Is God on my side?
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Week 1 DAYS 3 and 4
Today AND Tomorrow
We will:
- LOOK at Esther 9:2-4.
- LEARN ‘how‘ to incorporate GODcha’s tools along the way.
- LISTEN to God speak to us as we focus on GODcha’s LEARN/LIVE question.
Open GODcha to the Book of Esther
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Let’s Begin With Prayer
And Continue With an Attitude of Prayer
Perhaps. . .
Oh Lord, we thank you for Your Holy Word, that is a sure Word of absolute Truth, preserved throughout the ages for us to grow in our knowledge of You and to be changed to be more like Christ. May we see You and how You work. Create in us fresh wonder about You as we become more and more aware of Your Sovereign hand that works behind the scenes. Give us the understanding we need to be changed and live in the light of what You show us. Thank you.
If you get STUCK at any point in your discovery, stop, and pray!
GOD, your Creator, loves you and desires to reveal much to you.
We Need To Consider CONTEXT
CONTEXT is the setting that Rules Interpretation.
Esther Chapter 9:1
We left off seeing this incredible reversal, the tables were turned in favor of Israel.
Let’s see exactly what happens.
LOOK
At Verses 2-4
READ Esther 9:1-10.
As you read, ask the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions.
This is a skill that just takes practice.
Remember to:
Reflect on the events that demonstrate God’s hidden hand.
Let’s Zoom In on Verses 2-4
We’re going to take small bites, going verse by verse, dig a bit deeper, and see what we can discover.
As we do you will want to consider what is:
Key
And check out:
Word Meanings
Cross References (aka CR) on These Key Points.
Note: Remember to check the context of these passages.
READ Est 9:2. 
What’s Key?
The Jews are Key.
What did the Jews do?
We know the Jews were armed with a new edict, they could defend themselves against anyone who tried to deliberately harm them, Est 8:11.
Exo 22:2-3
Ecc 4:9, 12
Deut 22:23-27
Neh 4:17-18
Mat 5:38-39
Luk 22:36
Luk 11:21; Mat 12:29
Luk 12:11-12
Act 16:36-39
Luk 18:3
READ Est 9:2, again.
Who will the Jews defend themselves against? Who will they lay hands on?
Check Out What God Says About Harming Others.
1. What do you learn about harming God’s people, Israel?
Psa 105:15
Jer 30:16
2. What do we need to understand if God’s people, believers, are harmed today? What are we to do?
1Pe 3:8-15
1Pe 4:12-13
Joh 16:33
Joh 15:18-19
1Pe 3:9; Mat 5:10-12
Eph 4:30-32
Tit 3:2
2Ti 4:14
LISTEN to the Spirit
Have I experienced anyone trying to harm me because of who I am in Christ?
How have I suffered for righteousness sake?
How did I respond?
What must I do to keep my focus on Jesus, and not retaliate when others persecute me and leave vengeance to the Lord?
Am I guilty of harming anyone? Have I perhaps hurt others with my words and/or by my actions?
Am I bitter? Do I have a problem with anger? Who have I slandered?
What must I do to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice, and be kind, compassionate, and forgiving?
Respond, LIVE It Out!
You should be getting the hang of this. Let that conversation begin, this is how communion takes place with your Creator!
READ Est 9:2-3.
Why could no one stand before the Jews when they defended themselves?
Do you remember what we learned back in Est 8:17 when we saw many of the people became Jews because the dread of the Jews had fallen on them?
1. Who and/or what causes the dread of the Jews and Mordecai to fall upon people?
Exo 23:27
Jos 2:9-11
Jer 30:16
THINK and REASON
Why would dread come?
2. Even though hated like the Jews and persecuted, what is true for believers today?
Rom 8:37
LISTEN to the Spirit
How confident am I in Christ’s love for me? How does this help me to be an overwhelming conqueror in the midst of any trial or persecution?
Respond, LIVE It Out!
God is waiting to have a heart to heart!
What Did You LEARN 
If you need help
Check Out GODcha’s #7 LEARN Question(s)
#7. What did the Jews have the right to do on one specific day? Why could no one stand against them, CR? (v2)
Sum It Up!
We LEARN:
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout ALL the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm, v2.
The Jews had the right to assemble and defend themselves.
We Discover:
God does give us the right to defend ourselves.
In both the Old and New Testaments believers took steps to defend themselves even arming themselves, in the face of potential danger.
In the Old Testament
There is a law in Exo 22:2-3 that gives the property owner the right to defend his property if he catches a thief breaking in at night, even if he has to kill the thief!
Ecc 4:9, 12, tells us 2 are better than 1 …if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him.
Deut 22:23-27 if a man forces himself on an engaged woman and lies with her (rapes her), then he should pay the death penalty. The woman cried out for help and none saved her.
Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall of the city of Jerusalem. When threatened by their outside enemies, God’s people prayed, then stationed the people in families fully armed working with 1 hand, while holding a weapon in the other, Neh 4:9-23.
In the New Testament
We Discover:
In Mat 5:38-39, Jesus tells us “You have heard that it was said, `AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH. “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
In Luk 22:36, Jesus wanted His disciples to understand they were now going into a hostile world where they would need to support, supply, and protect themselves saying, “If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one”.
In Luk 11:21 and Mat 12:29, Jesus used word pictures and stories about self-defense, to make broader spiritual points such as ‘the strong man fully armed‘ which seems to assume the simple right of self-defense.
In Luk 12:11-12, Jesus told His disciples they would need to defend themselves against accusations, and the Holy Spirit would help them in their defense.
In Act 16:36-39, Paul defended himself over and over, as in this passage when he was about to be flogged by the Romans in Jerusalem, he informed them that he was a Roman citizen.
In Luk 18:3, the widow was persistent in going to a judge wanting legal protection from her opponent.
Understand: This is a delicate issue, but as we see God’s Truth we now know the parameters and rights God has given us to defend ourselves and others.
We LEARN:
Back in verse 1, God tells us that the people hated the Jews.
And now we see they hated them so much that they sought to harm them.
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout ALL the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm, v2.
We Discover:
When it comes to those who seek to harm God’s people:
– The Lord permitted no man to oppress His people (His patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) when they wandered from nation to nation, He reproved kings for their sakes, telling them not to touch His anointed ones, or harm His prophets, Psa 105:14-15.
– Jeremiah says all who devour Israel will be devoured;
all their adversaries will go into captivity;
those who plunder them will be for plunder,
and all who prey upon them, the Lord would give for prey, Jer 30:16
We See: God protects Israel to protect the family line because He promised to bless the world through Abraham’s descendants, giving the world Jesus, Gen 12:1-3.
We Discover:
Believers need to be zealous for good, and maybe we won’t be harmed, but if we are, if we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we are blessed, 1Pe 3:8-15.
Peter said not to be surprised by the fiery trials, 1Pe 4:12-13.
Jesus told us:
– we would have trouble in this world, Joh 16:33.
– we will be hated by the world because He chose us out of this world; because they hated Him, Joh 15:18-19.
– we were called to this purpose to share in Christ’s sufferings and persecutions to win a lost world to Him and we are blessed, 1Pe 3:9; Mat 5:10-12.
We Discover:
Believers are not to seek to harm others.
We are:
– to be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
– not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; the one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep their tongue from evil and lips from speaking deceit.
– to turn away from evil and do good; seek and pursue peace. And not fear intimidation, nor be troubled, but keep our focus on Christ, ready to make a defense to everyone who asks, giving an account for the hope that is in us with gentleness and reverence, 1Pe 3:8-15.
– Eph 4:30-32 tells us we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom we were sealed for the day of redemption.
We are to let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be put away from us, along with all malice.
We are to be kind to one another, tender-hearted (compassionate), forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven us.
We are not to malign (slander, defame, speak evil) anyone, and we are to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men, Tit 3:2.
– In 2Ti 4:14, Paul said Alexander the coppersmith did him much harm; but left vengeance to the Lord knowing He would repay him according to his deeds.
We LEARN:
And no one could stand before the Jews, for the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples, v2.
Even all the political leaders who were doing the king’s business assisted the Jews because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them, v3.
We Discover:
No one could stand against the Jews because The LORD caused the dread to fall upon the people.
The LORD would send terror ahead of Israel and throw into confusion all the people among whom Israel would come, and He would make all their enemies turn their backs to Israel, Exo 23:27.
The Lord God said no man would be able to stand before Israel because the LORD God would cause the dread and fear of Israel upon the peoples everywhere under the heavens, who, when they heard the report about them, would tremble and be in anguish because of Israel, Deut 2:25; 11:25.
Rahab the harlot told the 2 Israeli spies she had hidden that she knew the Lord had given Israel the land, and that the terror of Israel had fallen on them (Jericho), and that all the inhabitants of the land had melted away before Israel, Jos 2:9-11.
We See: No man could stand against the Jews, because the LORD causes the fear, the terror, the dread to rise up in Israel’s enemies.
Understand: The people knew and understood: Haman, the Jews enemy was hanged; Mordecai the Jew had advanced, and the queen herself was a Jew; and that the Jews had the royal grant to act both defensively and offensively.
We See: Almighty God’s hand working behind the scenes. He was on the Jew’s side, bringing about such a mighty and unexpected deliverance.
Understand: God protects His people.
We Discover:
Under God’s edict, the New Covenant, we who have put our faith in Jesus will overwhelmingly conquer in all these things through Him who loved us, Rom 8:37.
Jerusalem was captured by God and not by guns. When General Allenby had learned that the Germans and Turks had mined all the sacred places in Jerusalem and the order had gone forth that just as soon as the British made entry every sacred place was to be blown into atoms that the British might get the blame and the shame, Allenby called together his military staff. Not a word was said about military affairs. The staff was summoned to pray, and they spent one hour and a half on their knees, asking the God of Jerusalem to give them the city without the destruction of the sacred places. After prayer Allenby ordered one division down the right, another down the left, his airplanes took the air. The enemies got frightened, ran and left their fortifications, and Allenby and his staff walked safely through the open gates. (Ed: Another “divine coincidence!”).” —From Precept Austin – from an intimate friend of Allenby’s, through Dr. A. C. Dixon. (Wells of Living Water – Wells of Living Water – Volume 4)
LISTEN to God Speak
And LIVE it out!
Check out the #7 LIVE Questions.
#7. I am not to live violently, but do I have the right to defend my family and myself, CR?
a. When and why have I been attacked for my faith? Who specifically has sought to harm me?
b. How has God, The King, come to my defense so my enemies could not stand against me?
Respond to God. . .
LIVE it Out!
Don’t skip this time that can be so precious. God loves us and wants us to talk to Him, and promises to hear. Jesus said, “come”…! We have such an awesome privilege because Jesus died for us. If we have bowed the knee and surrendered our lives to Jesus, we have access to God and can converse with God, the Creator of the universe, our loving Father!
READ Esther 9:4.
Mordecai is Key.
His ‘fame spread and he became greater and greater’.
Let’s understand God’s perspective on fame and greatness.
1. Who and why were these men famous and great?
Jos 6:27
1Ch 14:17; 11:9
1Sa 13:14
1Sa 2:30
2. How does Jesus define greatness?
Mar 10:43-44
LISTEN to the Spirit
Do I honor the Lord? How? What does that look like in my life?
How am I serving others? What motivates me to serve? Am I serving others for the glory of God?
Respond, LIVE It Out!
Engage with God!
What Did You LEARN
If you need help
Check Out GODcha’s #8 LEARN Question(s)
#8. What do you learn about Mordecai, the Jew? Are you able to see his transformation? How has he changed? (v3-4)
Sum It Up!
We LEARN:
Mordecai had become great in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for the man, Mordecai became greater and greater, v4.
We Discover:
The LORD was with Joshua and his fame spread throughout the land, Jos 6:27.
The LORD of hosts was with David and his fame went out into all the lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him on all the nations, 1Ch 14:17; 11:9.
THINK and REASON:
If you are familiar with David, you know he wasn’t perfect. He committed adultery, Bathsheba got pregnant, and he murdered her husband, but God tells us he was a man after God’s heart, 1Sa 13:14, and God made him king. After David sinned, he repented, seeking the LORD’s forgiveness.
Fame and greatness come as a result of these men (Joshua/David) honoring the LORD. For those who honor the LORD, He will honor, and those who despise Him will be lightly esteemed, 1Sa 2:30.
Jesus tells us that true greatness is actually all about serving others for the glory of God, Mar 10:43-44.
LISTEN to God Speak
And LIVE it out!
Check out the #8 LIVE Questions.
#8. How have I changed? Do others see my transformation?
a. Whether I am leading my family; those in the workplace; the government; the church – what kind of a leader am I?
b. How am I leading others to be about God, The King’s business, which is good?
We Are Done For the Day!
Reflect on all God has said to you about those who try to destroy His people.
God wants you to “consider what He is saying and let Him give you understanding in everything,” (2Ti 2:7).
Meditate on all God is teaching you about fame and greatness.
Chat with God about it!
Have that constant, conscience, communion with God all day today!
Remember:
NOTE Your Discovery!
You’ll be glad you did!
Video Tutorial> Notes Tutorial >
Take the time to journal your discovery.
And if you can, jot some notes in your hardbound Bibles. You will be so glad you did.
Also, enter the personal things God has touched you with.
Let’s Bow Before the Father
OH HEAVENLY FATHER, KING OVER ALL THE EARTH, we bow before You and thank you for this book of Esther. Thank you for all the practical Truths You are teaching us. Oh Father, may we all be ever so encouraged as we watch You intervene on behalf of Your people. And help us to see that You are a God of great reversals.
An incredible reversal took place at the cross.
You moved us from darkness to light.
You took us out of the world and brought us into Your kingdom.
Instead of Satan being our father, You are our Father, Father God.
We are no longer sons of disobedience, Your enemies, but we are Your children, friends.
We were sinners, destined to die, but Jesus, You took our sin and gave us Your righteousness and eternal life!
Oh, so much if we would just sit at Your feet and let Your Spirit reveal to us how You have indeed turned the tables for us. Oh, touch our hearts, stir us and move us to see and understand such incredible Truths.
Help us to so trust in Your love for us that we will overwhelmingly conquer anyone or anything that comes our way. May we learn to put everything – our trials and persecutions, our heartaches, our hurts and pains into Your hands. Help us to deal with our enemies the way You have taught us. May we live in such a way that we honor and glorify You in all we say and do by serving others so many will see this reversal in our lives. We love You and thank you and ask all these things in Your Son’s blessed name. Amen!
You did great! You are learning the Inductive Method of Study!
Do you see how much time you spend LOOKING?
It is so easy! And all at your fingertips!
Next: We’ll look at the next paragraph, Esther 9:5-10.
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