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A Year Held in His Hands| A New Year Sermon

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A Year Held in His Hands| A New Year Sermon Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Every time a new year comes close, something in me start feeling that weird mix of excitement and heaviness. Maybe you know the feeling too—like you’re standing at this invisible doorway. One foot in the old year (the stuff you want to forget but somehow still sticks to you like stubborn glue), and the other foot stepping into something you still can’t see clearly. And sometimes you’re hopeful, sometimes you’re scared, sometimes you’re… well, both at the same time. I was thinking about all that while reading some Scriptures again, and honestly, it hit me harder this year. Maybe because life been kinda loud lately, or maybe because I’m tired of pretending everything always makes sense. But the Bible does this thing, right? It sneaks into the parts of your heart you thought you cleaned up, and suddenly you realize God is trying to talk to you again. Even if it feels like you weren’t exactly listening. S...

The Book of Esther: A Story of Courage, Providence, and Deliverance

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The Book of Esther: A Story of Courage, Providence, and Deliverance The Book of Esther is one of the foremost fascinating and one of a kind accounts within the Hebrew Book of scriptures (Tanakh) and the Christian Ancient Confirmation. Not at all like other scriptural books, Esther does not expressly specify God’s title, however His provision is clear all through the storyline. This captivating book uncovers how divine intercession regularly works behind the scenes, utilizing conventional people to attain exceptional deliverance for His individuals. Chronicled and Social Foundation Set amid the rule of Lord Ahasuerus (broadly accepted to be Xerxes I, who ruled the Persian Realm from 486–465 BCE), the Book of Esther takes put within the rich setting of the Persian royal court, particularly within the capital city of Susa. At this time, the Jewish individuals were living in diaspora taking after their oust to Babylon. The Persian Realm had since prevailed Babylon, and Jews were scattere...

Explanation of Esther Chapter 10

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  Explanation of Esther Chapter 10 Esther chapter 10 is the final chapter of the Book of Esther. It is a very short chapter, consisting of only three verses. Despite its brevity, it serves as a conclusion to the events of the book, summarizing the greatness of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and, more importantly, the rise to power and influence of Mordecai, the Jew. Below is a detailed explanation of each verse, followed by an analysis of its significance. Verse-by-Verse Explanation Esther 10:1 – “And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.” This verse indicates that King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I of Persia) imposed a tribute or tax upon his kingdom, extending even to the distant islands. This taxation demonstrates the king’s authority and control over his vast empire. Historically, Persian rulers sought to consolidate their power by levying taxes to fund their grand projects and military campaigns. In the context of the Book of Esther...

Explanation of Esther Chapter 9

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  Explanation of Esther Chapter 9 Esther 9 is one of the most significant chapters in the Book of Esther. It recounts how the Jewish people, under the decree authorized by King Ahasuerus, successfully defended themselves against their enemies and established the festival of Purim to commemorate their deliverance. This chapter highlights themes of divine providence, justice, and the reversal of fortunes. 1. The Day of Deliverance (Verses 1-10) The chapter begins with a dramatic shift in events. The 13th day of Adar, which had been designated by Haman for the destruction of the Jews (Esther 3:13), instead becomes a day of victory for them. The text states: "Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be executed, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them." (Esther 9:...

Explanation of Esther Chapter 8

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  Explanation of Esther Chapter 8 Background and Context Esther 8 follows the dramatic reversal of fortunes for the Jewish people after the downfall of Haman, the antagonist in the story. Haman had plotted to exterminate the Jews, but God, working through Queen Esther and Mordecai, turned the situation around. In the previous chapter, Haman was executed on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai. However, the decree to destroy the Jews was still in effect because Persian laws were irrevocable. Esther now seeks a way to save her people from annihilation. This chapter highlights God’s providence , the power of intercession , and the reversal of evil plans , which are central themes in the Book of Esther. Verse-by-Verse Explanation Verses 1-2: Mordecai’s Promotion "That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. The king took off his sig...

Esther Chapter 7

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  Context of Esther Chapter 7 This chapter is the climax of the story of Esther. Haman, the antagonist, had plotted to destroy the Jews and had specifically planned to execute Mordecai on a gallows. However, God’s providence turned events in favor of Esther and her people. The chapter recounts how Esther reveals Haman’s wicked scheme, leading to his downfall. Detailed Explanation of Esther 7 1. The Banquet and the King’s Inquiry (Verses 1-2) The chapter begins with King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and Haman attending the second banquet that Queen Esther had prepared. The king, having previously asked Esther about her petition, repeats his offer, saying: "What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!" (Esther 7:2, NKJV) This phrase is a sign of great favor, as kings rarely offered such generous statements. The king’s repeated questioning shows his eagerness to grant Esther’s request. 2. Esther...

Esther 6

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  Overview of Esther 6 Esther 6 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Esther. It describes a dramatic reversal in which Haman, the enemy of the Jews, is forced to honor Mordecai, whom he had planned to execute. The events in this chapter illustrate God's providence, showing how seemingly minor occurrences, like a king’s insomnia, can lead to major changes in history. Detailed Explanation of Esther 6 1. The King’s Sleepless Night (Esther 6:1) The chapter begins with King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) being unable to sleep. This seemingly small event plays a critical role in the unfolding of events. In ancient times, kings often had scribes read historical records to them, which could serve as a distraction or even a way to recall important matters. The king orders the book of chronicles , the royal records, to be read to him. By divine coincidence, the section read aloud includes Mordecai’s past act of loyalty , in which he uncovered a plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21–23). ...

Esther Chapter 5

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  Overview of Esther Chapter 5 In Esther 5 , Queen Esther courageously approaches King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) without being summoned, which could have resulted in her death. However, the king extends his golden scepter, signaling her safety. She then invites the king and Haman to a banquet, skillfully setting the stage for her request. Meanwhile, Haman, emboldened by his growing influence, plans to execute Mordecai by building a massive gallows. This chapter highlights Esther’s wisdom, patience, and strategic approach, as well as Haman’s increasing pride and eventual downfall. Verse-by-Verse Explanation 1. Esther Approaches the King (Esther 5:1-2) "Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his...

Esther Chapter 4: A Detailed Explanation

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  Esther Chapter 4: A Detailed Explanation Context and Summary Esther 4 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Esther, marking the transition from uncertainty to decisive action in the face of imminent danger. The Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) had unknowingly sanctioned a decree to annihilate the Jewish people, orchestrated by the wicked Haman. Mordecai, a devout Jew and cousin of Queen Esther, learns of this decree and seeks Esther’s intervention. Verses 1-3: Mourning Among the Jews Mordecai reacts with deep distress upon hearing the decree’s contents. He publicly mourns by tearing his clothes, wearing sackcloth, and covering himself in ashes—customary expressions of extreme grief and repentance in Jewish tradition. He goes to the city gate, but he is unable to enter due to royal laws prohibiting individuals in mourning attire from doing so. Similarly, across the provinces of the Persian Empire, Jews fast, weep, and lament, expressing their fear and sorrow over their impending do...

Esther Chapter 3: Haman’s Plot Against the Jews

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  Esther Chapter 3: Haman’s Plot Against the Jews Introduction Esther 3 is a crucial chapter in the Book of Esther, as it introduces Haman, the antagonist, and his plot to annihilate the Jewish people. This chapter highlights themes of pride, vengeance, and divine providence, setting the stage for Esther’s bravery later in the story. 1. Haman’s Promotion (Esther 3:1-2) The chapter begins with King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) promoting Haman the Agagite to a position of great authority. He is placed above all other nobles, making him second only to the king. The title "Agagite" suggests that he was a descendant of King Agag, an Amalekite ruler whom King Saul failed to destroy (1 Samuel 15). This historical background deepens the animosity between Haman and the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Benjamite, whose ancestor, Saul, had been commanded to wipe out the Amalekites. With his promotion, the king commands that all royal officials bow down and pay honor to Haman. This act was n...