Day 258. 15th September Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Ojo Taken From The Book Of Esther.
PUTTING FORWARD THE GOLDEN SCEPTER.
ESTHER CHAPTER 51-14
WHAT NEXT❓
Esther unsure of what will be her fate, presented herself in her royal robes — it was answered prayers as the king put forward the golden scepter in her favour.
He asked what she wanted and would be given up to half the kingdom (Read v.2-3).
A BANQUET FOR THE KING:
Esther invites the king and Haman to a feast there she would present her petition.
Haman was invited, he was delighted and proudly spread the news round. He will be the only guest at the table dining with the King and Queen Esther. During the two days of Queen Esther’s feast, Haman encountered Mordecai at the gate again. He became furious he didn’t bow — his wife and friends advised he should hanged Mordecai on a 23 meters high pole (v.14).
ESTHER CHAPTER 61-14
A SLEEPLESS KING
The King on that night was restless “That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the Chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him.“ v.1.
He found Mordecai had saved his life, he made enquiries and also found that Mordecai had not been rewarded.
Just as this was found concerning Mordecai, Haman arrived set for the banquet. The king sought his advise on the matter “when Haman entered the king asked him, what should be done for the man the king delights to honour?”
Haman was under the impression he was the man in the question. He recommended everything but the throne! (See details in v.7-9).
He was instructed to get the kings horses and everything else he recommended for Mordecai.
ESTHER CHAPTER 71-10
At the banquet she said “her petition was for her life and her peoples.”
She in wise words told of Haman’s plan to destroy, kill and annihilate the Jewish people.
The king left the table in a rage, Haman went to Esther who was relaxing on the couch, waiting for the king.
The sight was too complex for the king to understand - Haman’s position was too compromising - was he trying to rape the Queen? That was the only conclusion (Read v.8).
It was then revealed that Haman had prepared a 23 meters high pole for Mordecai to be hung.
“ Impale him on it! The king said and it was done.” See v.9-10.
ESTHER CHAPTER 81-17
ESTHER’s Request To Write A Letter To Overturn Haman’s was granted, as she wept at the king's feet. He again put forward the golden scepter and she stood up before him.
He overruled the evil dispatch of Haman against the Jewish people, give her Haman’s estate and
Mordecai was empowered to write in the name of the King with the king’s seal - the signet ring.
FROM INDIA TO CUSH - All 127 Provinces.
He wrote the new order for the Jews and it was sent to all 127 provinces (Read v.11).
Furthermore, they could avenge their enemies.
MORDECAI IN ROYAL ROBES
By the end of the day Mordecai was in royal robes with a crown of gold on his head.
This was celebration time for the Jews.
ESTHER CHAPTER 91-19
The Jews avenged their enemies who had planned and gotten ready under Haman’s management to destroy them.
They assembled afterwards sharing gifts, jubilating, and feasting ( Read v.5, 12-13, 17-19 ).
THE DECREE OF THE QUEEN ESTHER AND MORDECAI HER UNCLE — was sealed for annual celebration of the events of their victory. When the LORD turned their sorrow to joy.
This was called PURIM — PUR means the LOT ( Read v.20, 24, 26, 29-30 ).
ESTHER CHAPTER 101-3
The LORD sustained the king and promoted Mordecai and he became popular.
NIGHT:
“Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping….” v.3.
Honour is biblical, Esther had it smooth in life because she understood honour. She honoured her Uncle, Hegai the kings official, the palace rules, and the king.
She understood his emotions and didn’t toy with them.
Let’s live life with the blessings and the easy wisdom and honour brings.
Psalm 131, Psalm 211
16 TH SEPTEMBER CBC 2022 WITH OLUWATOYIN EMIOLA OJO TAKEN FROM THE BOOK OF EZRA CHAPTER 4-8.
DIFFERENCE.
EZRA CHAPTER 47-23
A NEW KING (ARTAXERXES) AND HIS OFFICIALS STOPS THE REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM. The officials instigated him stating their success will be a reproach to the king — they will stop paying taxes, and tribute. And, that will affect the revenues of the king Artaxerxes. Therefore he ordered the work of building Jerusalem to stop.
EZRA 71-28
Professor Ezra relocated from Babylon back to Jerusalem. He is a lecturer of the law of Moses. Following his decision to move the king Artaxerxes wrote him a letter of authority, commendation and goodwill.
THE ADDRESS OF EZRA “To Ezra the priest, teacher of the law of the God of heaven; Greetings” (v.11). Is a good acknowledgment of difference. Difference does not defile. If we spot the difference then let’s acknowledge it.
I recall winning a spot the difference competition in a National Newspaper Challenge as a child. I was about ten years old, this experience made me keen, I love difference!
The King Authorised Some Freewill Offerings for the building of the LORD’s temple of their God in Jerusalem (v.15-18).
He also stopped the imposed taxes and tribute. He encouraged all who wanted to return with Ezra to do so.
He expressed great reverential fear for the LORD.
He gave them administrative advice and governance guidelines.
Ezra rejoiced - he gave praise to the LORD for such favour (v.27-28).
EZRA CHAPTER 81-36
Find all families that left Babylon with Ezra listed; v.2-14.
EZRA WAS OBSERVANT TO NOTE THAT NO LEVITE WAS AMONG THEM; therefore he put a request forward and some Levites and Temple Attendants were sent and they continued the journey together (v.18-20).
A PRAYER FOR SAFE JOURNEY:- They had fears, the risk include attacks from bandits.
Yet, they had made a boost that the LORD will protect them. Thus Ezra could not go to the king requesting for soldiers (see v.21-22). They fasted and prayed!
ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY:-
Ezra took his learning seriously - by ensuring what is stated in the Laws of the LORD is been done - he ensured what belongs to the LORD of the freewill offerings was given to the priests while in transit. Providing leadership he advised them to ensure the offerings were safe and handed into the treasury of the LORD God in Jerusalem and this was done (Read v.28,31-34).
Are you consciously practicing what you know of God? To create meaning, and to give essence of the Christian act and nature.
THEY ARRIVED JERUSALEM;
And offered sacrifices (Burnt Offerings and Sin Offerings) on the fourth day, after resting for 3 days. v.32-35.
According to the orders of king Artaxerxes; the royal satraps and governors of the Trans-Euphrates supported all the people and the project of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.
NIGHT
“To Ezra the priest, teacher of the law of the God of heaven; Greetings” (711).
Ezra distinguish himself and this was known and his difference brought himself and his God honour.
- Don’t try to hide. Matthew 515
- Don’t serve God with ulterior motives, the commendations will come and it will be unique. Matthew 516
17TH SEPTEMBER CBC 2022 WITH OLUWATOYIN EMIOLA OJO TAKEN FROM THE BOOKS OF EZRA & NEHEMIAH.
A SAD COUNTENANCE.
EZRA CHAPTER 9:1-15
Intermarriage
In this chapter, the leaders acknowledge their sins of intermarriage with unbelieving women of the neighbouring countries and cities — Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites — idol worshiping nations. Since Israel is an holy race Ezra takes the matter up in prayers mourning ( see v.3, 6– ).
EZRA CHAPTER 10:1-17
Smitten by guilt, the people wept knowing that their intermarriage with idol worshiping women and having children with them was wrong. But some leaders are yet committed to their ills. (see v.15).
Ezra decides leaders should meet and deliberate, he schedules a meeting.
The descendants of the priests and peoples of Israel that engaged in intermarriage are listed in v.1844.
NEHEMIAH CHAPTER 1:1-11
NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Nehemiah is the cupbearer to the king — he intercedes in prayer for Israel’s sins as reports were brought to him by his guest ( who were his family members ) that “the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” v.3.
NEHEMIAH 2:1-10
AN UNUSUALLY SAD COUNTENANCE
Nehemiah serves the king wine with an unusual countenance. The King likes Nehemiah’s conduct, therefore noticed the change in his mood. He questions that, asking if Nehemiah was ill? Then Nehemiah told him the report from Jerusalem had saddened him with a burden.
After a talk, the king and the Queen allowed him go for a while back to Jerusalem to fix the ruins stated. Nehemiah asked for letters to the governors of the Trans-Euphrates for the safety of his journey and Asaph keeper of Royal Park for timber supplies which will be needed for the projects. And it was granted (v.8).
SAMBALLAT AND TOBIAH didn’t support Nehemiah (see v.3,19).
Nehemiah left the citadel of Susa where he serves the king for the project he had set his heart to do for the hand of the LORD was upon him. When he arrived, he privately went to inspect the walls and the gates which were in ruins. And afterward contacted all those needed to accomplish his goal.
NIGHT:
Read: 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14
“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers …”
The world is our accommodation. With so much happening in it. Let us be guided by the scriptures in Christ’s name.
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr. Toyin Ojo
Get the book: Toyin Ojo Bible Commentary on Amazon.
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