Esther 8 records the amazing turnaround that took place from the king’s original decree at Haman’s request for the Jews to be destroyed. First, Esther was given Haman’s estate. Then Mordecai was given Haman’s position. Finally, the king gave Esther permission to write a follow up decree, because he could not change the original decree. The follow up decree permitted the Jews to defend themselves against any individual, army or people who came against them on the appointed day. They were also permitted to take plunder from those who attacked them. As a result. many people declared themselves Jews, because the fear of the Jews fell on them.
Esther 9 tells us on the appointed day, when Haman had hoped to destroy the Jews, the Jews mounted attacks on their enemies, and with the help of all the king’s satraps, who respected and feared Mordecai, they were victorious. The Jews killed more than 75,000 people throughout the kingdom, but they did not take any plunder. In Susa, the king permitted two days for the Jews to attack their enemies. Among them were the ten sons of Haman, who Esther had hanged. The resulting victory and celebration gave Mordecai cause to pronounce a holy day for the Jews, which became known as Purim. It was to be celebrated on the 14th and 15th day of the twelfth month each year. Mordecai’s fame spread more and more and Esther’s place as queen was well established.
Esther 10 is brief, but it tells us about Mordecai’s fame, and how well he treated his brothers, the Jews, during his time as King Ahasuerus’ second in command. Again, we see how God rewarded Mordecai’s faithfulness through the king. Even though God’s name is not mentioned, it is obvious His hand was on Mordecai, Esther and through them the Jews.
As we return to Matthew 12, we find Jesus defending His disciples for eating grain on the Sabbath, by telling the Pharisees of David’s use of the holy bread when he and his men were hungry. He went on to tell the Pharisees that He was Lord of the Sabbath, and that the LORD had made the Sabbath for our benefit and not vice versa. Still on the Sabbath, Jesus was offered the opportunity to heal a man with a withered hand. This occurred in the synagogue, and the religious leaders watched Jesus to see what He would do. They planned to condemn Him if He healed the man. Jesus healed the man, making the man’s wholeness a priority over the letter of the Law. Jesus would know better than anyone the intent of the Law, and thus His healing the man was right. Yet, the religious leaders went out from it and plotted to kill Jesus. The chapter ends with Jesus healing people and the people being amazed, while the religious leaders concluded Jesus power came from the prince of demons. In any era of history, including the era when Jesus was walking the earth, people can draw false conclusions about who Jesus is and the source of His power. We have the opportunity in our lives to lift Jesus up as Savior and Lord, and when we do the result is blessing. The blessing might not be material reward, or physical healing, but Jesus always blesses those who trust Him and recognize Him as their Savior and Lord.