Morning Message: Haman's Fall

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Haman's Fall"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Today, we shall read of Haman’s demise. Descended from Agag, King of the Amalekites, we also learn more about the hatred harbored against the Jews by the race of Amalekites. We first read of Amalek in Genesis 36:16. He is a grandson of Esau, in the bloodline of Isaac. This was that Esau of twins Jacob and Esau, of which Jacob “stole” the blessing of the first-born from his brother Esau. You will remember that Esau came back empty from hunting, and “sold” his birthright to Jacob for a bowel of “pottage,” essentially, bean soup!

Haman’s Agagite heritage takes us back to Esau, the twin brother to Jacob. The Amalekites were a vicious, nomadic tribe of Edom, in the land of Mt. Seir. Because of Esau’s red hair, he was called Edom, or “Red.” There was much “bad blood” between the Edomites and the Jews, one could draw a comparison to the Hatfields and the McCoys of American folklore. Perhaps you will also recall that Herod the Tetrarch of Jesus’ time was an Idumean, a descendant of Edom.

Our reading today in Ezekiel 18 identifies what is known as “generational sin,” as future generations might be treated poorly because of the sins of their fathers.

God says quite plainly that He does not judge that way, but that the person who sins shall bear the judgment for his own sins. But generational sin was common in Jesus’ day. The Apostles asked Him once, “Who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind (John 9:2). Jesus’ response in the very next verse was, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be manifest in him.”

God desires us to not adopt the sin issues of our ancestors, or friends. Personal responsibility for our own sins, with repentance is key. In John 8, Jesus spoke to the woman who had been taken in adultery. Her accusers had left. There were none left to condemn her.

Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” - John 8:11

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Esther 7:1-10 - "Haman's Fall"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

At the second banquet of Esther, the queen finally makes her request to the king – to save herself and her people from death. She also reveals Haman as the enemy and Haman is hanged on the gallows that he had made for Mordecai.
The tension has been building over the last few chapters. When Esther first appears before the king unbidden, he asks her what she desires and promises to grant her request, even up to half of his kingdom (5:3). He says the same thing at her first banquet (5:6). Now, at the second banquet, he asks for her request for the third time (7:2) and Esther finally complies. Having hidden her identity as a Jew, in obedience to Mordecai’s instruction (2:10), Esther now reveals both her own identity and that of her adversary: “A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!” (7:6).

Esther’s courage and wisdom are on full display in this chapter. She speaks the truth about herself while wisely refraining from accusing the king of participating in Haman’s murderous plot. “For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated” (7:4). It was Ahasuerus himself who gave Haman permission to issue the edict of destruction (3:11), but Esther wisely places all the blame on Haman and calls on the king to act as a gracious benefactor.

The chapter ends with a scene of poetic justice, as Haman is hung on the ridiculously tall gallows (75 feet high!) that he had constructed to hang Mordecai. Haman, in other words, is “hoist by his own petard.”

Sunday Morning Message: Coming Soon!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Haman to the Banquet (6:14) - There is a rapid succession of events which has come about in this chapter, culminating in this final verse. Whereas just one chapter before, he was bragging about being the only one invited to Esther’s banquet, now he is fearful of having made the wrong decision concerning the Jews. He needs time to think through what to do, but time is not his friend. Instead, the royal court has come to gather Haman for the second banquet of Esther. What was a point of bragging and hoped-for joy, would now be a tasteless time of trial and trepidation. One can almost anticipate the outcome, if not the events themselves, of what lies ahead at Esther’s banquet. Like a lamb led to slaughter, Haman was escorted off to his just due.

Second Day (7:2) - This refers to the second banquet on the second day (cf. 5:8).  The words here seem superfluous, but they are to remind us that there has already been one banquet, and that the extraordinary events which occurred after it came about. For whatever reason, the queen withheld her request at that time and had asked for the king’s attendance of a second banquet when she would make her request known.

What is Your Petition (7:2) - The words here are very similar to those of verse 5:6 – There he also called her Queen Esther, obviously indicating that she was accepted to come into his presence because she was queen. Her request seemed almost trivial for such a chance. She simply asked him and Haman to come to the banquet she had prepared. At that feast, he asked her again what she wanted, but didn’t call her Queen Esther in front of Haman. However, she delayed her request for a second day. It was a request which would deprive him of sleep as the thoughts of what she desired spun through his head on a continuous loop. He knew that whatever she wished must be so important that she was willing to go through these events in order to come to stating her petition. She has proven herself not just a beauty, but a woman of perseverance and patience. Thus, he acknowledges her now, in Haman’s presence, as Queen Esther; a title she has earned in her dealings of these two days.

My Life . . .My People (7:3) - Esther employs a rather amazing use of linguistics. First, there is an abruptness in her words which reflect the emotions she is relaying. Secondly, the king had asked, 1) What is your petition?, and 2) What is your request? She accepts both separately. And so, she divides her words into answering both separately. When she answers, first her petition is made for herself – “my life.” And then her request is made for another – “my people.”  This plea paralleled God's message through Moses to Pharaoh, "let my people go," almost 1,000 years earlier (Exodus 7:16).  

For We Are Sold (7:4) - She has identified with her people and their plight. They are united, and she has admitted that she cannot be exempted from what will come upon them. From this, she then follows up not with words which she would do, but what she would have done...This refers back to Haman's bribe (cf. 3:9; 4:7) of the right to destroy the Jews by a large sum of money to be paid the king.  She also notes that the king's loss of the industrious and prosperous Jewish population would result in more "damage financially to the king than the "enemy" (Haman) would be paying him. 

Destroyed . . . Killed . . . Annihilated (7:4) - Esther recounts the exact language of Haman's decree (cf. 3:13). The people, her people and herself, have been sold to destruction. Any person, be it a criminal or a foreigner, is normally allowed to petition for their life. She is exercising that right now, especially because she has been tied into an edict by default, being Jewish herself. They have had no chance to petition for their lives, but now she stands as their representative to do just that.

This Wicked Haman (7:6) - Esther's words are direct, purposeful, and pointed. In them, she leaves off any definite article concerning Haman in order to align him with what he is. Instead of “the adversary” and “the enemy,” she says, “adversary and enemy.” It is his nature; it is his filling. There could be no mistaking her meaning, or the nature of her intended target. He was a diabolical schemer, and he was the enemy of her people and of his king and kingdom. She could not highlight the nature of Satan himself any better than she had highlighted that of Haman. Similar to Nathan's famous accusation against King David, "You are the man" (2 Samuel 12:7).  Haman's honor had quickly turned to humiliation, and then to horror.  

Force (Assault) the Queen (7:8) - Haman got up from his seat or couch and went forward to Esther. This act was one of submission to the one and only person that could save him from certain doom. However, the king used it as a final excuse to both embarrass and condemn him for his wickedness, and now also his irreverence – not just to the queen – but to him. Blinded by anger, Ahasuerus interpreted Haman's plea to be an act of violence against Esther, rather than a plea for mercy.

Harbonah (7:9) - Harbonah is the only one of the seven eunuchs mentioned in Esther 1:10 who is mentioned again in a later verse. This is his second and final appearance in the book. He has an idea, a great one in fact, as can be seen in his expressive words.

Behold Also, the Gallows (7:9) - Look!  There is almost a resounding joy in Harbonah's words, "Behold . . . the gallows. . .!" He was aware of what Haman had purposed concerning the gallows for Mordecai, maybe even from Mordecai. He certainly didn’t hear it from Haman. 

Mordecai, Who Spoke Good (7:9) - He knew what Mordecai had done for the king and compliments him on it now in the presence of the king.

They Hanged Haman (7:10) - This was the ultimate expression of justice (cf. Psalm 9:15, 16).  The evil that he intended for Mordecai was turned back upon himself, and he died in his own sin and wickedness.

Morning Message: Esther, The Queen Mother

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Esther, The Queen Mother"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Secular history describes the events in The Book of Esther during the reign of Ahasuerus. So, we must remember that Ahasuerus is simply a title meaning “King.” History accredits the Biblical history to Xerxes I, King of Persia, son of Darius I, in timing and in order of occurrence.

For those that doubt scripture’s historical truth, we have a duplicate record of events recorded in secular history to prove that the Biblical record is true. What we are seeing in the differences in names not as a stumbling block, but as history from a different source.

The historical books in the Bible are not just fanciful descriptions of human events, but accurate portrayals of history from cultures that use the original cultural habits of their own times, complete with titles used as names. The Bible’s historical books have proven to be accurate by following histories gathered from non-Biblical methods. Such is the case for the Book of Esther. This is not Fantasy Island, but history gathered from another viewpoint.

The Persians spoken of in Esther are the same ethnic people who renamed their land, Iran in 1935 A.D. (C.E.). The Iranians we hear of in the media today are modern-day Persians. The attitudes of about 20% of them towards the Jews of the world are identical to the views of Haman in the Book of Esther. It is a deep-seated hatred toward Israel as a nation, and the world’s Jewish population wherever they reside. It is founded upon jealousy, greed, and pride, just as we read of in the story of Esther between Haman and Mordecai. The Jews have learned not to trust the Hamans of Iran, while Islam’s 20% of Iran clings to an irrational hatred of the Jewish people. And oddly enough, these two peoples are cousins, sharing much of their ancient history, being descended from Shem, one of Noah’s sons from the days of the world-wide flood. What they do not share is the Biblical Prophecy to Abraham and his descendants.

“And God said unto Abraham, ‘Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad (Ishmael), and because of thy bondwoman (Hagar); in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.’” - Genesis 21:12

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Esther 6:1-14 - "Esther, The Queen Mother"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Sleepless nights... we all hate them. Chapter Six begins with a pivotal turning point, where the king, unable to sleep, consumed with Esther's petition. It is the only thing in the narrative that is recorded which could bring him to this state. It shows that he really is concerned about what she desires to reveal. The fact that she was willing to risk her life in coming to him unannounced demonstrated that it was a matter of the highest urgency and importance. It is this which caused his sleep to fly away. There are nights when we can’t sleep, and then there are nights when sleep flies away from us. The mind races, and the thoughts which consume the minutes away then lead to hours of turning. The chances of the mind slowing down are zero, and so there is nothing to do but either have the mind race while lying there, or find something to do to whittle away the remaining hour.

He orders the royal chronicles to be read and realizes that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. King Xerxes, perhaps hoping the dry records would lull him to sleep, instead hears the story of Mordecai, a Jewish man who had once uncovered a plot to assassinate the king but had never been rewarded for his loyalty. Xerxes, realizing the oversight, immediately decides to honor Mordecai... and you won't believe how. But what makes this moment even more remarkable is its timing. At that very instant, Haman is on his way to request the execution of Mordecai.

By the end of the verses today, Mordecai is probably the most confused man on the planet. He and his people have been set for destruction, and yet, his mortal enemy has come to him with a royal robe, and the king’s horse, and after placing the robe on him and placing him on the king’s horse, he has conducted him through the city square honoring him as a town crier would – “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”

As soon as that was over, the robe was removed, the horse was led back to the royal stalls, and he went back to sit at the king’s gate as if nothing ever happened. His people are still set for destruction, and yet the king honored him. It’s hard to see how the king delighted to honor him while reveling in destroying him. Little does Haman know that the tables are about to turn dramatically.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

The Book (6:1) - Five years (cf. 2:16 with 3:7) had intervened since Mordecai's loyal but unrewarded act (cf. 2:23).  At exactly the proper moment, God providentially intervened so the king suffered insomnia, called for the book of records, read of Mordecai's unrewarded deeds five years past, and then desired to reward him (cf. Daniel 6:18).

What Honour (6:3) - The king has certainly not forgotten the deed of Mordecai. However, it was a reward for the deed that concerns him at this point. It is noted by Herodotus (Herod. viii. 85, 90) that in Persia there was a special list which was compiled and maintained of those who had done some special service for the king. It was considered a duty to acknowledge them for such things, and it would practically be a legal right for something noteworthy to be so conferred. The lack of any reward may have been that it was forgotten due to the development of other busy duties in the king’s life, or it could be that the court simply didn’t pursue reminding the king because Mordecai was a Jew. Whatever the reason, their response came back to the ears of the king…

Who is in the Court? (6:4) - The drama intensified as Haman arrived at just the wrong time and for just the wrong reason. One can sense the urgency of Haman’s arrival at the palace. It is still early in the morning, and yet he has excitedly gone to the palace with all alacrity to have his plan executed at the earliest possible moment. He probably didn’t sleep any more than the king did, tossing and turning at the delightful thought of fulfilling his plan of the previous evening.

Haman Standeth (6:5) - The remarkable sixth and seventh chapters of Esther contain one of the most incisively ironical narratives in all literature, not to mention an amazing testimony of providential ordering of events.   Haman, swollen with both pride and hatred of those who refused to pander to his pride, appears at the king's court just as the king is preparing special honor for the very man Haman is preparing to hang! Even though there were certainly other officers present, it seems that it was an unexpected surprise that Haman would be there at this time. Being the one who was granted the king’s signet ring back in Chapter 3, it seems that the timing of his coming was quite propitious. He would certainly be well-suited to attending to such an important duty of kingly matters. The irony increases…

More than to Myself (6:6) - The inordinate pride of Haman (like that of Satan) contributed to his humiliation (Proverbs 16:18; 18:12; compare Ezekiel 28:17).

Set Upon His Head (6:8) - That is, the royal crown (or crest) was to be placed on the head of the royal steed!  Stone carvings of horses so arrayed have been found in Persepolis, one of ancient Persia's capitals.

Royal Robe (6:8) - An honor which involved being treated as though the recipient were the king himself (cf. 8:15). It is noted that wearing a kingly robe would be a breach of Persian law, but the king might allow it at his command. As it is a robe the king had worn, it is signifying a special robe, not necessarily the regular garments which he would wear from day to day. Here Haman is looking for the highest form of recognition, showing the king’s absolute favor of the individual by granting one of his own special robes to be placed upon the favored subject. This is similar to the bestowal of the garments by Pharaoh upon Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:39-45), and the granting of Jonathan’s garment to David in 1 Samuel 18. It also foreshadows the laying of kingly attire upon Christ as is seen in the gospels.

A Horse (6:8) - A royal horse carries much the same symbolism of wearing a royal robe. It would be evident to all that the one being carried was truly highly honored. In Genesis 41, Joseph was made to ride in Pharaoh’s second chariot. And when Solomon was to be ordained as king in David’s place, David directed that he be taken on his own mule to Gihon for the ceremony. This honor would be made all the more distinct by another symbol of kingly authority…

Royal Crest (6:8) - It is argued whether this is a royal crown for the rider’s head, a royal crown from the king’s head, or a royal crown for the horse’s head. The Hebrew, however, is specific. It is for the horse. Ancient Assyrian monuments depict the king’s horse wearing a sort of crown. A special crown or crest is something that would identify it as the king’s own horse. The honor would be great. This verse contains the last use of this word Kether, or crown, in the Bible. History affirms that horses were adorned with the royal crown.

The City Square (6:9) - Mordecai had been there the day before in sackcloth and ashes (4:1), he now would arrive with royal honor much to Haman's disbelief.

Mordecai the Jew (6:10) -To ensure exactly who would be granted the honor, he signifies the name, the race, and the position held. All of this would have been recorded for him in the chronicles, and he is simply repeating what was just then relayed to him.

Some call into question the historical truth of the account because of these words. They ask how it is possible that the king would have forgotten that he had consigned all of the Jews to death and so honor a Jew in this way. However, Haman’s words in Chapter 3 never said anything about the Jews.

All he said to the king was, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom.” With a little more talk about them, he offered to have them eliminated and to place the money in the king’s treasuries to do so. The subject of who these people were was never mentioned. For all the king knew, Haman was speaking of gypsies, tramps, and thieves. It was Haman who harbored the ill will, and the recompense for his wickedness towards the Jews was now coming back upon him.

Mourning . . . Head Covered (6:12) - What a difference a day makes!  His imagined honors had quickly turned to unimaginable humiliation. While Mordecai took his honors in stride, Haman has not fared so well. There is urgency in returning to his house, as if he needed to shut himself in from the outside world. And on the way there he both mourned, a sign of deep distress, and he covered his head, a sign of exceeding shame. When David was overthrown by his son Absalom, it says in 2 Samuel 15:30 that as he fled, he ascended the Mount of Olives weeping as he went, and he had his head covered and went barefoot. Likewise, it says this in Psalm 44 –

“My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,” Psalm 44:15.

Jeremiah also speaks of the shame of drought, a sign of the Lord’s displeasure –

“Because the ground is parched, for there was no rain in the land, The plowmen were ashamed; They covered their heads.” - Jeremiah 14:4

This verse now introduces another set of two’s. Here Haman’s face is covered by himself at the beginning of his downfall as he flees to his house in shame, hoping for comfort. In verse 7:8, his face will be covered by others as he is led off to the gallows at his house in disgrace. They contrast in detail, but they confirm the full and final downfall of wicked Haman.

You Have Begun to Fall (6:13) - Neither divine prophecy (Exodus 17:14) nor biblical history (1 Samuel 15:8,9) stood in Haman's favor.  Haman's entourage seemed to have some knowledge of this biblical history.   In Haman, we can see the truth of the proverb –

“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.” - Proverbs 26:27

Haman had metaphorically dug a pit for Mordecai, and he will fall into it; and he had attempted to roll away Israel, but they will roll right back upon him. 

Haman to the Banquet (6:14) - There is a rapid succession of events which has come about in this chapter, culminating in this final verse. Whereas just one chapter before, he was bragging about being the only one invited to Esther’s banquet, now he is fearful of having made the wrong decision concerning the Jews. He needs time to think through what to do, but time is not his friend. Instead, the royal court has come to gather Haman for the second banquet of Esther. What was a point of bragging and hoped-for joy, would now be a tasteless time of trial and trepidation. One can almost anticipate the outcome, if not the events themselves, of what lies ahead at Esther’s banquet. Like a lamb led to slaughter. Haman was escorted off to his just due.

Morning Message: The Golden Sceptre

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Golden Sceptre"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

“Ahasuerus held out his golden sceptre…"  It was the law in ancient Persia, that no one could approach the King without being invited to do so, not even his queen! But Queen Esther dutifully humbled herself, and waited for the King to notice her, and acknowledge her. After all, her husband had unwittingly joined in Haman’s plan to kill all the Jews in His kingdom.

With the Jews being persecuted under the King’s #2 man, Haman, Esther approached her husband and King with humility and caution according to the law. This should remind Christians to approach our own husbandman and King by putting on humility, and waiting. Waiting on the Lord, our strength will be renewed, and we shall fly as on eagle’s wings. But our path to Him begins with a humble approach. That’s not always easy. In our time-controlled realm, and our most immediate needs bringing desperation, putting on humility is among the hardest things we are called to do.

But with sincere humility we must look around and consider others whose needs might be greater.  Jesus knows our needs already, even before we ask. Let our blessed Lord see sincere humility. If we take the time to see another’s needs, and help them while we wait upon the Him, we might find the purpose for our wait. Humility will lead to slowing down among the throngs of people, and nurture our own compassion to help another. Ministries can grow from such a seedling faith. And love is spread, perhaps even emboldening others to join in a service to others. In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes, “For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love, serve one another.” There are plenty of people suffering in this world, whose king is Satan. Remain in the Spirit, waiting.

When Ahasuerus saw his queen waiting, he held out his golden sceptre to her, and she drew near, and touched it. Message invitation received, and it would be her opportunity to speak with her request.

What Jesus sees is one of His children waiting humbly, and patiently. His favor is turned towards the humble, towards His child. Then! We can come boldly to His Throne of Grace and lay out our petitions before Him.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:16

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message

Esther 5:1-14 - "The Golden Sceptre"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In chapter four we learned of the reaction of Mordecai and the Jews upon hearing the new edict issued from the king for the annihilation of the all the Jews in the Media-Persian empire. Mordecai instructed Esther to go before the king and plead for her people. Since she had not been summoned by the king, going into his presence unannounced was taking her life in her own hands. If he held out his scepter to her, she would live and have her audience with the king, but if he did not hold out his sceptre, she would be executed.

At the end of chapter 4, with courage and grace, Esther bows to the will of Mordecai and agrees to go unannounced to the king to plead for her people. But first Mordecai must gather all the Jews in Susa and fast on Esther’s behalf for three days and Esther with her maids will do the same. Then she would go to the king, even though it was against the law. Esther’s resolve was, “If I perish, I perish.” The fast symbolized Esther’s complete willingness to enter into death—a death three days and three nights long. Esther was willing to die to save her people from annihilation, just as Jesus Christ was willing to save us from the second death. We must be willing to accept in practical experience the judgment of the cross upon our flesh, our old nature, as Esther was willing to enter into death. 

This morning we enter into chapter five, the three days of fasting are over. It is the third day, the fast is over, and Queen Esther bravely approaches King Ahasuerus unsummoned to stop Haman's plot.  She is welcomed by the king, finds favor with him and receives his promise to fulfill her request. She hosts two banquets for the King and Haman to delay her reveal. A furious Haman, annoyed by Mordecai, builds 50-cubit gallows to hang him, unaware of his impending downfall.

Let’s pray and then read our Scripture for today.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

She Obtained Favor (5:2) - This actually means that Esther first found favor with the God of Israel (cf. Proverbs 21:1).

What is Thy Request (5:3) - Esther deferred her real request until 7:2,3. Esther delayed her request to King Ahasuerus to ensure the timing was perfect, maximize her influence, and trap Haman. God’s unseen hand shapes the timeline. Esther’s second banquet aligns with the king’s sleepless night (6:1), the reading of the royal chronicles, and the overdue honor for Mordecai—all indispensable for exposing Haman’s plot. The pause allowed Yahweh to orchestrate circumstances impossible for Esther to arrange.

It Shall Be Given Thee (5:3) - Esther had risked her life in approaching the king without being bidden, but the Lord providentially touched his heart.  No doubt Esther, already having been recognized as the fairest in the kingdom and now dressed in her "royal apparel" (5:1), looking radiant after three days of prayer and fasting, made a striking appearance, and the king knew that she must have come for some very good reason.  Three times he promised to give her up to half the kingdom (see 5:3, 6; 7:2).  This was probably a rhetorical exaggeration (note also Herod's promise to Salome - Mark 6:23), but it does indicate the king's sincere desire to please his queen.

The Banquet (5:4) - The first of two (cf. 5:4-8; 6:14-7:1) that Esther prepared.  God would providentially intervene between the two (6:1,2).

Half of the Kingdom (5:6) - With such a huge promise from the king, Esther did not immediately make the appeal for her people, instead requests a second banquet.  Whatever the reason for her delay, notice the Lord's hand in this.  It was on this sleepless night (6:1) that Ahasuerus learns of Mordecai's earlier report to Esther which had saved the king's life (2:21-23; 6:1,2).

The Multitude of His Children (5:11) - At least ten sons were fathered by Haman (cf. 9:13), who personified sinful pride (cf. Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 6:3).

Availeth Me Nothing (5:13) - Haman expressed raging fixation on killing Mordecai.

Gallows (5:14) - A stake on which a human would be impaled to death and/or displayed after death (cf. 2:23). 

Fifty Cubits High (5:14) - Approximately seventy-five feet or almost eight stories high.  Perhaps the gallows involved displaying a shorter stake atop a building or wall to attain this height.

Morning Message: The Agagite's Plot

Attention: The order of Esther Chapter's 3 and 4 have been mistakenly reversed. Posted below is Chapter 3, as Chapter 4 was taught last Sunday.  While we apologize for our error, the misordered chapters and the timing of chapter 3 really fall in line with current middle east events. The Lord is in control. Thanks for your understanding.

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Agagite's Plot"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Murphy’s Law says, “If something can go wrong, it will.” It has nothing to do with Sacred Scripture, but Sacred Scripture has plenty of examples of it as it covers the plans of men.

Two weeks ago, I had to cancel Sunday service due to illness. I was ready to teach Esther 3 when I realized I could not speak. In preparing last week’s study, Chapter 3 was completed in my mind, so I prepared for Chapter 4. Murphy’s Law struck because my plans were incomplete. This week, we are going back to pick up Chapter 3, and I’m glad we can do this, because Chapter 3 leads to as much a turning point for Esther, as we saw happen in Iran this past week. The history of that region today is following the history of Ancient Persia. The leaders have not learned the lessons of the past and are repeating them.

Among the most ancient of lands, the Land of Elam takes us back to the days following the Flood of Noah. Genesis 10 lists the name Elam as a son of Shem, and a grandson of Noah. Elam’s descendants inhabited that land after the flood, beginning about 2,000 BC (Genesis 10: 21,22). That’s 19 generations before even Abraham came from that same bloodline of Shem.

The capital of Elam was Susa, along today’s Persian Gulf, north and west of the Strait of Hormuz. The Medes came along about 650 BC, occupying the mountainous region northwest of Elam.

Nonetheless, as the Elamites and Medes shared their region, the Elamites held to the lowlands of the south, and the Medes took to the highlands to the northwest. Eventually, the line between them was blurred, and they became a blended people, and they are inextricably connected to modern Iran. While the Elamites were absorbed into Persia, it was the Medo-Persian Empire’s combined forces that defeated Babylon. The mountainous region of Elam became Kurdistan, and the lowlands became Persian, which changed its name to Iran in 1935 AD.

This was the norm among tribes and nations: “Conquer, or be conquered.” But it is clear that Iran’s blended bloodline includes Shem’s, which is the bloodline of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus.

“In Isaac shall thy seed be called…” (Hebrews 1:18; Genesis 21:12; Romans 9:7)

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Esther 3:1-15 - "The Agagite's Plot"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In the last study we were introduced to a rather lovely character by the name of Esther. Under the direction of her guardian, Mordecai, she arose from obscurity to become queen in the Medo-Persian Empire. God's providence. After a yearlong preparation period Esther was chosen by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) to become his queen, and a great feast was proclaimed throughout the empire. Esther was happy, the king was happy and everything was going swimmingly.

Throughout this whole book we shall see that King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) makes very poor decisions. Choosing Haman, the Agagite, to be the highest in command in the king's court, is a glaring example of this.

This week, in chapter 3, we are introduced to the nasty villain, Haman. Haman was a proud and ambitious man who demanded that everyone bow down to him as a sign of respect. Those refusing, well, we will see just how far this hateful man is willing to go to punish the offender. When Mordecai refuses to bow, citing his identity as a Jew, this triggers Haman's fury, exposing his true nature and his pure hatred of an entire race.

As Esau hated Jacob, so Amalek hated Israel and so Haman hates Mordecai and the Jews. In fact, Haman is so full of rage that Mordecai will not bow down to him that he forms a plan to not only destroy Mordecai himself, but the entire Jewish population! Sound familiar. The same scenario is playing out today.

The types in verses 5 and 6 are hopefully clear. We have seen above that Haman is an Amalekite - the sworn enemy of Israel. You may remember from other studies that Amalek speaks of the flesh - that sinful self-centered old nature that we all possess. Thus, the conflict here between Haman and Mordecai gives us a glimpse of that which battles in our own hearts - the conflict between flesh and spirit. This battle may be internal and unseen to those around us, yet it is as real as the conflict that we see brewing in these first verses in Esther chapter 3. Mordecai then, is a picture of the Holy Spirit who will not bow down or give any ground to Haman, the sinful old nature. The two will always be in conflict:

"And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi: for he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:16).

On a prophetic level, Haman is a type of the Antichrist still to come. Whether it is Haman, Antiochus Epiphanies, Adolph Hitler, the Ayatollahs or the Antichrist himself, the goal is always the same - kill the Jews! Thus, it is no surprise that we read that "Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai." And thus, unfortunately, it shall happen again. In a very sobering prophecy Jesus directly warned the Jews in Judea (and indirectly all believers on earth at that time) to flee for their lives when they see the 'abomination of desolation' for ' then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-- and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21-22). We shall see more about the prophetic implications of this book later on in the series. But for now, let's return to the drama at hand!

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

After these things (3:1) - Sometime between the seventh (2:16) and twelfth year (3:7) of the king's reign.

Haman . . . the Agagite (3:1) - Haman was an Agagite and the son of Hammedatha. Haman was likely a descendent of Agag, king of the Amalekites, long-time enemies of the Jewish people. Haman was married to a woman named Zeresh, and they had ten sons. Haman, is a central villain in the book of Esther, was the high-ranking minister to Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) who plotted to annihilate all Jews in the empire. He sought revenge against Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him, but was ultimately hanged on his own gallows.

Bowed Not (3:2) - Mordecai refused to bow because the act constituted idolatrous worship that violated the first commandment and because honoring an Amalekite enemy contradicted God’s covenant mandate. His allegiance to Yahweh overrode imperial decree, modeling faithful resistance that preserved God’s people and advanced redemptive history.

He was a Jew (3:4) - Originally, God’s chosen people were known as the Hebrews. Later, after they settled in the Promised Land and formed a nation, they were known as the Israelites. The term “Jew” did not come into use until after the ten northern tribes were exiled to Assyria and Judah was exiled to Babylon. In the later stages of the captivity (Esther) and in the early stages of the return to the land of Israel (Ezra and Nehemiah), the tribe of Judah was dominant. The word Jew developed as a shortening of the word Judah. But the word Jew was used as a descriptor for more than just the tribe of Judah. The dominance of the tribe of Judah in the return to the Promised Land resulted in all of the Israelites, people from all 12 of the tribes, being referred to as “Jews.”
It seems evident, from Haman's fury and attempted genocide, that there were strong anti-Semitic attitudes in Shushan, which seems to explain Mordecai's reluctance to reveal his true ethnic background.

The People of Mordecai (3:6) - The Jews. Haman was being satanically influenced and used to target the entire Jewish race in an unsuccessful attempt to change the course of redemptive history and God's plans for Israel.

Destroy all the Jews (3:6) - Haman had apparently such delusions of grandeur that he craved worship as a divinity. He realized that not only Mordecai but also the Jews as a people would refuse him the worship he desired. Therefore, he determined to stamp out the Jews and their monotheistic religion altogether.

Nisan (3:7) - The time period March/April. Ironically, the Jews should have been celebrating the Passover to remind them of a former deliverance.

Twelfth Year (3:7) - circa 474 B.C.

They Cast (3:7) - Haman's court advisers made decisions superstitiously based on astrology and casting of lots.

Pur . . . Lot (3:7) - A lot would be like modern dice which were cast to determine future decisions (cf. Hebrew lot, 1 Chronicles 26:14; Nehemiah 10:34; Jonah 1:7). Proverbs 16:33 states that God providentially controlled the outcome of the lot.

Adar (3:7) - February/March. There would have been an eleven-month interval between Haman's decree and its expected fulfillment.

A Certain People (3:8) - It may be significant that Haman did not reveal that this "certain people" were the Jews. He may have been afraid that Ahasuerus (Xerxes) would remember the earlier decrees of Cyrus and Darius favoring the Jews, and possibly also remember the honored position that Daniel - also a Jew - had held in the courts of two Persian kings (Ezra1:2-3; 6:11-12; Daniel 6:25-28).

Ten Thousand Talents (3:9) - The exact dollar amount is uncertain, but reportedly it would have weighed 375 toms and equaled almost 70 percent of the king's annual revenue. Since this sum would have been derived from the plunder of the Jews, it indicates that they had grown prosperous. Haman was evidently the wealthiest man in Persia, and Ahasuerus had dipped heavily into his own resources in financing his ill-fated Grecian campaign. No doubt one reason for the king's promotion of Haman was this wealth, which he coveted. Haman thus agreed, in effect, to make up personally any lost income that might otherwise have been received from the Jews. Whether monarchy or democracy, men of wealth have often been able to manipulate political leaders by controlling their financial resources.

Sealed . . . King's Ring (3:12) - Equivalent to the king's signature. The date has been calculated by historians to be April 7, 474 B.C.

To Destroy (3:13) - An ambitious plot to annihilate the Jews in just one day. Historians have calculated the date to be March 7, 473 B.C. The king had unwittingly approved this provision which would kill his own queen.

For a Commandment (3:14) - As Law. It would be irrevocable.

Perplexed (3:15) - No specific reason is state. Most likely, even this pagan population was puzzled at the extreme and deadly racism of the king and Haman.

Morning Message: A Fast Is Called

Attention:  The order of Esther Chapter's 3 and 4 have been mistakenly reversed.  Posted below is Chapter 4, and Chapter 3 will be posted after this Sunday morning's service.  While we apologize for our error, the misordered chapters really fall in line with current middle east events.  Thanks for your understanding.

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "A Fast Is Called"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Proverbs 26:27 says, “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” This quote seems like an appropriate passage in the aftermath of the Resurrection story. It applies to Adolph Hitler’s 3rd Reich, as well as today’s look at Haman the Agagite. It applies to what has happened in Gaza, and in Iran currently: in Lebanon in the near future, and anywhere else that holds a cultural hatred towards God’s people. Certain people in Minneapolis, Minnesota may accel for a time, but they too shall be trapped in their own plans. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should parish, but that all should come to repentance.”

There are so many that yet have to be saved and brought to repentance. If we all understood that God, Jesus Christ is preparing a place for us, we would all rethink how we live. It is only the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves us.

Loyalty to a religion? Doesn’t count. Familiarity with a church or temple? It cannot save you. Brick and Mortar cannot save you, not even with regular visits. Following a friendly teacher-pastor won’t challenge you towards salvation. Only the man Jesus Christ is worth following for salvation. Keep your hearts and minds focused of Jesus’ teachings. Heaven responds to prayer, and praise. Lift up your hands, and the battles will be won. Let your hands fall, and the battle is already lost. Be a prayer warrior. Send. Go. Follow through. Help the stranger. Feed the hungry. Help the poor. And do it in humility so only the Lord sees it. And if you think you have done it all, look at 1 Thessalonians 5: 11-28.

" Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?”  - Matthew 25:44

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Esther 4:1-17 - "A Fast Is Called"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Esther Chapter 4 is a sad chapter. We are about to see that the Jewish people, Mordecai, and Esther experience crippling fear. The villain of this story - Haman - has figured out a way to pass a law requiring that the entirety of the Jewish people in all of the 127 provinces of Persia be murdered on a certain day. This caused confusion throughout the city of Susa, which was the capital city at the time of Esther, and most likely the rest of the empire. Meanwhile, we see that key people in the palace are sitting down for a drink - and I think this is the author’s way of saying that the king, Haman, and the rest of those in the royal palace were out of touch with what was going on. They gave little thought to the well-being of their people.

The dialogue between Esther and Mordecai plays a significant role in the narrative. The dialogue begins at a point of disagreement, with Mordecai refusing to accept clothes sent by Esther (4:4) yet ends with Mordecai agreeing to carry out Esther’s instructions of gathering all Jews for a fast (4:16–17). This progression instils a glimpse of hope in the reader that rather than give in to their fear, they are turning to the Lord, and trusting Him.

Esther Chapter 4 details Mordecai’s profound mourning over Haman’s decree to destroy the Jews, urging Queen Esther to intercede with King Ahasuerus. Despite the risk of death, Esther embraces her purpose, famously stating she will approach the king, saying, "...if I perish, I perish", after calling for a three-day fast.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Sackcloth and Ashes (4:10) - An outward sign of inward distress and humiliation (cf. Jeremiah 6:26; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 11:21).  Mordecai realized that he had prompted this genocidal retaliation by Haman.

She Sent Garments (4:4) - Mordecai could then enter the king's gate (cf. 4:2) and talk with Esther directly (cf. Nehemiah 2:2).

Hathach (4:5) - A trusted eunuch who knew of Esther's Jewish background.

Golden Scepter (4:11) - In order to protect the king's life from would-be assassins, this practice prevailed.  Seemingly, the king would extend the scepter (a sign of kingly authority) only to those whom he knew and from whom he welcomed a visit (cf. 5:2; 8:4).

These Thirty Days (4:11) - Perhaps Esther feared she had lost favor with the king since he had not summoned her recently.

Relief and Deliverance (4:14) - Mordecai exhibited a healthy faith in God's sovereign power to preserve His people.  He may have remembered the Lord's promise to Abraham (cf. Genesis 12:3; 17:1-8).

You . . . Will Perish (4:14) - Mordecai indicated that Esther would not escape the sentence or be overlooked because of her prominence (cf. 4:13).

Such A Time As This (4:14) - Mordecai indirectly appealed to God's providential timing.

Fast (4:16) - The text does not mention prayer being included such as was Daniel's practice (Daniel 9:3), though it surely was.

Perish (4:16) - Esther's heroic willingness to die for the sake of her fellow Jews is commendable.

Morning Message: From Death To Life

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "From Death to Life"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

On the third day after His death on the cross, some of Jesus’ female followers reached the tomb, only to find it empty. Sadness hit Mary Magdelene in particular, and she asked the Gardener where Jesus’ body had been taken. She had already spoken to two men inside the tomb, and they just said, “He is not here.”

Among three of the Gospel accounts, there are varying reports of how many women came, and whom they were. But the common theme is that He was not in the tomb any longer. Witness reports can differ according to who is writing it. And interestingly, between Matthew, Mark, and Luke, none of them were even there as eyewitnesses of what the women discovered.

Even by today’s standards in the Middle East, the witness of a woman is worth only half as that of a man. As the ladies went to tell Peter and the other Apostles gathered together, they were not believed. Then we have John’s record of running to the tomb with Peter running close behind him. Then the two of them became witnesses of the empty tomb.

As it is used in the Old Testament, “The Angel of the Lord,” or of God, most always carries the implied presence of Deity. Whether we break it down to Father, or to Son, or to the Holy Spirit individually, it is understood that the fulness of the Trinity is present, for He is on God (John 14:16-26; Deuteronomy. 6:4). And being raised on the third day was surely no problem for Jesus, the physical expression of our God.

As Isaiah 54:5 says, “He was wounded for our transgressions… and with
His stripes we are healed.” The wounds Jesus received, from the crown of thorns, the scourging, the humiliation of being spat upon and paraded through the streets of Jerusalem, and finally being nailed to the cross… well those were all meant for our healing. Imagine! He endured all that for our healing!

“Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." - John 2:19

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Matthew 28:1-10 - "From Death to Life"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Jesus’ death and resurrection is the single most important event in the history of our faith. Without it, we would have no hope. When Jesus rose from the dead, He conquered death forever and completed God’s plan for restoring us to a right relationship with the Father. Praise God! As we look at Christ’s followers, we see two main responses to Christ’s work on the cross and His resurrection: worship and sharing the Good News.

For some, Easter is bereft of all but the secular meaning. For them, Easter is a time to dye eggs, hide them, and send children in search of them. It’s a time to recite the myth of the Easter bunny and allude to his continuing escapades. It’s a time of giving candy, taking pictures, eating Peeps, and feasting around the family table. It’s a day to mark the start of spring and celebrate the rejuvenation of nature and the greening of the grass. Such observances of Easter, if they go no further than this, are a faint and feeble shadow of the real meaning of Easter; they are as empty as a plastic egg, as hollow as a chocolate Easter bunny.

Easter is a Christian holiday, and Christian celebrations focus on the true meaning of Easter: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Two thousand years ago, a man died on a cross, was buried, and three days later rose to life again. This fact—that a dead man came to life again and lives evermore—is why we celebrate Easter. The meaning of Easter is that the Son of God paid the price for our sins and rose again to reconcile us to God (see Romans 4:25).

After Jesus spent three years in active ministry, bringing the Good News of the Kingdom to both the Jews and the Gentiles, the religious elite finally saw their opportunity to arrest and kill Him. He was tried, beaten, mocked, stripped, nailed to a cross, and died in agony. At His death, the earth shook, the sky darkened, and graves opened. All hope was lost. But that wasn’t the end of the story.

Matthew 28:1-10 depicts the resurrection of Jesus, where Mary Magdalene and the other Mary find an empty tomb, witness an angel, and encounter the risen Christ. The earthquake and angel signify God’s power overruling the crucifixion. Jesus greets the women, transforming their fear into "great joy," and commands them to tell the disciples to meet him in Galilee.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

End of the Sabbath, as it Began to Dawn (28:1) - The Jewish Sabbath officially ended with sundown on Saturday. At that time, the women could purchase and prepare spices (Luke 24:1). The event described here occurs the next morning, at dawn on Sunday, the first day of the week.

Other Mary (28:1) - She was the "wife of Clopas" (John 19:25) a variant of Alphaeus.  She the mother of the apostle known as "James the Less" (Mark 15:40). 

A Great Earthquake (28:2) - This earthquake is the second associated with Christ's death (27:51).  This one may have been confined to the immediate area around the grave, when "an angel" supernaturally "rolled back the stone from the door" - not to let Jesus out, for if He could rise from the death, He would need no help escaping an earthly tomb, but to let the women and the apostles in (v. 6).

Angel of the Lord (28:2) - Angels were present at the Lord's birth, strengthened Him in the wilderness temptation and the passion in Gethsemane, and rolled away the stone at His Resurrection (not to release Him from the tomb but to allow the disciples to see that it was empty.  While the angels were present on all these occasions, Christ was all alone on the cross.  

As Dead Men (28:4) - This suggests that they are not merely paralyzed with fear, but completely unconscious, totally traumatized by what they have seen.  The word translated "shook" has the same root as the word for "earthquake" in verse 2.  The sudden appearance of this angel, at the same time the women arrived, is their first clue that something extraordinary is happening. 

As He said (28:6) - The angel would gently remind both the women and the disciples that Jesus had repeatedly promised that He would rise from the dead in the third day.  Why then, were they coming to embalm Him in the tomb?

There Shall Ye See Him (28:7) - See verses 10, 26; 26:32; John 21:1-14.  This does not mean They would not see Jesus until then.  He was seen by the apostles several times before they saw Him in Galilee (Luke 24:15, 34, 36; John 20:19, 26).  But His supreme post-resurrection appearance is in Galilee, where " He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once" (1 Corinthians 15:6).

Jesus Met Them (28:9) - Each of the four Gospel writers has a different account of the resurrection to be somewhat contradictory, but their very differences prove the absence of collusion.  Furthermore, when compared carefully, the contradictions vanish, and their combined testimony becomes an impregnable verification of the reality of Christ's bodily resurrection. Scripture describes at least ten distinct appearances of Christ between the Resurrection and Ascension.  He appeared to: 

1. Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18)
2. To the women on the road (Matthew 28:9, 10)
3. To the disciples on the road to Emmaus (vv. 13:32)
4. To Peter (v. 34)
5. To ten of the eleven disciples, Thomas being absent (vv. 36-44; Mark 16:14; John 20:19-25
6. To the eleven disciples (with Thomas present) eight days later (John 20:26-31)
7. To seven disciples by the shore of the Sea of Galilee (1 John 21:1-25)
8. To more than five hundred disciples, probably on a mountain in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6
9. To James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
10. To the apostles when He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:3-11)

After His ascension, He appeared to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8).  Then next time He appears it will be in glory (Matthew 24:30).

My Brethren (28:10) - These are His disciples.