Day 263 of My 5th bible Study Journey

Day 263, 20 September 2025

1) Esther 6,7,8,9,10 , Ezra 7

Esther 6

The King Honours Mordecai

1 (Est 2:23; Da 6:18) During that night the king could not sleep,
so he ordered that the book of memorable acts (the chronicles) be brought,
and they were read before the king.
2 It was found written that Mordecai had informed on Bigthana and Teresh,
the two eunuchs of the king serving as the keepers of the door,
who had sought to assault King Ahasuerus.
3 (Ecc 9:15) So the king said, "What honour or dignity has been done
for Mordecai as a result of this?"
Then the king's servants attending him said, "Nothing has been done for him."
4 (Est 4:11; 5:14) So the king said, "Who is out in the courtyard?"
Now Haman had just then entered from across the palace courtyard in order
to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows
that he had prepared for him.
5 The king's attendants said to him, "Haman is waiting in the court."
So the king said, "Let him enter."
6 And Haman entered. Now the king said to him, "What should be done
for the man whom the king desires to honour?"
Haman thought in his heart, "Who more than me would the king desire to
 honour?"
7 So Haman answered the king, "For the man whom the king delights to honour,
8 (1Ki 1:33) let royal apparel be brought that the king himself has worn,
and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal insignia
on its head.
9 (Ge 41:43) Let the apparel and horse for this man be handled by
one of the king's noble officials in order to dress the man
whom the king delights to honor, as well as to lead him on horseback
throughout the city. Finally, let him proclaim before him,
'Like this it shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor.'"
10 Then the king said to Haman, "Quickly take the apparel and the horse,
as you have said, and do so for Mordecai, the Jew sitting at the king's
gate. Of everything you have spoken, do not fall short of any of it."
11 So Haman took the apparel and the horse, arrayed Mordecai,
led him on horseback throughout the city, and proclaimed before him,
"Like this it shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor."
12 (2Sa 15:30; Jer 14:3-4) As Mordecai returned again to the king's gate,
Haman hurried to his house, mourning with his head covered.
13 (Pr 28:18) Haman recounted to his wife Zeresh and all his friends
everything that had happened to him.
Then his wise friends and his wife Zeresh said to him, "If Mordecai,
before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish lineage, then you will not be
victorious over him. Rather, you will surely fall before him."
14 (Est 5:8) While they were still talking with him, the king's eunuchs
arrived and rushed Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther 6
[1] On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the
book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
[2] And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh,
two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay
hand on the king Ahasuerus.
[3] And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai
for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is
nothing done for him.
[4] And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the
outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai
on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
[5] And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the
court. And the king said, Let him come in.
[6] So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto
the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart,
To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
[7] And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to
honour,
[8] Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the
horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his
head:
[9] And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the
king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king
delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the
city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the
king delighteth to honour.
[10] Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the
horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth
at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou has spoken.
[11] Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and
brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed
before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to
honour.
[12] And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his
house mourning, and having his head covered.
[13] And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had
befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If
Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall,
thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.
[14] And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains,
and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther 7

Haman Executed

1 So the king and Haman entered to feast and drink with Queen Esther.
2 (Est 5:6; 5:3) The king repeated to Esther what he had said on the previous
day while drinking wine, "For what are you asking, Queen Esther? I
t shall be granted to you. Now, what is your request? Even if it is half
of the kingdom, it will be done!"
3 Queen Esther replied, "If I have found favour in your sight, O king,
and if it pleases the king, at my petition, let my life be given me,
and my people at my request.
4 (Est 3:9; Dt 28:68; Est 3:13) For we have been sold, I and my people,
to be destroyed, to be slain, and to be annihilated. If only we had been
sold as male and female slaves, I could have kept quiet,
for that distress would not be sufficient to trouble the king."
5 Then King Ahasuerus answered and demanded of Queen Esther,
"Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do so?
6 Esther said, "This wicked Haman is the adversary and enemy!"
Then Haman was seized with terror before the king and the queen.
7 (Est 1:12; Pr 19:12) And the king arose from the banquet of wine
in his wrath and went into the palace garden. But Haman remained to plead
for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined
against him by the king.
8 (Est 1:6; 6:12) Now the king returned from the palace garden back
to the hall of the banquet as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was.
Then the king said, "Will he also violate the queen while I am in the room?"
As the shout erupted from the king's mouth, they covered the face of Haman.
9 (Est 5:14; Ps 7:15-16) Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in the king's
presence, said, "The gallows, fifty cubits
[About 75 feet, or 23 meters.] high, which Haman had constructed for Mordecai
(who had spoken good on behalf of the king), stands at the house of Haman."
10 Then the king said, "Hang him on it!" So they hanged Haman on the gallows
that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath was pacified.

Esther 7
[1] So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.
[2] And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of
wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and
what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the
kingdom.
[3] Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy
sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my
petition, and my people at my request:
[4] For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to
perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my
tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.
[5] Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is
he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
[6] And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then
Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.
[7] And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the
palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the
queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.
[8] Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the
banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then
said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the
word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.
[9] And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold
also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who
had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king
said, Hang him thereon.
[10] So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.
Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Esther 8

Esther Saves the Jews

1 (Est 2:7; 2:15) On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house
of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Mordecai came before the king
because Esther disclosed who he was to her.
2 (Est 3:10; Ge 41:42) The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken
away from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther appointed Mordecai
over the house of Haman.
3 Then Esther spoke again to the king and fell down at his feet
and begged him with tears to avert the evil of Haman the Agagite,
and the scheme that he had devised against the Jews.
4 (Est 4:11; 5:2) When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther,
she rose and stood before the king,
5 (Est 7:3) and said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found
favour in his sight, and the idea seems right before the king,
and I have his approval, then let it be written to reverse the letters,
devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote
to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces.
6 (Est 7:4) For how am I able to watch the evil that will unfold against
my people? How can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?"
7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "See,
I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him
on the gallows because he threatened violence against the Jews.
8 (Est 1:19; 3:12) Now, as it suits you, write in the king's name
on behalf of the Jews and seal it with the king's signet ring,
because a document written in the king's name and sealed with the king's
signet ring cannot be repealed."
9 (Est 1:22; 1:1) The king's scribes were summoned at that time,
in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the 23rd day;
and everything was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded,
to the Jews, to the satraps, the governors,
and the princes of the provinces from India to Ethiopia,
127 provinces, to every province in its own script,
to every people in their own language,
and to the Jews in their script and language.
10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king's signet
ring, sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding steeds bred from mares
from the royal stables.
11 (Est 3:13) What the king granted to the Jews in each and every city
was the right to assemble and to defend their lives by annihilating,
slaying, and destroying any army of any people or any province that would
assault them, the little children and women included, and to plunder
their possessions.
12 (Est 9:1) This would happen on one day in all the provinces
of King Ahasuerus, namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month
(which is the month Adar).
13 (Est 3:14) A copy of the edict being issued as law in each
and every province was published to all people, so that the Jews could be
ready for this day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
14 So the couriers riding on royal steeds went out with haste
and urgency by the king's edict. The decree was given at the citadel of Susa.
15 (Ge 41:42; Est 3:15) Mordecai went out from the king's presence
in royal apparel of blue and white, with a large crown of gold,
and with a garment of fine linen and purple.
The city of Susa erupted with shouts of rejoicing.
16 (Ps 97:11) To the Jews belonged light, gladness, joy, and honor.
17 (Est 9:19; Ex 15:16) In each and every province as well as in each
and every city, wherever the king's edict and his decree reached,
the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast, and a holiday.
Furthermore, many of the people of the land professed to be Jews
because the dread of the Jews fell on them.

Esther 8
[1] On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews'
enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther
had told what he was unto her.
[2] And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave
it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
[3] And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet,
and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite,
and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
[4] Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther
arose, and stood before the king,
[5] And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his
sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his
eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of
Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all
the king's provinces:
[6] For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or
how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
[7] Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the
Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have
hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.
[8] Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and
seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's
name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.
[9] 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.
[10] And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's
ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels,
and young dromedaries:
[11] Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather
themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and
to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would
assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for
a prey,
[12] Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the
thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
[13] The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province
was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against
that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
[14] So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened
and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at
Shushan the palace.
[15] And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of
blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine
linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
[16] The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
[17] And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's
commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and
a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of
the Jews fell upon them.

Esther 9

The Jews Destroy Their Enemies

1 (Est 8:12; 3:13) Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar),
on the thirteenth day, when the king's edict and his decree were
to be carried out on the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped
to have power over them, things were turned around. The Jews gained power
over those who hated them.
2 (Est 8:11; 8:17) The Jews had assembled in their cities throughout
all the provinces of King Ahasuerus in order to forcibly assault
those seeking their injury. No man could stand before them
because the dread of them had fallen on all people.
3 (Ezr 8:36) All the rulers of the provinces, and the satraps,
and the governors, and all those doing the work of the king
were helping the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.
4 (2Sa 3:1; 1Ch 11:9) For Mordecai had become great in the king's house,
and his fame went out throughout all the provinces because Mordecai
grew more powerful.
5 So the Jews struck all their enemies by sword, slaughtering
and destroying them, and doing to those who hated them as they pleased.
6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men,
7 along with Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,
8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha,
9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha.
10 (Est 5:11; 8:11) These were the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha,
the enemy of the Jews, whom they killed, but on their plunder none
of the Jews attempted to take it.
11 On that day the number of those who were killed in the citadel of Susa
was reported before the king.
12 (Est 5:6; 7:2) The king said to Queen Esther, "The Jews have slain
and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa and the ten sons
of Haman. What have they done in the rest of the king's provinces?
Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you!
What is your request further? It shall be done!"
13 (Est 8:11; Dt 21:23) Then Esther said, "If it pleases the king,
let it be granted to the Jews in Susa to do again tomorrow
according to this day's decree.
Let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows."
14 So the king commanded that it be so done, and the decree was given
at Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman.
15 (Est 8:11; 9:10) The Jews in Susa assembled again on the fourteenth day
of the month Adar and killed three hundred more there,
but on the plunder no one attempted to take it.
16 (Est 8:11; Lev 26:7-8; Est 9:2) But the rest of the Jews in the king's
provinces assembled to defend their lives. Some had rest from their enemies,
while others killed 75000 of those who hated them, but no one took
from the plunder.
17 (Est 9:1; 9:21) Because this occurred on the thirteenth day
of the month Adar, they rested on the fourteenth day
and made it a day of feasting and rejoicing.

[1] Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day
of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put
in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power
over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule
over them that hated them;)
[2] The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the
provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt:
and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.
[3] And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the
deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of
Mordecai fell upon them.
[4] For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out
throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and
greater.
[5] Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and
slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated
them.
[6] And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.
[7] And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,
[8] And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
[9] And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,
[10] The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews,
slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.
[11] On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace
was brought before the king.
[12] And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and
destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman;
what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy
petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and
it shall be done.
[13] Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews
which are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according unto this day's decree,
and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.
[14] And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at
Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.
[15] For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the
fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at
Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.
[16] But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered
themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their
enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not
their hands on the prey,
[17] On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of
the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

The Feast of Purim Established

18 Because the Jews in Susa had assembled on the thirteenth day
and the fourteenth day of Adar, then on the fifteenth day they rested
and made it a day of feasting and rejoicing.
19 (Est 9:22; Dt 16:11) Therefore, the Jews of the rural areas, who were
living in the villages, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day
of rejoicing and feasting and a special day for sending portions
of food to one another.
20 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout
all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,
21 in order to institute for them the celebration for the fourteenth day
and the fifteenth day of the month of Adar, each and every year,
22 (Ps 30:11; Est 9:19) like the days when the Jews had rest from
their enemies, and like the month when things turned around for them
-changing from sorrow to joy and from mourning into a favorable day-
so that they could celebrate a season of feasting and rejoicing
and sending food portions to one another and gifts to the poor.
23 So the Jews accepted what had begun as tradition as Mordecai had written
to them.
24 Haman, the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews,
had plotted against the Jews to destroy them,
and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and destroy them.
25 (Ps 7:16) But when Esther came before the king, he ordered by letter
that the wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should come
upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
26 (Est 9:20) Therefore, they call these days Purim
on the basis of the name Pur. Furthermore, based on all the information
of this letter, along with what they had seen in this regard
and what had happened to them,
27 (Est 8:17; Isa 56:3) the Jews instituted and accepted as tradition
for themselves, for their descendants, and for all joining with them not
to fail in observing the celebration of these two days as prescribed
and as specified in each and every year.
28 These days should be remembered and celebrated throughout
every generation, every family, province, and city, so that these days
of Purim will not lose their significance among the Jews,
and the commemoration of these days will not cease among their descendants.
29 (Est 9:20; 2:15) Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai
the Jew wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter about Purim.
30 (Est 1:1; 8:9) He sent the letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces
of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with instructions for peace and truth
31 (Est 4:3; 4:16) in order to confirm these days of Purim at their
appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had instituted
for themselves and for their offspring, with the instructions
for their times of fasting and their lamenting.
32 The command of Esther confirmed these traditions of Purim,
and it was written in the book.

[18] But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth
day thereof; and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the
same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
[19] Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns,
made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting,
and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
[20] And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews
that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
[21] To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day
of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
[22] As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month
which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good
day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending
portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
[23] And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had
written unto them;
[24] Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the
Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that
is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
[25] But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his
wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own
head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
[26] Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore
for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning
this matter, and which had come unto them,
[27] The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon
all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they
would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their
appointed time every year;
[28] And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every
generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these
days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them
perish from their seed.
[29] Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew,
wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.
[30] And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and
seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
[31] To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as
Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had
decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and
their cry.
[32] And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was
written in the book.

Esther 10

Mordecai's Greatness

1 (Isa 24:15; Ps 72:10) Then King Ahasuerus charged a tribute on the land
and on the coastal lands of the sea.
2 (Est 2:23; 8:1) 5All the deeds of his power and of his might,
and the detailed record of the greatness of Mordecai,
after the king promoted him, are they not written in the book
of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
3 (Ne 2:10; 2Ch 28:7) Indeed, Mordecai the Jew was second in power
to King Ahasuerus. He was great among the Jews and popular
with many of his countrymen, for he sought favor for his people,
and spoke of peace and prosperity for all of his posterity.

[1] And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles
of the sea.
[2] And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of
the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
[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. 

Ezra 7

The Arrival of Ezra

1 (Ne 2:1; 1Ch 6:4-14) Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes
king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah,
the son of Hilkiah,
2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar,
the son of Aaron the high priest -
6 (Ezr 7:9; 7:11-12) this Ezra went up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled
in the Law of Moses, given by the Lord God of Israel. Because the hand
of the Lord his God was upon him, the king granted him all his requests.
7 (Ezr 8:1-20) Some of the children of Israel, along with some of the priests,
and the Levites, the singers, the porters, and the temple servants,
went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.
8 Ezra arrived at Jerusalem in the fifth month, during the king's seventh year.
9 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 2:8) From the first day of the first month when the journey
from Babylon began, until the first day of the fifth month when he arrived
at Jerusalem, the good hand of his God was upon him.
10 (Dt 33:10; Ezr 7:25) Because Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law
of the Lord, he was doing so and teaching the statutes and judgments in Israel.

[1] Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra
the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
[2] The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
[3] The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
[4] The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
[5] The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of
Aaron the chief priest:
[6] This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of
Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all
his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
[7] And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests,
and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto
Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
[8] And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh
year of the king.
[9] For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from
Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem,
according to the good hand of his God upon him.
[10] For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do
it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

The Letter of Artaxerxes to Ezra

11 Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra
the priest, who was likewise the scribe, the one responsible for the words
of the commandments of the Lord and His statutes to Israel:
12 (Eze 26:7; Da 2:37) "Artaxerxes, king of kings,
"To Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven:
"Perfect peace, and so forth.
13 (Ezr 6:1) "I have issued a decree that all the people of Israel,
and their priests, and the Le­vites in my realm, who are inclined to go up
to Jerusalem, may go with you.
14 (Est 1:14) For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors
to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem in accordance with the Law
of your God which is in your hand,
15 (2Ch 6:2; Ps 135:21) and to carry the silver and gold, which the king
and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation
is in Jerusalem,
16 (1Ch 29:6; 29:9) along with all the silver and gold that you can find
in all the province of Babylon, plus the freewill offering of the people
and priests, who are voluntarily giving for the house of their God
in Jerusalem.
17 (Dt 12:5-11; Nu 15:4-13) Diligently use this money to buy bulls, rams,
lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them
on the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem.
18 "Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest
of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
19 The vessels also that are given to you for the service of the house
of your God, deliver before the God of Jerusalem.
20 (Ezr 6:4) And whatever else is needed for the house of your God
and is your responsibility to provide, use the king's treasury to pay for it.
21 (Ezr 7:6) "I, even I Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree
to all the treasurers of the province Beyond the River, that whatever
Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, should request
from you, you should do it with all diligence-
22 as much as a hundred talents
[About 3 3/4 tons, or 3.4 metric tons.] of silver, a hundred measures
[Likely about 18 tons, or 16 metric tons.] of wheat, a hundred baths
[About 600 gallons, or 2200 litres.] of wine, a hundred baths
[About 600 gallons, or 2200 liters.] of oil, and salt (without prescribing
how much).
23 Whatever is decreed by the God of ­heaven, let it be zealously done
for the house of the God of heaven so as to avoid there being wrath against
the realm of the king and his sons.
24 (Ezr 4:13; 7:7) Also we are informing you that with regard to all
the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants,
or other servants of this house of God, it is not permitted to impose toll,
tribute, or custom on them.
25 (Dt 16:18; Ezr 7:10) "You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God
who empowers you, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people
of the province Beyond the River, all those who know the laws of your God
and those who do not, whom you must teach.
26 (Ezr 6:11) Whoever will not observe the law of your God or the law
of the king, let judgment be executed speedily on him, whether that be death,
banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment."
27 (Ezr 6:22) Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such
a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord
in Jerusalem,
28 (Ezr 9:9; 5:5) and has extended mercy to me before the king,
his counselors, and all the king's mighty princes. Thus I had been
strengthened, because the hand of the Lord my God was upon me.
As a result, I gathered together some of the chief men of Israel
to go up with me.

[11] Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto
Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments
of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.
[12] Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of
the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
[13] I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his
priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to
go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
[14] Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers,
to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God
which is in thine hand;
[15] And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellers
have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
[16] And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of
Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests,
offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:
[17] That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs,
with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the
altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
[18] And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with
the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.
[19] The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of
thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.
[20] And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which
thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure
house.
[21] And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the
treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the
scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done
speedily,
[22] Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat,
and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt
without prescribing how much.
[23] Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done
for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against
the realm of the king and his sons?
[24] Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites,
singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not
be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
[25] And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set
magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the
river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know
them not.
[26] And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king,
let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to
banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
[27] Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as
this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in
Jerusalem:
[28] And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellers,
and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand
of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief
men to go up with me.

2) Our Daily Bread for 20 September 2024 titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/
devotional-category/the-sweetness-of-scripture"> 
The Sweetness of Scripture </a>

Psalm 19:7-14

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) The law of the Lord is perfect,
converting the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) the statutes of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) More to be desired are they than gold,
yes, than much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Moreover by them is Your servant warned,
and by keeping them comes great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be upright
and innocent from great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

[7] The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of
the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
[8] The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment
of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
[9] The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the
LORD are true and righteous altogether.
[10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
[11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is
great reward.
[12] Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
[13] Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have
dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the
great transgression.
[14] Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be
acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

On September 22, 1959, a devotional article appeared in Our Daily Bread 
written by Dr. M. R. DeHaan. He wrote about how he yearned for a box 
of Cracker Jack candied popcorn. His intention was to relate it to the 
yearning for the Scriptures. But to his surprise, a few weeks later, 
boxes upon boxes of Cracker Jack popcorn began arriving at his office.
 His desire for Cracker Jack was satisfied by the loyal readers 
 of his devotional.

Letting the practice of regular immersion in Scripture slip away 
is always easy. That's why we need to yearn for something "sweeter 
than honey" (Psalm 19:10). The psalmist David encourages us to know that 
God's words are "perfect, refreshing the soul"; they're "trustworthy"
and full of wisdom (v. 7). He explains that "the precepts of the Lord 
are right, giving joy to the heart" (v. 8).

Dr. DeHaan encouraged readers to make interaction with the Scriptures a habit,
something they craved each day, just like sweet popcorn. It's vital for us as 
well to develop a habit of meditating and reflecting on the Bible, 
and responding to its truths, in a regular manner. As God helps us, 
let's be like David, who said, "May these words of my mouth 
and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight" (v. 14).

Reflect & Pray

How "sweet" is the Bible to you each day? How can you share with others 
that the Scriptures are more precious than gold?

Dear God, thank You for Your Scriptures, 
for they point me to Jesus. Please help me be engaged
 with them each day so I’m reminded of Your truth.

<a href="https://reclaimtoday.org/a-prayer-before-reading-the-bible/">
Discover more about A Prayer Before Reading the Bible, 
written by Reclaim Today.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 7 - The Cost of Wisdom

Proverbs 4:4,7

Proverbs 4

4 (Pr 7:2; Eph 6:4) He also taught me and said to me,
"Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live.
7 (Mt 13:44-46) Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.
And with all your getting, get understanding. "

4 He taught me also, and said unto me,
Let thine heart retain my words:
Keep my commandments, and live.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:
And with all thy getting get understanding.

Establishing priorities is a popular topic of conversation in our
generation. We carry appointment calendars and attend goal-setting
strategy seminars. We let machines answer our telephones so that
we won't miss any important messages, or so that we can screen calls
before we answer them. We order our lives so that we can "get ahead".
"Getting ahead" in God's kingdom, however, involves other priorities
than the ones we may set for ourselves. "Wisdom is supreme," the
principal thing, says Proverbs 4:7, "Get wisdom. Though it cost
all you have, get understanding."
Wisdom is defined as "an understanding of what is true, right, or lasting."
Biblical wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts about God and his
teaching, but the application of those truths of life, taking on
the character of God as we mature in the image of Christ.
Such wisdom may, indeed, come at great cost. Jesus calls us to "lay
down our lives" to follow him - perhaps not literally to die, but to die
to self-centered priorities, to allow the Holy Spirit to establish
his value system in us.
"Keep my commandments and you will live," Proverbs 4:4 says. Real life -
rich, fulfilling, significant, abundant life - comes only through union
with God. The success offered by the world, the acclaim of others, material
prosperity and convenience cannot satisfy us once we have tasted
the joy of life with God in Christ.

Application

a) What does "getting wisdom" means to me?

b) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on the priorities and values of the Lord? 


4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Is 55:11

11 (Isa 45:23; 46:10) so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:

When you are ill or injured

James 5:13-16

13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering?
Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you?
Let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save
the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
And if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.
Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church;
and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise
him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer

Matthew 6:9-13 

9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: 
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)

Nova Scotia

Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629

With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations

- in and around Halifax and other cities

- on university campuses

- for new workers among Muslims

- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.

- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them

- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims

Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.

Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.

while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.

Adding further

30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) 


7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

20th Day of the Month

a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.

( Matthew 19:14

14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

)

b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.

(

Eph 6:12

12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.

)

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to receive people in the name if the Lord. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for Your Scriptures, 
for they point me to Jesus. Please help me be engaged
 with them each day so I’m reminded of Your truth."

Pray to the Lord and pray to get Wisdom from the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord Word will not return void .

Pray to the Lord and pray for true heakling trough confession.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations

- in and around Halifax and other cities

- on university campuses

- for new workers among Muslims

- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.

- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them

- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims

Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people - 
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims 
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! 

Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.

Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.

As Bibles are restricted, Pray that every believer in Libya will have access
to their own copy of God's word.

Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
-- 
Member - Liberal International This is [email protected] Ici [email protected]
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
All I want to hear from JEsus Christ is WEll done Good and Faithful servant