| In our daily devotional on Esther 8, we see a pivotal moment where the Jewish people are given the chance to fight for their survival after a death sentence had been decreed. Their victory isn’t guaranteed, but the opportunity to defend themselves changes everything. Just like the Jews, we may face challenges that require us to step up and fight for what matters most. Do you need a fresh start or a new strategy in your life? Take a moment to reflect on the courage of the Jews in Esther 8 and consider how God might be giving you the opportunity to stand strong today. To see what happened to Haman, read the daily devotional on Esther 7. |
Esther 8 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Esther 8, the Jews are given a chance to defend themselves. The victory is not won, but they can now fight for survival. Do you need a new plan, another chance? Are you ready to fight for your survival? Please read or listen to Esther 8.
Should I Bring My Bible on Vacation?
Over the past several years of our lives, Terry and I have had plenty of opportunities to travel. Sometimes it is personal for rest and relaxation, sometimes it is ministry related. I share that today because travel sometimes is a challenge when it comes to daily Bible reading. I know you have busy lives too, and Bible reading may be a challenge for you. As I look back in my daily Bible reading journals, sometimes I find some interesting surprises.
In 2007, we were cruising. I will share some personal aspects of my Bible reading journal and then get into the Book of Esther. I wrote on this particular day, “We’re cruising from L.A. to Cabo San Lucas. We’re out in the Pacific Ocean (where I was reading Esther 8). This trip, it was just Terry and me. For our twenty-fifth anniversary, we cruised with some dear friends of ours. And in 2006, we cruised with our whole family after the death of my father. But this time, it’s just the two of us on Vision of the Seas, on Royal Caribbean.”
How Long Did It Take for Mordecai to be Rewarded?
I remember that trip. It was a Mexican Riviera cruise out of Los Angeles, and we had a great time. I also read my Bible that day, Esther 8, and wrote, “Reward for faithfulness. Mordecai had served faithfully for years with no reward, no recognition. Now, we don’t serve God for those reasons. We serve Him for who He is. But sometimes God rewards such service here on earth. Other times, it will only be a heavenly reward.”
Again, in 2016, we were traveling when I was reading the Book of Esther. This trip was a ministry trip to Norway on behalf of The Gideons International. It was a bit more challenging because I had a full day of travel, three flights. With all of the delays, a two and one-half hour car ride, and the change of time zones, I almost struggled to get my daily Bible reading in. I made a note in my journal that it was “11:42 p.m., I almost missed the day,” when I read Esther 8.
What is the Meaning of Esther Chapter 8?
I recapped Esther this way in that journal “Mordecai moves into Haman’s house, talk about defeat. Haman is hung, and his enemy moves into his own house. And Mordecai takes over Haman’s job. O, what God can do to defeat our enemies. But the Jews are still in jeopardy because the king’s order cannot be reversed. But Mordecai, who is now in the position that Haman was in, and Queen Esther figure this out and decide that the king can make a new edict. And the Jews could defend themselves on the day of annihilation. They can fight back. And there is a celebration among the Jews all over the country and in the city of Susa. They are joyful because they can defend themselves from destruction. God has turned the whole thing around. Not only is the king’s queen Jewish, but now his top advisors are Jews. And many other people decide to declare themselves Jews as well.” Verse 17 concludes chapter 8, “And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.”
What is the Meaning of Esther 8?
Here are some take-a-ways from Esther chapter 8:
- First, in your busy life, remain faithful to God’s Word, whether on vacation, on a cruise, after a long day of travel, or a long day of work. Listen or read every day and enjoy a portion of God’s Word.
- Second, stay faithful in the little things of life, like Mordecai. In a sense, like most of us, he was a nobody. Just a common man hanging out at the king’s gate. At a time in his life, he took on raising a young girl without parents, never realizing she would become a queen.
- Lastly, be ready to defend your faith. The edict to kill all the Jews still stands but the right has been given to defend themselves. Be ready to defend yourself because, as we will see in the next chapter, God can gain a victory.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for Your Word that encourages us each and every day. Thank You for Your faithfulness to us in the little things in life that may open a door to greater opportunities to serve You in the future. We pray it, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
