Day 257. 14th September Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Ojo Taken From The Book Of Ezra And Esther.
HONOUR.
It is interesting to start the study and commentary of the book of Esther been a world class story. I wish you could write a booklet on this story — I hope to do that in the near future. Its about honour, risk-taking, submission, faith, predestination and providence.
EZRA 614b-22
THE PROJECT OF THE TEMPLE COMPLETED AND THE TEMPLE DEDICATED
“The priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles celebrated the dedication with joy” v.16.
Details of the offerings including (the sin offering - 12 male goats for the 12 tribes of Israel are in v.17.
The priests and the Levites were installed into their divisions and groups accordingly ( see v.18 ) following the book of Moses.
THE PASSOVER AND THE FESTIVAL OF UNLEAVENED BREAD:-
The priest and the Levites purified themselves and were ceremonially clean before officiating. The people also stopped the unclean practices they copied from their neighbours (v.22).
And were filled with joy — the king of Assyria turned a new leaf — he supported the work of the temple.
Therefore, at the dedication, passover and festival all hearts and acts honoured the LORD.
EZRA 46 — Accusation against Judah and Jerusalem brought before the KING {XERXES KJV / AHASUERUS NIV}.
ESTHER 11-22
THE 180 DAYS KING XERXES’s SHOW OF WEALTH AND 7 DAYS OF FEAST FOR ALL. They had wine in goblets of gold abundantly and free for all.
IT WAS BEAUTY AND PRIDE
KING XERXES REQUESTED THIS OF HIS QUEEN — VASHTI but she shunned his request . This upset the king and he summoned his advisers asking them for advice. It was concluded that Vashti should be uncrowned or such disregard will spread among women — women copied her defiance — dishonour the husbands and become unruly.
It was also stated that, a more beautiful woman should be sourced for the king.
ESTHER 21-23
Therefore, a parade of young virgins was agreed and made provision for.
HADASSAH ( ESTHER ) was enrolled by her uncle, who was close to the official in-charge ( HEGAI ) he liked of her and ensured she had her beauty treatment ( which should continue for 12 months which is the period for preparations ). She was also given special meals.
- Note that Esther and Mordecai where exiles from Jerusalem but that she didn’t disclose ( that was the advise of Modercai which she honoured ). She had seven (7) female attendance who knew the king’s preferences. Esther was kept in the best place (v.9).
At the Pageant; Esther won the kings heart and everyone likes her. He set a royal crown on her head and she became queen instead of Vashti.
MORDECAI UNCOVERS A PLOT TO ASSASSINATE THE KING to Esther and this was recorded as Mordecai’s act of goodwill.
ESTHER 31-15
HAMAM’s hate for Mordecai lost its limits because he would not bow before him — therefore he would execute the Jews. The king approves his plan. (Read v.5-6, 10-11).
MORDECAI IN SACKCLOTH; he presents at the king’s gate, all Jews began wailing as the decree was pronounced and the date determined.
Esther was notified and he sent her a copy ( see v.8).
ESTHER WOULD HAVE TO APPEAR BEFORE THE KING but he had not asked to see her for up to 30 days. Legally no one appears before the king without his express request.
She requested a fast and for all the Jews in the land to pray for her. to plead for her so the king extend his gold sceptre in honour of her presence. And spoke in determination “ If I perish I perish” v.16.
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr. Toyin Ojo
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