DAY FOUR: A Reversal of Fortune
Please carefully read Esther 8:11—14 and answer the following questions.
1. What would this new edict allow for the Jews, and how is it exactly opposite of the one written against them in Esther 3:13 (v. 11, 12)?
NOTE: Again, the nlt reminds us that this is the date that was chosen by Haman by lot (pur), March 7, 473 B.C. (see Esther 3:7).
2. Why was there such haste (v. 13)?
3. How was this process quickly carried out (v. 14)?
4. Some readers of the Book of Esther are bothered by the Jews’ being given permission to wipe out and plunder their enemies, seeing this as taking a non-Christian attitude toward non-believers. But a careful reading of this passage clarifies for us that they weren’t given permission to attack others, but to only defend themselves from those who would assault them, thus being vessels of God’s judgment on those who sought to touch the apple of His eye (see Zechariah 2:8, 9).[vii] What should the believer’s attitude be toward those who are at enmity with us, misuse or persecute us?
Matthew 5:10—12, 43—4
Romans 12:14—21
Scripture Memory: Try to fill in the missing words in the blanks below, by memory if at all possible, and then review the passage several times today.
Light is ___________________ for the _______________________, and _______________________ for the ___________________________ in heart. _______________________ in the ________________, you righteous, and _______________ thanks at the ________________________________ of His _________________ name. (Psalm 97:11—12, nkjv)
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© 2005 by Harvest Christian Fellowship. All rights reserved. Written by Thomas Klock for Men’s Bible Fellowship, 2004-2005. www.Harvest.org