This doesn’t seem like a proper title for a Christian blog. However, when you finish reading perhaps you too will come to understand why playing this is game was important to our Jewish friends.
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, had destroyed the holy temple in Jerusalem and thousands of Jews were taken back to Babylon as captives. Then the Persians came along and took control. Thousands of Jews now lived in a foreign nation. Many years had passed. Most kept the commandments given to Moses while still adapting to their new way of life. They became prosperous and were accepted in this new society, although they continued to live in their own separate communities. Now the book of Esther.
Persia was one of the most outstanding societies of the day. It was famous for its wealth, great buildings and libraries….think New York City.
The book of Esther is unique in that the writer never mentions God, although He is there working behind the scenes and always in control. Most of us know the story how Esther saves her people from annihilation. Hence, the festival of Purim, which celebrates Israel’s survival and God’s faithfulness.
Purim will be celebrated on March 11-12, in most Jewish communities. It is a joyous festival. Special meals will be served; there will be giving of gifts and costume parties for the kids and grownups. It’s a great story but perhaps a little background would help.
Many of the Jews had returned to Israel under the decree of Cyrus. There, with Nehemiah and Ezra, guiding the people, those that had returned were rebuilding the temple and walls surrounding Jerusalem. However, many of the Jewish people were satisfied staying in Persia where they were well treated and had made their lives. Perhaps they had become too complacent and satisfied and felt that life was better here in Persia than trying to rebuild what was left of their homeland. Enter Esther.
Her cousin, or adopted father, Mordecai, was one of those who did not return to “the land”. He apparently had a job within the court as a public servant. He and Hadassah (Esther) lived in their own community and were happy. However, now enters Haman, the really bad guy. He and his ancestors were also taken in captivity along with the Jews. He was an Amalekite. These people were always enemies of the Jews and now that his hated enemies were regaining old territorial sites in Jerusalem, he was determined to destroy the Jewish community that remained in Persia.
Apparently he was a confidant of the Xerxes (or Ahasuerus) and a trusted advisor. Turmoil surrounded the empire and at court. There were betrayals within the ruling families; outbreak of wars in the empire; new enemies on every front. The king was always on guard and apparently Haman had endeared himself within the court itself and exerted great influence. He now saw an opportunity to take revenge upon the Jews who had remained in Persia. Since the many of Haman’s people lived in Persia also, we can imagine there were skirmishes in the cities where both groups lived.
Mordecai must have foreseen problems brewing and urged his daughter to join the harem of the king’s court. Xerxes was out for a new wife and just perhaps this beautiful young Jewish girl might be chosen. Indeed she was chosen, but was told not to reveal her identity to anyone. Without the intervention of Esther, the Jewish community would have been destroyed. Haman had persuaded the king that these people might easily become enemies and needed to be eliminated.
So what about the dice? Haman had determined with the roll of the dice on what day the Persian army along his own people would destroy the Jews.
You know the rest of the story and what a wonderful story it is. I hope this blog will inspire you to read the book of Esther again and do a little research on your own.
As I reread this story I realized that there are still “Hamans” who want to destroy us and our faith. Have we become too complacent with our own lives or too contented with the status quo? Are we facing a day when our faith will become a matter of life or death? There are more Christian martyrs today than ever before. Would you be willing to give up your life or the life of your family to remain faithful?
There is more to this story. Call this the first installment.
AbideLines 