WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
Esther 10:1-2
Daniel 5:21-31

"… the most high God ruled in
the kingdom of men, and that he
appointeth over it whomsoever he will."

GOD IS THE KEY FIGURE

King Ahasuerus imposed taxes upon his empire, both in the continent and the islands. All his powerful acts and the might of his rule, as well as the proclamation of Mordecai’s great political dignity and promotions by the king, were recorded in the book of the archives of the kings of Media and Persia.

Esther 10:1-2 may seem out of place at first glance. It would seem more fitting that this book ended at chapter nine with the great celebrative mood of deliverance and what Queen Esther and Prime Minister Mordecai decreed. What was the point of these two verses? This book ends with simply stating some mundane facts and that king Ahasuerus’ accomplishments, though great, were recorded in a separate book that was for chronicling the kings of Media and Persia. It is as if to say that the Book of Esther was not meant to highlight these kings.

In addition, even Mordecai’s amazing prominence from here on and his promotions were also not to be detailed here. Does not such an ending make these characters just fade away? It is as if to say the purpose of the Book of Esther was not meant to chronicle the acts of man, no matter how great or accomplished. As a result, the real key character of the Book of Esther is God Himself. Though never mentioned explicitly, He is now revealed and takes the centre stage.

If the book had ended simply at the deliverance joy and closed with more details of man’s accomplishments, then men would have been the key characters and players in this drama. One must not miss the hidden Divine Hand and Character of God in bringing to close a crucial part of the history of His people.

THOUGHT: Am I able to discern the working Hand of God?
PRAYER: Lord, may I not miss the wonders of Thy quiet workings.

Posted in Adult RPG