Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Esther 9 and Psalm 34

Despite the king’s edict giving the Jews the right of self-defence (8:11-13), despite the fact that many people had converted to Judaism (8:17), and even despite the fact that Mordecai had risen to a position of great influence in the king’s court (9:4) leading many powerful and influential people to side with him and the Jews (9:3), an attack against the Jews still happened. But, by the king’s permission, the Jews were ready, organised and heavily armed when the day of the attack arrived and they overcame their enemies in dramatic fashion.

In chapter 9, the narrator repeats a particular phrase three times: “But they did not lay their hands on the plunder.” To me this emphasizes that the Jews were not motivated by the desire to enrich themselves, but only to defend their lives and their property. It also seems to imply that they did not kill any of the women and children but instead left the property for their future provision. This violent day was not instigated by God’s people, it was a day of self-defence. On that day justice was served, not spiteful vengeance.

To this very day the Jews around the world celebrate the festival which Esther’s generation named “Purim”. Remember, the “purim” were the dice-like items which were used to determine the day of the attack authorised by Haman in the king’s name (3:7). One wonders why the festival was named after these “purim”. I suspect it’s because the Jews recognised the hidden hand of God in the day being set at a full eleven months later – thereby giving time for Esther and Mordecai to act, and for the Jews to prepare themselves for the attack. God really is working all things for the good of those who love Him – even the most random things. Even those things which appear purely evil, God is able to leverage and turn around for the good of His people.

Lord, please be at work in my life today to turn around apparently evil or negative events and use them for my good and for Your glory. Amen.