"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 15 August 2012"
Today's Blog Title: "Haman's Conspiracy Against the Jews"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Esther 3:1-15
Today's Blog Key Verse: Esther 3:5 "When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath."
Haman is called an "Agagite." Jewish tradition identifies him as a descendant of the Amalekite king, whose people Saul failed to destroy (Exodus 17:8-14; 1 Samuel 15:7-33). Mordecai was of Saul's tribe (Esther 2:5). Jewish commentators see this conflict as the historic struggle of the Jewish people with Gentile enemies whose unreasoning hatred persists for thousands of years. Haman was like his predecessors in that he "feared not God."
Jew customarily bowed before their kings (2 Samuel 14:4; 18:28; 1 Kings 1:16). But when Persians bowed before their kings, they paid homage as to a divine being. Because of this reason, Mordecai being a faithful Jew could not give a mere man such honor (Deuteronomy 6:13-14).
According to many the subject of the origin of the Feast of Purim (lots) is the main theme of this book. Early in April 474 B.C., Haman had the astrologers and magicians cast the lot to determine which day of the year would bring destruction to Israel. Little did he realize that when "the lot is cast into the lap...the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33).
The lot fell on the "twelfth month" (February-March) which not only gave Haman time to prepare but also, in the overruling providence of God, gave the Jewish people time to thwart his plan.
Haman in verses 8-11 is careful to ingratiate himself with the king by appearing to be motivated only by the "kings profit." In effect, he offers the king a bribe (verse 9), which he expected to raise by confiscating the property of the Jews, "ten thousand talents of silver," or about 12 million ounces.
We will note here that the king was not even interested enough to inquire who the people were. Do he gives Haman his "signet ring." With this seal of executive power, Haman would be able to send letters in the king's name (verse 12). Later this ring would be given to Mordecai (8:2, 8). Possibly to avoid the appearance of greed, Xerxes offered money to Haman. The king's utter indifference to the fate of millions of his subjects has found modern parallels in Hitler, Stalin, Khrushchev and all those rulers who will kill those of there own race to stay in power and to get what they want.
The date in verse 12, was memorable to any Jew, because it was the day before the slaying of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:6). Would God be able to save His people now as He had done in the past? Come back to find the answer to that question.
Click on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Acts 1:9-11.
JESUS REIGNS!!! May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
Today's Blog Title: "Haman's Conspiracy Against the Jews"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Esther 3:1-15
Today's Blog Key Verse: Esther 3:5 "When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath."
Haman is called an "Agagite." Jewish tradition identifies him as a descendant of the Amalekite king, whose people Saul failed to destroy (Exodus 17:8-14; 1 Samuel 15:7-33). Mordecai was of Saul's tribe (Esther 2:5). Jewish commentators see this conflict as the historic struggle of the Jewish people with Gentile enemies whose unreasoning hatred persists for thousands of years. Haman was like his predecessors in that he "feared not God."
Jew customarily bowed before their kings (2 Samuel 14:4; 18:28; 1 Kings 1:16). But when Persians bowed before their kings, they paid homage as to a divine being. Because of this reason, Mordecai being a faithful Jew could not give a mere man such honor (Deuteronomy 6:13-14).
According to many the subject of the origin of the Feast of Purim (lots) is the main theme of this book. Early in April 474 B.C., Haman had the astrologers and magicians cast the lot to determine which day of the year would bring destruction to Israel. Little did he realize that when "the lot is cast into the lap...the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33).
The lot fell on the "twelfth month" (February-March) which not only gave Haman time to prepare but also, in the overruling providence of God, gave the Jewish people time to thwart his plan.
Haman in verses 8-11 is careful to ingratiate himself with the king by appearing to be motivated only by the "kings profit." In effect, he offers the king a bribe (verse 9), which he expected to raise by confiscating the property of the Jews, "ten thousand talents of silver," or about 12 million ounces.
We will note here that the king was not even interested enough to inquire who the people were. Do he gives Haman his "signet ring." With this seal of executive power, Haman would be able to send letters in the king's name (verse 12). Later this ring would be given to Mordecai (8:2, 8). Possibly to avoid the appearance of greed, Xerxes offered money to Haman. The king's utter indifference to the fate of millions of his subjects has found modern parallels in Hitler, Stalin, Khrushchev and all those rulers who will kill those of there own race to stay in power and to get what they want.
The date in verse 12, was memorable to any Jew, because it was the day before the slaying of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:6). Would God be able to save His people now as He had done in the past? Come back to find the answer to that question.
Click on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Acts 1:9-11.
JESUS REIGNS!!! May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
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