Word of warning to nations that try to take out Israel from Ecclesiastes 1:9, “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.” God has a way of turning things around for His covenant people and covenant nation. The Book of Esther is the history of the happenings that led to the annual Festival of Purim.
From my studies, I have found 15 “insteads” in the Book of Esther and Purim. You may have found more. Please comment if I missed any.
- Vashti – Instead of being queen, she was beheaded (not proven, but no longer queen)
- Esther – Instead of her name being Hadagaskar (Myrtle), her name was changed to Esther (Star)
- Esther – Instead of being an unknown orphan, she became a queen to be remembered in history
- Mordecai – Instead of being hanged on the gallows by wicked Haman, Mordecai was honored and paraded through the streets by wicked Haman
- Mordecai – Instead of a servant / scribe, he became Prime Minister
- Mordecai – Instead of the gallows, wicked Haman was hanged
- Haman – Instead of being promoted to head over princes, he was hanged
- Haman – instead of being honored in history, his name continues to bring loud ‘boos’ and noise makers and stamping of feet drown out the sound of his name year after year
- 10 sons of Haman – Instead of a grand life in Haman’s household, they were hanged
- Jews – Instead of being destroyed, killed, annihilated and plundered possessions- unable to defend themselves, the Jews were able to defend themselves (Wikipedia says 75,000 of the Jews enemies were killed)
- Jews– Instead of being slaves to fear, they lived in safety and did not touch the enemies plunder
- Jews– Instead of fear and dispair, their had light and gladness, joy and honor (8:16)
- Power of Attorney (signet ring) – Instead of Haman having the signet ring, Mordecai was given the king’s power
- Officials, Satraps, Governors – Instead of being against the Jews, they defended the Jews
- Jews – Instead of being totally wiped out, they are enjoying the blessings of God and prospering through the Covenant Blessing
- History – Instead of that being an annual day of mourning, it became a international holiday of feasting and joy, sending presents and giving gifts to the poor.
Esther 8:9 is the longest verse in the Bible: “Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.”
I have no doubt of Israel’s future, for our Faithful God has decreed that He never slumbers and He never sleeps. However, I am concerned about the nations that seek to drive them out of their Promised Land and wipe them off the map.
A word for the leaders of the United States: “Let Israel defend themselves.” That would bring a great blessing upon America.
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