 2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, 3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: 4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. 5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;]
[When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom] This was no ordinary feast, it was a feast of wine, and for six months these men were drinking and fulfilling every lust known to man. Xerxes, was proud of his accomplishments in the three short years that he had reigned. He was also preparing for a conquest of Greece. Well, on the seventh day of the feast the king decided that he wanted to show off his queen.
[Esther 1:7-12 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. 8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure. 9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus. 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, 11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. 12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.]
[to shew the people and the princes her beauty:] This man was drunk, he had no reasoning within himself other than the desires of his flesh. Not to mention he was still boastful about his accomplishments, and add that to a beautiful wife who refused to sport herself. Well, of course he would be angry. So, what does he do? He calls his men over and discussed the situation.
[Esther 1:15-17,129,21 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains? 16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus. 17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not. 19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she. 21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:]
[so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes,] The only thing that this fool was worried about what his wife standing up to him if he had commanded her to do some ridiculous thing. Women, may be the weaker vessel, but they are not to be treated as though their only existence is to please men’s lusts, [1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.]
[unto another that is better than she.] This is actually an insult, did these men actually believe that the next queen would jump at his beck and call? Nevertheless, the king pretty much agreed with their counsel to not only dethrone the queen, but send a warning to all women that their disobedience will not be tolerated. Now, the feast that he had was actually in preparation of his invasion of Greece, which turned unsuccessful. The search for a new queen did not actually take place until he returned, which was about four years later.
[Esther 2:1-4 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.]
[what she had done, and what was decreed against her.] Xerxes, actually had time to think about what happened and may have realized that he went a little too far, but the decree had already been made so he had no choice, but to follow through with it. Of course, he is a king and a proud one at that, so he is going to agree to having young virgins fulfill his every need until he finds the one that pleases him the most. Likewise, there were just as many young women vowing for one night with the king in hopes that she may even become his queen. I am sure that there were some that were reluctant, perhaps Esther was one of them, she was a captive of the Jews, also known as Hadassah, which means, myrtle. It is a tree or bush that only produces flowers three months out of the year. So, that may tell you something about her character, nevertheless, she found herself as one of the candidates, under the direction of her cousin Mordecai who raised her.
[Esther 2:5,7-10 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 8 So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. 10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.]
[whose name was Mordecai,] We first learned of Mordecai from the Book of Ezra, he was one of the Jews who went to help rebuild the temple. The temple was built in the sixth year of Darius, which was 516-515 BC so, this took place after Mordecai returned to Babylon. Mordecai, was not quite ready for Esther to reveal that she is a Jew, but he definitely wanted her to be in the running of being selected as queen. Of course, this would all play a part in God’s plan, even the rather peculiar situations are used by God for a purpose, [Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.]
[and he speedily gave her her things for purification,] Right away, the keeper of the women knew that there was something different about Esther. In fact, he even rushed the process of her purification, which would normally take about a year. So, you can imagine that the choice of a selecting a new queen was not a rash one, but it was one that seemed to be out of pure pleasure, at least at this point. The women dressed themselves up with makeup, expensive clothes, perfumes, and jewels, eagerly anticipating their one night with the king.
[Esther 2:13-14 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.]
[except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.] Imagine being a young woman among dozens living in a house, after spending one night with a man, never being able to get married or have kids. I would definitely not want to be one of those women, but have been one who waited around for a man a time or two to call her so I do understand how they felt to some extent. Now, it was Esther’s turn.
[Esther 2:15-18 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.]
[she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins;] Xerxes, saw something in Esther that he had never seen before, perhaps even from Vashti. She did not try to impress him at all, only presented herself as the modest woman that she was brought up as. The reason so many women get treated as nothing more than a man’s play toy is because they do not see themselves as anything more than that. Women, who have respect for themselves always gain the grace and favor of God Himself, [Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.]
Now, as Esther adjusts to life as a queen little did she know that her purpose was about to unfold. It all started when Mordecai discovers a plot by two of the kings men attempting to kill him. Esther brought the news to the king of this plot, [Esther 2:21-23 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name. 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.]
[Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.] Mordecai, was recognized and commended for sharing this information, but someone even worse got promoted, a wicked conspirator named Haman. Now, second in command to the king, he thought himself to be a king, expecting all the people to bow down to him the second they saw him, and that is exactly what they did, except for Mordecai.
[Esther 3:1-2,5-6 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. 2 And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. 5-6 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.]
[for the king had so commanded concerning him.] Now, the king wanted the people to have respect for Haman, but not like this. Haman, hated the Jews enough as it is, and Mordecai refusing to bow down to him was all the fuel he needed to go to the king with some scheme to have a degree set out to have them all killed.
[Esther 3:8-11,13 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them. 9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries. 10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. 11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. 13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.]
[neither keep they the king’s laws:] This is another example of the wicked and ungodly who twist things around to say that those who follow God do not obey the laws of the land. Well, as always, they do not know what they are talking about, Jesus Himself even said, [Mark 12:17b Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.]. However, when the law of the land tries to take away our freedom to worship God His way that is when He gives us the authority to let His Law supersede theirs, [Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.]
Now, the majority of people did not want to see the Jews killed or even be apart of killing them. After word got out of that decree, Mordecai, had covered himself in sackcloth and ashes and sat at the kings palace in deep mourning, while the other Jews began fasting and praying.
[Esther 4:1-4 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; 2 And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. 3 And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4 So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.]
[Then was the queen exceedingly grieved;] Esther, did not even know about the decree until she found out that Mordecai had been outside the palace. She informs Mordecai that she cannot just go up to the king and make a plea for their lives, no one can go to the king and live unless they are summoned.
[Esther 4:11-14 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. 12 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words. 13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?]
[one law of his to put him to death,] This may seem like harsh law, but God is actually the same way. We cannot stand before Him unless we are invited and anyone who attempts to stand before Him will be put to death. He actually does invite everyone to come to Him, but only through His Son, [1 John 5:13-15 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.]
[thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?] Up until this point, no one knew that Esther was Jew, in fact, Mordecai had encouraged her to keep it quiet. Well, there is always a reason why there are times that we are to remain silent until it is time to speak. God, has used many Godly women in secular positions to be a Godly influence on men, in fact, lead them to great positions. We all know the reason why we are seen as the weaker vessel. It all has to do with Eve and her influencing Adam to eat the forbidden fruit, but never underestimate the power of a woman that fears God, [Proverbs 31:30-31 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.]
It is good for us to stay out of the world, but at some point we do need to know what is going on so that we can be prepared for battle, which is why God keeps us in it at a distance. Esther, did not know how she was going to handle this situation, but she did know who could, and that was God. She encourages all the Jews to continue to fast and pray for three days, [Esther 4:15-17 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. 17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.]
[which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.] As Christians, we are being forced to comply with laws that should never exist for the sake of a few egos that are hurt. While we are no longer under the Law, and while we are to be wise in our decisions, we must never let anyone compromise our faith. At one time it use to be a crime to discriminate against someone over their faith, but now every other religion is free to worship their god and yet we get persecuted for following Jesus. We do have a right to be here, and no one can force us to break a law from our utmost authority, God.
[Matthew 10:25-28 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for giving me life and for the life You have given me, each and every battle that I face, even walking into it myself, was used to prepare me for Your purpose. You have given me a new outlook on marriage and relationships and I thank You for getting me out of the situations I was in and sending me my beloved. Thank You for always keeping watch on me, even working in the midst of the world, Your hand is never too far from catching me. It seems like the more I try to live my life in Your will the more opposition I face. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to withstand this opposition and strengthen me to be able to keep going for Your glory. I know that whatever I go through as long as I look to You I will see victory. I as this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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