Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 10:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 10:3

"For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed."

I had to up the chronology of the Old Testament to see when Esther and king Ahasuerus lived. I found them in 486 BC. It wasn't until 444 BC that Nehemiah is appointed governor of Judea. That is when the return of the Jews and the temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt. I wonder if the story of Esther and with Mordecai being placed next to king Ahasuerus had anything to do with the favorable return of the Jews to Jerusalem. Seeing that the Old Testament books are not in chronological order I would have never know that the book of Nehemiah would have come after the book of Esther.

Day 2595

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 3:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 3:2

"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."

I was always stuck on why Mordecai would not bow down to Haman. It was not like he was worshipping him as a god. I always thought of him in proud defiance. It wasn't until I read the Apocrypha and the additional chapters of Esther that I understood.

"Thou knowest all things, and thou knowest, Lord, that it was neither in contempt nor pride, nor for any desire of glory, that I did not bow down to proud Aman.

For I could have been content with good will for the salvation of Israel to kiss the soles of his feet.

But I did this, that I might not prefer the glory of man above the glory of God: neither will I worship any but thee, O God, neither will I do it in pride."

(Old Testament Apocrypha, Greek Additions to Esther, Chapter 13:12-14)

Mordecai act was not out of pride, it was out of what was in his heart. It makes me think of those that object to things. The greater question is if the stand they take is out of pride or contempt, or from what is in their heart.

Day 2588

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 10:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 10:3
"For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed."

This is the end of the book of Esther. The ending tribute is to Mordecai. I thought back on his words to Esther "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Could not the same be said of Mordecai? If not for his guidance is raising Esther, and his counsel he gave to her, she may have never fulfilled her role. Mordecai is such an example of courage and how he would not bow to Haman, even if the offense could mean his death. I'm sure Esther saw examples of Mordecia's courage while he raised her. Yes, Esther wouldn't have been an Esther if Mordecai was not there by her side. I don't think anyone ever rises to greatness on their own. We all have such an effect on each other. It is coordinated through the hands of God.


Day 1011