Day 264 of My 4th Bible Study Journey

Day 264, 20 September 2024 

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

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.

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.

[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.
[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. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 20 September 2024 titled
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/09/20/gods-justice-and-grace"> 
God's Justice and Grace </a>

Nahum 1:1-8,15

Nahum 1
1 (Isa 13:1; Zep 2:13) An oracle for Nineveh, a writing of the vision
of Nahum, the Elkoshite.

God's Anger With Nineveh

2 (Ex 20:5; Ps 94:1; Zec 8:2) The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
the Lord avenges and is furious.
The Lord takes vengeance on His enemies,
and He reserves it for His adversaries;
3 (Ex 34:6-7; Ne 9:17) the Lord is slow to anger and great in power,
and the Lord will in no way acquit the guilty.
In gale winds and a storm is His way,
and clouds are the dust of His feet.
4 (Isa 33:9; Ps 106:9) He rebukes and dries up the sea,
and He makes waterless all the rivers.
Bashan and Carmel wither up,
and the sprout of Lebanon wastes away.
5 (Mic 1:4; 2Sa 22:8 )The mountains quake before Him,
and the hills melt;
the land rises up before Him,
the earth and everything that dwells on it.
6 (Mal 3:2; Jer 10:10) Who can stand before His anger?
Who will rise up before His burning wrath?
His heat is poured out like fire,
and the rocks are broken up before Him.
7 (Ps 1:6; Jer 33:11) The Lord is good,
a stronghold in the day of distress;
and He knows those who take refuge in Him.
8 (Isa 8:22; 28:17) As a flood running forth,
He will bring to an end the distress,
and He will pursue His adversaries into darkness.
15 (Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15) Look, on the mountains
come the feet of him who brings good news,
who proclaims peace!
Make your feasts, O Judah,
and complete your vows.
For the wicked one will never again pass through your midst;
he is completely cut down.

[1] The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
[2] God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is
furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth
wrath for his enemies.
[3] The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all
acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm,
and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
[4] He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers:
Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.
[5] The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned
at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
[6] Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the
fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are
thrown down by him.
[7] The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth
them that trust in him.
[8] But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place
thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
[9] What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end:
affliction shall not rise up the second time.
[15] Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings,
that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows:
for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off. 

English Romantic painter John Martin (1789-1854) is known for his apocalyptic 
landscapes depicting the destruction of civilisations. In these fantastic 
scenes, humans are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the destruction and 
powerless against the approaching doom. One painting, The Fall of Nineveh, 
depicts people fleeing the coming destruction of mounting waves under dark 
rolling clouds. 

More than two thousand years before Martin's painting, the prophet Nahum 
prophesied against Nineveh foretelling its judgment. The prophet used 
images of mountains quaking, hills melting, and the earth trembling 
(Nahum 1:5) to symbolise God's wrath on those who'd oppressed others 
for their own gain. However, God's response to sin is not without grace. 
While Nahum reminds his listeners of God’s power, he notes that He is 
"slow to anger" (v. 3) and "cares for those who trust in him" (v. 7).

Descriptions of judgment are hard to read, but a world where evil isn't 
confronted would be a terrible one. Thankfully the prophet doesn't end on that
note. He reminds us that God desires a good and just world: "Look, there on 
the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!" 
(v. 15). That good news is Jesus, who suffered the consequences of sin so 
we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1, 6). 

By:  Matt Lucas

Sign in to track your progress!

How do you want God to defend the oppressed? How might your understanding 
of His wrath against injustice prompt you to speak up for the oppressed?

Father, I pray for those around the world who suffer unjustly. 

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 6 God Works!

Phil 2:12-13

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence,
but so much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.
13 For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will
and to do of his good pleasure.

"I just can't do it!" Marlys, a career woman in her 30s, was struggling to fit
her new Christian principles into the business world. Accustomed to the
cutthroat tactics of the corporate hierarchy, she has a hard time knowing
Jesus' examples of grace and mercy applied.
Marlys was right. She couldn't do it. In our own strength, none of us is able
to "live the Christian life." Someone has said, " The Christian life isn't
difficult -- it's impossible!" Only the power of the Holy Spirit is
effective to work the needed changes in our priorities and behaviour;
only God can accomplish what he calls us to do.
In Phillippians 2:12, Paul says "work it out." If we stop there,
we are likely to throw up our hands in despair.
But the good news appears in verse 13:
" For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure."
WE are not left on our own to figure out how to live the Christian life.
God gives us both the will and the ability to obey him, to live in a way
that will please him.
The key to a God-pleasing life is not performance, but obedience. God does not
expect us to "do great things" for him, to deserve his love and grace.
Our part in the process of salvation is to respond in obedience to the Lord,
to say "yes" to what he asks of us. We cannot change ourselves;
we cannot even know ourselves apart from the Spirit's insight. But
as we cooperate with him, as we agree to be obedient, the Spirit changes us
within, and those changes are "worked out" into our lives.

Application

a) Have I ever tried to "Live the Christian life" on my own strength?
What was the result?

b) In what practical ways is Paul's declaration that "God works in me"
good new in my life?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Genesis 30:43

The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.

And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

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

When you are anxious

Phil 4:4-7

4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12 Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness.
The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known
to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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: "Father, I pray for those around the world who suffer 
unjustly."

Pray to the Lord and pray to work with Him about Salvation.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know your blessings.

Pray to the Lord and pray for everything in His Name.

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.

Pray that Christians in the Central African Repulic being tranied to help
trauma victims will effectively share the hope of Christ.

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 ;