Esther Pt. 9: Mortal Combat

Mortal Combat
3/16/25
Esther 9:1-19 ESV

We are in the final act of our story

The King of Persia has recently issued a decree allowing the Jews to protect themselves from their enemies. They have been given authority to defend themselves from danger.

Today we will read how God turns around this terrible situation and God’s plan come to completion. This whole book, Esther and Mordecai have been great examples of leadership; we will see more of their courage today. And lastly, we will see the larger picture of God’s people unite and triumph over their enemies through a miracle of his protection. 

Let’s dive in and see how God works an incredible miracle on behalf of his people like he has done so many times before.

9 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 carried out, 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. 

•       The new decree gave them the power to defend themselves, but it didn’t guarantee their success. The decree was to give them a fighting chance of survival. Even still we aren’t sure how all of this is going to shake out.
•       Realize from last week to this week, 9 months go by. This new decree happens in the 3rd month, and here we are 9 months later. Put yourself in their shoes; imagine being a Jew during this period. There is a one-day war coming and you don’t know…
•       Or maybe not, maybe they were confident, that they had faith in the LORD that they knew he would follow through and protect them. We can only speculate, and think how you would feel in that situation.
o       Scripture speaks nothing of these 9 months, instead the story picks up right with the action. The enemies of the Jews suffered a huge defeat.
•       The enemies of God’s people hoped to conquer them, to extinguish them. But instead, “the reverse occurred”. It doesn’t go the way their enemies expected. That is a core theme of the gospel, it is all about reversals. 
o       Instead of Esau, Jacob. Instead of a handsome tall king, a little shepherd boy. Instead of an eternity separated from God, his son died in our place.
o       God is the same today as he was in Esther’s day. 
o       We do not get what we deserve, in fact we get the exact opposite. Just when they were supposed to be destroyed, that very day, their fortunes reverse.
•       God gave them their success. 
o       “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” psalm 127:1
o       They conquered their enemies, even when they were unsure what would happen and how God would make a way, through it all, His will prevailed.

2 The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples. 3 All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful. 
•       Beginning of v2 says they came together. There is Unity in God’s people. The Jews gathered in their cities; they united. It was not every man for himself. The text implies they worked together to defeat their enemy, to execute God’s vision and plan.
•       Draw your attention to the second part of v2; it is so declarative! “No one could stand against them”! This is a description of the Lord’s power; this story doesn’t make sense as a tale about how lucky and clever a small people group was.
o       They were unstoppable, fear had fallen on their enemies. Again, God is present here, their enemies knew that He was their God.
o       31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 ESV

5 The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. 6 In Susa the citadel itself the Jews killed and destroyed 500 men, 7 and also killed… [Parshandatha and Dalphon and Aspatha 8 and Poratha and Adalia and Aridatha 9 and Parmashta and Arisai and Aridai and Vaizatha,] 10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they laid no hand on the plunder.
•       It tells us about 100 times in this book who Haman was and what people group he was from. The reason this is important is because the Agagites were historical enemies of Israel. Joshua had been given a command to wipe them out, all of them. But the people of Israel disobeyed. They neglected their job and these people ever since have been a thorn in their side.
o       “Now it was God’s intent that a last conflict should take place between Israel and Amalek: the conflict which began with Joshua in the desert was to be finished by Mordecai in the king’s palace.” (Spurgeon)

11 That very day the number of those killed in Susa the citadel was reported to the king. 12 And the king said to Queen Esther, “In Susa the citadel the Jews have killed and destroyed 500 men and also the ten sons of Haman. What then have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces! Now what is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what further is your request? It shall be fulfilled.” 13 And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day’s edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.” 14 So the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged. 15 The Jews who were in Susa gathered also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and they killed 300 men in Susa, but they laid no hands on the plunder.
•       We still see courage in her. Even though the King is on team Esther at this point. God’s leaders are courageous. That is difficult, being brave and courageous is not the normal.
•       She wants to make their death public. Meant to deter additional rebellions or uprisings against God’s people.
•       We read last week that the Jews were entitled to the plunder, according to the king’s decree. And now for the second time, the text says they did not take any of the plunder. They did not enrich themselves through the material goods they were offered. They were strictly about self-defense; survival was enough of a gift.

16 Now the rest of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces also gathered to defend their lives, and got relief from their enemies and killed 75,000 of those who hated them, but they laid no hands on the plunder. 17 This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested and made that a day of feasting and gladness. 18 But the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the rural towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and as a day on which they send gifts of food to one another.
•       We get an explanation as to why different Jews might claim a different date for the celebration. 
•       Do you understand how many people that is? From a world population standpoint that has to be a big percentage. That’s more people than the US causalities in Viet Nam.
•       This isn’t just ordinary people dying, these are people who hated them. The enemies of God are destroyed.
•       The last point we’ll look at it the word rest in v17. His people celebrate the occasion and the intentional use of the word “rest” evokes the sabbath.  It is to sit back and say “it is good”. It certainly is good; God’s plan has been executed and the enemies of his people have been devoted to destruction.

What can we takeaway from this passage?

God has a way of turning the story upside down
•       Don’t sell God short. Everything is in the realm of possible, there is truly nothing he cannot do. In unexpected ways, God flips the script.
•       How many times do we have to see it to expect it? Whether it was when Joseph was sold as a slave, or when God’s people were caught between the red sea and a furious Pharoah, wandering marching around the city of Jerico, or using the murder of his perfect son to restore his creation and gift us salvation.
•       God can turn the story around and use it for his good
•       God is the same yesterday today and forever.
•       Same is true for your life, do not put God in a box, do not diminish what God is able to do

God is faithful to his promise
•       The Jews deserved to be punished and deserved to be destroyed but God would never let that happen. He is faithful to his promise to keep a remnant of his people He is looking out for them and protecting a remnant
•       not because of what they’ve done. Because of who he is.

This story is a miracle
•       The Jews did not succeed in this story because of their own strategy, or their own might and prowess. 
•       God is at work, all over the place. There are areas of my life where I often feel all alone, but God continues to move. Where is God working in your life, and how can you find ways to be more tuned in, the miracles he is working right in front of you?

God’s work is to be celebrated. 
•       Do you take time to celebrate the things that God has done?
•       What does that look like? Do you take a sabbath, do you rest in the Lord?
•       Take time to be with others, feasting, giving and resting in our salvation

There is unity in God’s people
•       The Jews fought off their enemies as one united front. They came together for a common purpose to enact the will of God. How often do you come together with God’s people? Physically gathering, spending time with other believers. Also important that we are on the same page about spiritual matters with one another, that we are united spiritually.
•       Is this just a social club to you? Do you look around and think, how fun it is to have friends outside of your workplace or your home? Or do you see people that you can point you closer to Jesus, can correct you when you stray and come along side you when you fight spiritual enemies?
•       The rich community we are called to is built on accountability, trust, openness and love. It is made up of people who know each other deeply enough to ask, what did the Lord teach you this week? What scripture stood out to you in your quiet time with the Lord?

The text used the phrase “no one could stand against them”. God is unstoppable and what he wants will happen. We cannot control that; we can only acknowledge it. For every man who has ever lived, there are two reactions. We see in the text two distinct types of people. There are the people who see what God is doing, fear him and even join. Last week we read about those who saw their fortune turning and wanted to become Jews. This week we saw the leaders helping the Jews fight their enemies; they knew they had a powerful God on their side and they wanted to be a part of it.

And yet we still read about a fight. There were still people who attacked the Jews on the 13th of Adar. There are those people who double down and continue to hate him, and attack his people and receive judgement and destruction because of it. 

Where do you stand? Don’t be the second man. Grab hold of the God of victory and restoration, unite with his people and celebrate the good work he has done.

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Esther Pt. 8: God’s Power for His People

Esther Ch. 8

Why is Esther part of the group of writings the Jewish people believe to be ‘God Breathed’ also know as ‘Scripture’ / Holy Writing? This story could be a Hollywood movie and yet…Woven through the drama, the life and death intrigue, are principles found in other parts of Scripture, Old Testament and New. If we read this with the illumination of God’s Spirit we will find things that direct us in our walk with the Lord. God uses a great story to teach us some great things, about HIM & US, TODAY He wants to teach us about Himself and ourselves.

God exposed Haman’s plot to commit genocide against all the Jewish people in Persia. Literally wiping out the entire race. Esther and Mordecai trusted God, sought God and and were led by God to be important parts of HIS Story. The agent of the evil is gone, but the tentacles of that evil still need to be severed.

Esther Ch. 8 NIV

1 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. 2 The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman’s estate.

  • King Xerxes finally acts with conviction and speed, actually doing something
  • All of Haman’s relatives, advisors & wife are cut out! Esther gets all his stuff
  • Mordecai recognized by Xerxes as his new ‘Prime Minister’ [What Haman was]
  • Esther needs nothing so she gives everything of Haman’s to Mordecai

3 Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. 4 Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him.

  • Esther is emotional, but not entitled…Not demanding
  • She is humble before God’s duly authorized authority
  • The King, for all his shortcomings, is there because God wants him there
  • Esther and Mordecai are safe, but The Job is not finished
  • She understands she is there to act on behalf of all God’s People!
  • “With great power, there must also come great responsibility.”

When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. ~ Jesus The Christ @ Luke 12:48b

5 “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?”

  • Esther is super humble and respectful before the King [knowing his flaws]
  • Throughout this book we see the principal of respect for God given authority
  • She begs Xerxes that he must overrule the previous edict…for Her!
  • She makes it personal, her people, her family [care for brothers & sisters]

7 King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have impaled him on the pole he set up. 8 Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.”

  • In reply to Esther’s plea the king recounts what has already been done
  • Xerxes had taken ‘The Signet Ring’ from Haman and gave it to Mordecai
  • Xerxes puts it in Mordecai’s hands to complete justice & protect God’s people
  • God moves the rulers of all nation to do HIS will [Ps. 72:11 / Rom. 13:4]
  • The previous edict / decree could not be revoked, they need to issue a new one
  • She asked to change the rules…she could not see the big picture
  • BUT God does see the big picture
  • HE made a way within the current authority structure
  • God’s people trust God to enact His will, even using flawed leaders & systems

9 At once the royal secretaries were summoned—on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. They wrote out all Mordecai’s orders to the Jews, and to the satraps, governors and nobles of the 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush. These orders were written in the script of each province and the language of each people and also to the Jews in their own script and language.

  • Everything is like the previous orders [Deposing Vashti, Eliminating The Jews]
  • Everyone would get the new order

10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.

  • Mordecai now speaks for the king!
  • The sense of urgency is more intense: fastest means possible at that time

11 The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies.

  • Since they couldn’t revoke the other edict, they counter acted it
  • The new decree could give the Jews a chance…authorize their use of force
  • They would only kill ‘Armed Men’ who might attack them [self defense]
  • The plunder aspect was to make would be attackers have something to lose
  • Mordecai is used to craft an edict that will give God maximum glory

12 The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

  • Same day as the order allowing people to kill all jews and take their stuff
  • Everyone would be ready, but no one could attack early… no ‘sneak attack’
  • Who were their enemies? Haman was an exiled Almaikite / Agagite
  • Perhaps others resented the Jews because they prospered in exile [Jer. 29:7]

14 The couriers, riding the royal horses, went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. 15 When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.

  • Soon the rest of the Jews in Persia would be given ‘A Fighting Chance’
  • The king has set Mordecai up to be the ‘Prime Minister’ / head of government
  • He is a ‘Type’ similar to Joseph and Daniel [honored by GOD for their faith]
  • The core of this story is how Mordecai would not bow down to anyone but God
  • Some Hebrew translators render Esther 2:5 ‘A unique Jew, Mordecai…’
  • Similar to how Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego. are described in Daniel 3:12

16 For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. 17 In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

  • Party in Susa that day, celebrations would break out as the edict spreads
  • This would make a great holiday to remember what God did to save them
  • And others converted, seeing the God of the Jews rescue HIS people
  • God given maximum glory. God clearly displayed His power for His People
  • Like the parting of the Red Sea…
  • He allowed for impending doom, and then Boom! Something only God could do
  • They didn’t fear the Jews, they feared their God…THE GOD of The Universe!

Biblical Principles & Personal Application:

God can make a way when no way seems possible!

  • Build a positive outlook / HOPE by counting your blessings & ‘Ebeneezers’
  • Be humble about what you know & what will happen [don’t second guess God]

God gives His people responsibility for others & places them where needed

  • Recognize where God has placed you & use your position to help others
  • Our example is Christ…be a little Christ / Christian today

God’s people are called to work within the God given authority they are under

  • Recognize your rebellion against authority is actually rebellion against HIM
  • God always achieves HIS goals, enacts HIS will. Learn to trust HIS way to do it

No matter the situation, do not bow down to anything but Jesus Christ

  • You must view every choice you make as a spiritual matter…Because IT IS!
  • True integrity is not situational, let your yes be yes & your no be no
  • Keeping your commitments no matter the situation = Godly Integrity

When God’s people live trusting in God’s power…other people change sides

  • Ask God to grow your faith and dependence on Christ
  • Make public life choices that display your allegiance to the Biblical Christ

God’s people celebrate His amazing grace, incredible mercy and unending love

  • Spend time repenting, thanking God and receiving HIS presence
  • Strengthen your foundational beliefs & anchor your celebration in THE TRUTH
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Esther Pt. 7: God’s Justice

Big themes developing:

Pride leads to sin & evil, but it does not stop God from fulfilling His purposes.

Sacrificial, communal prayer by God’s people allows them to join HIS will & work

God’s people trust in God AND His timing

God alone knows how & when HE will enact HIS Judgement & Justice [unknowable]

Be ready to act when God calls upon you

Where we are in the story:

Esther and the entire jewish population of Suza fast & pray for three days after Haman [Hating on Mordecai] tricks the king into ordering all jews in Persia destroyed. After the fast, Esther gets the kings ear, gets him & Haman to a banquet only to say: ‘wait a day, let’s do this again tomorrow’…

What a difference a day can make… Haman was riding high [on his pride] bragging to his sycophants, he builds a 75 ft pole and goes to the king at dawn. King up all night, learns Mordecai needs to be honored, so instead of killing Mordecai, Haman is forced by the king to honor him! No sooner does Haman finish parading Mordecai through the whole city when he is summoned to the 2nd banquet…

Easter Ch. 7 NIV

1 So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, 2 and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

  • Yesterday Esther had demurred…Was she afraid? Trying to get him drunk?
  • I believe God told her, wait one more day
  • Before long Xerxes repeats his offer from yesterday [It was not a fluke offer]

3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.

  • She has waited for God to move, now it is time for her to act
  • She uses the language he used: petition & request
  • She starts with her life and then asks for her people
  • I imagine the king is confused [poor memory / attention deficit]

4 For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”

  • She explains because the king is perhaps not tracking
  • Already in exile they don’t have much of an expectation of freedom
  • She wouldn’t t bother the king if it was loss of rights [very respectful of authority]
  • BUT THIS.. is not loss of rights…it loss of LIFE!

5 King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?”

  • He quickly gets that there is an person who has sold the queen & her people
  • Another example of Xerxes not remembering events [drinking problem???]
  • You can sense his anger building

6 Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.

  • Esther identifies Haman as adversary & enemy of who?
  • Esther is fierce and direct… and the king is totally on her side
  • Haman is astute enough to realize he is in serious trouble

7 The king got up in a rage, left his wine and went out into the palace garden.

  • He is so mad he doesn’t know what to do! [He is wise to take a beat]

But Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life. 8 Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?”

  • Haman realizes Esther has the kings ear & favor so he begs her [soft target]
  • Haman is probably having some major anxiety and is out of control
  • He trips or slips or loses his balance in his panic…ends up on the couch
  • Brutal timing! What a coincidence!! [God is sovereign over massive & minute]
  • Xerxes was already so mad he didn’t know what to do…and then THIS!
  • The king speaks a question, and it is directed at his guards & attendants

As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.”

  • Immediately the guards took custody of Haman: bound him & hooded him
  • Then the quick thinking and well informed Harbona says: ‘I have an idea…’
  • Perhaps Haman bragged to him on the way in that morning about his plans

The king said, “Impale him on it!” 10 So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.

  • No hesitation by the king
  • They seem to have done it immediately
  • Once it was done the king finally calmed down

So Haman is no more, Justice, God’s Justice, not man’s justice, has been enacted. But what is going to happen next… Tune in next week…

Principles and Application

When you give God time & obedience, He will use you to enact His will

  • Practice waiting on God and listening when you pray [Holy Spirit Connection]
  • In all of your requests of God, gladly submit to HIS way and time to answer

Evil will be exposed. What is planned in the dark, God will ultimately bring to light.

  • Expose what evil you can and trust God will use others to do the same
  • God will enact justice as HE wills, HIS people trust HIM to define justice

The end of your pride is the destruction of your pride, one way or another.

  • In a Spirit Indwelled Christian it is Your Pride vs God’s Spirit. What side r u on?
  • As God destroys your pride you can either cling to it or surrender it

The enemies of God ultimately find out God is GOD [All Everything]

  • Underestimating God [blasphemy of The Holy Spirit] puts U on the wrong team
  • One day everyone will know God’s absolute sovereignty. You can today!

Whatever protection you think you have [status, connections, money] they can’t protect you from God’s Justice.

  • What do you trust to protect your eternal soul?
  • How you live displays what you put your trust in. Place yourself in God’s hands

Living based on your pride results in you building the means of your death.

  • Become aware of your pride and don’t build your life on it
  • We are all building something eternal, are you building your things or God’s?
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