Day 263 of My 4th Bible Study Journey

Day 263, 19 September 2024 

1) Esther 1,2,3,4,5

Esther 1

Queen Vashti Deposed

1(Est 8:9; Ezr 4:6; Da 6:1) Now in the days of Ahasuerus, also called Xerxes,
who reigned from India to Ethiopia, over 127 provinces,
2 (Ne 1:1; 1Ki 1:46) in those days, the palace where King Ahasuerus sat
on the royal throne of his kingdom was in Susa.
3 (Est 2:18; 1Ki 3:15) In the third year of his reign, he prepared
a feast for all his officials and his servants. So the army commanders
of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials of the provinces
were before him.
4 He unveiled the riches of his glorious kingdom and the costly luxury
of his greatness for many days, 180 days.
5 (Est 7:7-8) When these days were completed, the king prepared
a seven-day feast for all the people present, from the greatest to the least,
in the citadel of Susa. This feast was in the courtyard garden
of the king's palace
6 (Eze 23:41; Am 6:4) where white and blue linen hangings were fastened
with cords of white and purple linen to silver rings and columns of marble.
The gold- and silver-plated couches were on a mosaic pavement of porphyry,
marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
7 They provided drinks in golden vessels (the vessels being diverse one
from another) and royal wine in abundance, by the expense of the king.
8 In accordance with the law, the drinking was not mandatory,
because the king had directed all the stewards of his house
to serve according to every man's pleasure.
9 Additionally, Vashti the queen prepared a feast for the women
in the royal house of King Ahasuerus.
10 (Jdg 16:25; Est 7:9) On the seventh day, when the heart of the king
was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha,
Zethar, and Karkas, the seven eunuchs attending
to the needs of King Ahasuerus,
11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with the royal crown,
to unveil her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful.
12 (Pr 19:12) But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command
delivered by his eunuchs. Therefore, the king grew very angry, and his wrath
burned within him.
13 (1Ch 12:32; Jer 10:7) Then the king spoke to the wise men, who understood
the times (for in this way the king would speak before all who understood
law and judgment).
14 (2Ki 25:19; Ezr 7:14) Those nearest him were Karshena, Shethar, Admatha,
Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan. They were the seven princes of Persia
and Media and the king's closest confidants who met with the king
and held the highest rank in the kingdom.
15 "According to law, what should be done about Queen Vashti
because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus
when it was delivered by the eunuchs?"
16 And Memukan answered before the king and the princes, "Queen Vashti
has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the people
who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.
17 For should this matter of the queen spread to all wives, then they would
look with contempt on their husbands when it is reported that,
'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him,
but she never came.'
18 This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media, who hear
of the queen's act, will say the same thing to all the king's princes.
Then there will be more contempt and wrath.
19 (Est 8:8) "If it pleases the king, let a royal decree be sent by him,
and let it be written in the laws of the Persians and the Medes,
that it may not be altered, that Vashti can never enter
into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and that the king will give
her royal position to another woman who is better than she.
20 (Col 3:18; Eph 5:33) When the king's decree that he shall make
is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is vast), then all
the wives shall give honor to their husbands, both the prominent and lowly."
21 The suggestion pleased the king and the princes, so the king did according
to the word of Memukan.
22 (Est 3:12; 8:9; Eph 5:22-24) He sent letters to all the king's provinces,
in the script of every province and in the language of every people group,
bearing the message in the languages of his people that each man should rule
over his own house.

Esther 1
[1] Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus
which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven
and twenty provinces:)
[2] That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his
kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
[3] In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes
and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes
of the provinces, being before him:
[4] When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his
excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
[5] And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the
people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small,
seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
[6] Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine
linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of
gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black,
marble.
[7] And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse
one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of
the king.
[8] And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the
king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do
according to every man's pleasure.
[9] Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house
which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he
commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas,
the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
[11] To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew
the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
[12] But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his
chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
[13] Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was
the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
[14] And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the
king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
[15] What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she
hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
[16] And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen
hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to
all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
[17] For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that
they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported,
The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him,
but she came not.
[18] Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the
king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there
arise too much contempt and wrath.
[19] If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and
let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be
not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the
king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
[20] And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published
throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to
their husbands honour, both to great and small.
[21] And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did
according to the word of Memucan:
[22] For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province
according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language,
that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be
published according to the language of every people.

Esther 2

Esther Becomes Queen

1 (Est 7:10) After these things, as the rage of King Ahasuerus abated,
he became mindful of Vashti, what she had done
and what was decreed against her.
2 (1Ki 1:2) So the king's servants who attended him said,
"Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king!
3 (Est 1:1-2) Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces
of his kingdom so that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins
to the citadel of Susa, to the harem under the custody of Hegai the king's
eunuch, who is in charge of the harem, and let ointments and cosmetics
be given to them.
4 May the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti."
And the idea pleased the king, so he acted accordingly.
5 (1Sa 9:1) Now in the citadel of Susa, there was
a certain Jew named Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei,
the son of Kish, a Benjamite.
6 (2Ki 24:14-15; 2Ch 36:20) He had been taken away from Jerusalem
among the exiles and carried into captivity along with King Jeconiah
of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
7 (Est 2:15) He was the guardian of Hadassah, that is Esther
(who was his uncle's daughter) because she had neither father nor mother.
The young woman was lovely to look at and beautiful in form.
When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
8 (Est 2:3) When the king's notice and his decree were heard,
many young women were then gathered to the citadel of Susa and placed under
the custody of Hegai. Esther was likewise brought to the king's house
and placed under the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the harem.
9 (Est 2:3; 2:12) Because the young lady appeared pleasing to him
and had gained favor in his sight, he quickly gave her the ointments
and cosmetics, her allotted food, and seven young chosen women from
the king's palace. He also transferred her and her young women
to the best place of the harem.
10 (Est 2:20) Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage
because Mordecai had charged her not to disclose it.
11 Every day Mordecai walked around the courtyard of the harem
to find out how Esther fared and what might be done with her.
12 The turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus,
after being twelve months under the regulations for the women,
since this was the regular period of their beautifying,
six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices
and ointments for women. 13When the young woman went in to the king
in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her
from the harem to take to the king's palace.
14 (Est 4:11) In the evening she went in, and in the morning
she returned to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz,
the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines.
She did not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her
and called for her by name.
15 (Est 9:29) When the turn came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail
the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to
the king, she asked for nothing except what theking's eunuch Hegai,
who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther obtained favor in the sight
of all who saw her.
16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus at his royal house in the month
of Tebeth, which is the tenth month, in the seventh year of his reign.
17 (Est 1:11) The king loved Esther more than any other woman
because she had gained grace and favor in his sight more
than all the virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head
and made her queen instead of Vashti.
18 The king held a great feast for all his officials and servants.
It was a feast for Esther. He remitted his provinces from tax payments
and gave gifts according to his royal generosity.

Esther 2
[1] After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he
remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
[2] Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be
fair young virgins sought for the king:
[3] And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom,
that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the
palace, to the house of the women unto the custody of Hege the king's
chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be
given them:
[4] And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti.
And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
[5] Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was
Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
[6] Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had
been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king
of Babylon had carried away.
[7] And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for
she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom
Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
[8] So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was
heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace,
to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house,
to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
[9] And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he
speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged
to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the
king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the
house of the women.
[10] Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had
charged her that she should not shew it.
[11] And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to
know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
[12] Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after
that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for
so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months
with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things
for the purifying of the women;)
[13] Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was
given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.
[14] In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second
house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain,
which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the
king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
[15] Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of
Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the
king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper
of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all
them that looked upon her.
[16] So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the
tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
[17] And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace
and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal
crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
[18] Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants,
even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts,
according to the state of the king.

Mordecai Uncovers a Plot

19 (Est 2:21; 2:3-4) At the second gathering of the virgins, Mordecai
was sitting at the king's gate.
20 (Est 2:10) Esther had not yet disclosed her lineage or her people,
since Mordecai had so commanded her. Esther followed the command
of Mordecai just as she had when under his protection.
21 (Est 6:2) During those days when Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate,
two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who served as keepers
of the door, became angry and sought to attack King Ahasuerus.
22 (Est 6:1-2) But the matter became known to Mordecai, and he reported it
to Queen Esther, and Esther reported it to the king in the name of Mordecai.
23 (Ge 40:19; Est 10:2) When the matter was investigated and confirmed,
both men were hanged on the gallows, and it was written in the book
of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

[19] And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then
Mordecai sat in the king's gate.
[20] Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had
charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she
was brought up with him.
[21] In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's
chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth,
and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
[22] And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen;
and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.
[23] And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out;
therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the
book of the chronicles before the king.

Esther 3

Haman Plots to Destroy the Jews

1 (Est 5:11; Nu 24:7) After these things King Ahasuerus praised Haman
the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and promoted him, and set his seat
above all the officials who were with him.
2 (Est 2:19) All the king's servants, when they were at the king's gate,
bowed or paid homage to Haman since the king had commanded it.
Mordecai, however, never bowed or paid homage.
3 (Est 3:2) So the king's servants tending the king's gate said to Mordecai,
"Why are you transgressing the king's commandment?'
4 (Ge 39:10) Though they spoke to him daily, he never listened to them,
so they reported it to Haman to see if the words of Mordecai would stand,
for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.
5 (Est 5:9; 3:2) When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed
nor paid him homage, he was filled with rage.
6 (Ps 83:4) But he disdained to lay hands on only Mordecai,
since they had told him of the people of Mordecai.
So Haman sought to destroy all the Jews throughout the whole kingdom
of Ahasuerus.
7 (Ezr 6:15; Est 9:24-26) In the first month, which is the month Nisan,
in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, cast lots)
before Haman daily, and each month, until the twelfth month,
which is the month Adar, to determine the time.
8 (Ac 16:20-21; Ezr 4:12-15) Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus,
"There exists a scattered people dispersed among the other peoples
in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different
from all others, and they are not complying with the king's laws,
so there may not be a suitable reason for the king to allow them to exist.
9 If it pleases the king, may it be written that they are to be destroyed,
and may there be ten thousand talents [About 75 feet, or 23 meters.]
of silver deposited into the king's treasuries so that I may distribute
it to the hands of those doing the work."
10 (Ge 41:42; Est 7:6) The king took his signet ring from his hand
and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite,
the enemy of the Jews.
11 The king said to Haman, "The silver has been granted to you,
as have the people, so do with each as it pleases you."
12 (1Ki 21:8; Est 1:22) Then the king's scribes were summoned
on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written
just as Haman had commanded to the king's satraps
and to the governors over each province and to the officials
of all peoples and to every province according to its own script,
and to every people in their language. It was written
in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring.
13 (2Ch 30:6; Est 9:10) The letters were sent by mounted couriers
into all the king's provinces to cause the destruction, slaughter,
and annihilation of all Jews, both young and old, little children and women,
in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar,
and even to plunder their possessions.
14 (Est 8:13-14) A copy of the document, issued as law in every province,
was proclaimed, calling for all people to be ready for the day.
15 (Est 8:15) The couriers went out, being hastened by the king's command.
At the citadel of Susa, when the decree was issued, the king and Haman
sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in uproar.

Esther 3
[1] After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of
Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the
princes that were with him.
[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.
[3] Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto
Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?
[4] Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened
not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would
stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
[5] And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then
was Haman full of wrath.
[6] And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed
him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews
that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of
Mordecai.
[7] In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of
king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to
day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month
Adar.
[8] And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered
abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom;
and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's
laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
[9] If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and
I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have
the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
[10] And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the
son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
[11] And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people
also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
[12] Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first
month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto
the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province,
and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing
thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king
Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
[13] And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to
destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old,
little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the
twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a
prey.
[14] The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province
was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
[15] The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and
the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat
down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

Esther 4
Esther Helps the Jews
1 (2Sa 1:11; 13:19) When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore
his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst
of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry.
2 He went as far as the king's gate because no one was allowed to enter
into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
3 (Isa 58:5; Da 9:3) In each and every province where the king's command
and his decree came there was great mourning among the Jews,
and fasting, and weeping, and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 So the young women of Esther and her eunuchs came and told her of it.
The queen was then seized by anguish. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai
so that he could remove his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.
5 So Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king's eunuchs appointed
to attend her, and commanded him concerning Mordecai to
learn what this was about and why.
6 So Hathak went out to where Mordecai was in the area of the city
in front of the king's gate.
7 Mordecai told him about all that had happened to him
and about the sum of silver that Haman had promised to pay to the king's
treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.
8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa
concerning their destruction so he could show Esther, tell her about it,
and then charge her to go to the king in order to gain him favor with the king
and to make requests in the presence of the king for her people.
9 Hathak returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10 Again Esther spoke to Hathak and ordered him to reply to Mordecai:
11 (Est 5:1-2; 8:4) "All the king's servants and the people of the king's
provinces know that whoever, whether man or woman, wishes to come to the king
at the inner court but has not been summoned, there is one law-to put him
to death-unless for some reason the king should hold out the golden scepter
so that he might live. I, however, have not been summoned to come to the king
for these thirty days."
12 So all the words of Esther were told to Mordecai.
13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think that
in the king's palace you will be more likely to escape
than all the other Jews.
14 For if you remain silent at this time, protection and deliverance
for the Jews will be ordained from some other place, but you
and your father's house shall be destroyed. And who knows if you may have
attained royal position for such a time as this?"
15 Then Esther replied, sending back to Mordecai:
16 (Ge 43:14; Est 5:1) "Go, gather all the Jews who can be found in Susa,
then fast for me. Stop eating and drinking for three days, night or day.
I and my young women will fast likewise. Only then would I dare go
to the king since it is not allowed by law, and if I perish, I perish."
17 So Mordecai went away and did exactly as Esther had commanded him.

Esther 4
[1] When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes,
and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city,
and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
[2] And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the
king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
[3] And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his
decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and
weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
[4] So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was
the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and
to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.
[5] Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he
had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to
know what it was, and why it was.
[6] So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was
before the king's gate.
[7] And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum
of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the
Jews, to destroy them.
[8] Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at
Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her,
and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication
unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
[9] And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
[10] Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
[11] All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do
know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into
the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to
death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that
he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these
thirty days.
[12] And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.
[13] Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that
thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
[14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there
enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou
and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art
come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
[15] Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
[16] Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast
ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my
maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not
according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
[17] So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had
commanded him. 

Esther 5

Queen Esther's Banquet

1 (Est 4:16; 6:4) On the third day, Esther put on her royal apparel
and positioned herself in the king's palace courtyard so that she would
be directly in line with the part of the king's throne room where the king
sat facing the entrance of the room on his royal throne in the royal hall.
2 (Est 4:11; 8:4) When the king saw Queen Esther standing quietly
out in the courtyard, she gained favor in his sight, so the king held out
the golden scepter in his hand to Esther.
Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.
3 (Est 7:2; Mk 6:23) And the king said to her, "Queen Esther,
what do you want? What is your request? Even if it is up to half
of the kingdom, it will be given to you."
4 (Est 5:8) Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king
and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for him."
5 (Est 6:14) Then the king said, "Quickly bring Haman so that
we may accept the invitation of Esther."
So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
6 (Est 7:2; 5:3; 9:12) While drinking wine the king said to Esther,
"For whatever you ask, it shall be granted you. So, what is your request?
Even if it is for as much as half of the kingdom, it shall be done."
7 Then Esther replied and said, "This is my petition and request.
8 (Est 7:3; 8:5) If I have won the king's favor, and if it pleases
the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request,
then let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare
for them, and tomorrow I will do what the king says."

[1] Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal
apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the
king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house,
over against the gate of the house.
[2] And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court,
that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the
golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the
top of the sceptre.
[3] Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is
thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
[4] And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and
Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
[5] Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther
hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
[6] And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy
petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the
half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
[7] Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
[8] If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the
king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman
come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as
the king hath said.

Haman's Plan to Destroy Mordecai

9 (Est 3:5) Haman left that day joyfully and with a glad heart, but when Haman
saw Mordecai at the king's gate, that he neither stood up nor trembled because
of him, then Haman was full of indignation against Mordecai.
10 (Est 6:13) Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself, and when he came to his
home, he sent for his friends and for his wife Zeresh.
11 (Est 9:7-10; 3:1) Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches,
his many children, and everything about him the king had praised,
and how he had promoted him over the princes and servants of the king.
12 Then Haman continued, "Indeed, Queen Esther brought to the banquet
she had prepared no one but the king and me, and tomorrow I am again invited
by her with the king.
13 Yet for all this, I am not satisfied whenever I see Mordecai
the Jew sitting at the king's gate."
14 (Est 6:4; 1Ki 21:7) Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends
suggested to him, "Let a gallows fifty cubits
[About 75 feet, or 23 meters.] tall be constructed,
and in the morning ask the king if Mordecai can be hanged on it.
Then go merrily with the king to the banquet."
And the suggestion pleased Haman, so he had the gallows constructed.

[9] Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when
Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for
him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
[10] Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent
and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
[11] And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of
his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how
he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
[12] Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with
the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am
I invited unto her also with the king.
[13] Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew
sitting at the king's gate.
[14] Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows
be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that
Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto
the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be
made. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 19 September 2024 titled 
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/09/19/finding-wise-joy"> Finding Wise Joy </a>

PSALMS 16

A Miktam of David.

1 Preserve me, O God,
for in You I take refuge.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord;
my welfare has no existence outside of You."
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5 ) For the holy ones who are in the land,
they are the majestic ones; in them is all my delight.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8 ) Those who chase after other gods,
their sorrows will be multiplied;
their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
nor lift their names on my lips.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup;
You support my lot.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
yes, an inheritance is beautiful for me.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
my affections also instruct me in the night seasons.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I have set the Lord always before me;
because He is at my right hand,
I will not be moved.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
my flesh also will rest in security.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17 ) For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
nor will You suffer Your godly one to see corruption.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) You will make known to me the path of life;
in Your presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalms 16
[1] Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
[2] O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness
extendeth not to thee;
[3] But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom
is all my delight.
[4] Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their
drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my
lips.
[5] The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou
maintainest my lot.
[6] The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly
heritage.
[7] I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct
me in the night seasons.
[8] I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I
shall not be moved.
[9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall
rest in hope.
[10] For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption.
[11] Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

The pandemic was winning. That's how it looked to Jason Persoff, an emergency 
room doctor at a large hospital committed to saving patients with Covid. How 
could he give his best? During off hours, he relaxed by taking enlarged photos
of something small-individual snowflakes. It "sounds crazy," says Dr. Persoff.
But finding joy in something small but beautiful is "an opportunity to bond 
with my Creator and also to see the world in a way that few people take the 
time to notice."

Wisely looking for such joy-to ease stress and build resilience-is a high 
value in the medical profession, the doctor said. But for everyone, he has 
this advice: "You've got to breathe. You have got to find a way to take 
a breath and enjoy life."

David the psalmist expressed this thought in Psalm 16 as he declared 
the wisdom of finding joy in God. "Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup,"
he wrote. "Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also 
will rest secure" (vv. 5, 9).

There are many unwise things people do as they try to decompress. Dr. Persoff 
found the wise path-one that pointed him to the Creator, who offers us the joy
of His presence. "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with
joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (v. 11). 
In Him, we find joy evermore.

By:  Patricia Raybon

Reflect & Pray

How does finding wise joy bless your life? As you 
read Psalm 16, how can it inspire you to name the ways you find joy in God?

In my life's journey, O God, please bless me to wisely 
find joy that starts with You.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 5 Called by Name

Isaiah 43:1

1 But now, thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob,
and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not:
for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Eric, age 4, somehow lost his mother in a large and busy department store.
Found sobbing under a coat rack, the boy tried to tell the security guard
where he was when he got separated from his mother. Finally the guard said,
"what's your name, Son? Who do you belong to?"
The child brightened a bit, gave the guard his name, and within minutes
the frantic mother was reunited with her lost son.
One of the first questions we are asked, both as children and adults, is
"What is your name?" - that is, "Who are you? Who do you belong to?"
Children bear the name of their parents, and most women,
except for professional reasons,
take the name of their husbands when they marry.
Our names are our primary method of identification;
they connect us with our heritage and those we love.
In Isaiah 43:1, God declares that we belong to him.
The Lord who created us and formed us says,
"I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine." God's
right of ownership in our lives extends beyond the bond of family and friends,
of parent, child, or spouse. We belong first to him;
we are called by him into oneness with him.
The Scripture is filled with images of the Lord's care for us;
when we are lost, he does
not wait for us to find him,
but takes the initiative, like a loving parent
to seek us out. That declaration of belonging can give us
a strong sense of security in our lives. God loves us;
he will never let us go.

Application

a) What experiences have I had of being lost of abandoned?

b) How can today's verse help me find security in belonging to God? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Gen 26:12-14

12 (Ge 26:3; 24:1) Then Isaac sowed in that land
and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; the Lord blessed him.
13 The man became rich and continued to prosper until he became very wealthy.
14 (Ge 37:11; Ecc 4:4) For he had possessions of flocks and herds
and a great number of servants so that the Philistines envied him.

12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year
an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
13 And the man waxed great, and went forward,
and grew until he became very great:
14 for he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds,
and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

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

God's Unfailing Love

Ps 36:5-9

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens,
and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Your righteousness is like the great mountains,
Your judgments like the great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) How excellent is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore mankind seeks refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) They will drink their fill
from the abundance of Your house,
and You will cause them to drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) For with You is the fountain of life;
in Your light we see light.

5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
And thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains;
Thy judgments are a great deep:
O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house;
And thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.

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

19th Day of the Month

a) Pray the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders
as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society

(

1 Tim 2:1-2

)

b) Pray for the province of Prince Edward Island

I) Pray for the leaders of Prince Edward Island,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth.

)

II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.

III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

)

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to expose injustice. 

Pray to the Lord: "In my life's journey, O God, please bless me to wisely 
find joy that starts with You."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know that you belong to the Lord the Creator.

Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the blessings of Isaac.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as the Lord of Life.

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 the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders
as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society

Pray forthe Gospel message to be proclaimed and believers discipled
without interference of Communist officials in China.

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 ;