Week 2 DAY 5 

Today 

We will:

1. LOOK at Esther Chapter 9:29-10:3.
2. LEARN ‘how‘ to incorporate GODcha’s tools along the way.
3. 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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NOTE:

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Or, use your hardbound Bibles and follow along.

You can print off this week’s posts and put them in a notebook!

Do you remember. . .

Why Was Esther Written?

To Find the Purpose of Esther

Scan the Overview in GODcha to refresh your memory!

Let’s Begin With Prayer

And Continue With an Attitude of Prayer

Perhaps. . .

Lord, we love Your Holy Word, that is perfect, sure, right, and pure. Restore us today, make the wise simple and our hearts rejoice as You open our eyes, (Psa 19:7-8). 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.

Context

Context Tutorial >

We left off with the Jews in Susa and in the rural towns celebrating their salvation from their enemies.

We are coming to the end of our journey with Mordecai and Esther, and as we do. . .

Let’s not miss how God ends this drama.

LOOK 

At Verses 29-32

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READ Esther 9:29-32 asking the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions.

Help Reading Esther 9:20-32>

What did Esther do?

What did Mordecai do?

Remember to:

Reflect on the events that demonstrate God’s hidden hand.

What’s Key?

What about Mordecai’s letters that were words of peace and truth?

Check Out the Meanings

PEACE in the Hebrew: šālôm, shâlôm, shaw-lome´; well, happy, friendly; also (abstract) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity.

PEACE in the Greek: eireânē; quietness, rest, set at one again. (I) In a civil sense, the opposite of war and dissension. Among individuals, peace, harmony. Metaphorically: peace of mind, tranquillity, arising from reconciliation with God, and a sense of divine favor. (II) By implication, a state of peace, tranquillity (III) Peace, meaning health, welfare, prosperity, every kind of good.

TRUTH in Hebrew: emet; stability; (figurative) certainty, truth, trust worthiness:—assured (-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. Connected with: lovingkindness (Prov. 3:3; Hos. 4:1) peace (2 Kgs. 20:19); righteousness (Isa. 48:1); and justice (Ps. 111:7). To walk in truth is to conduct oneself according to God’s holy standards (1 Kgs. 2:4; 3:6; Ps. 86:11; Isa. 38:3). Truth was the barometer for measuring both one’s word (1 Kgs. 22:16; Dan. 11:2) and actions (Gen. 24:49; Josh. 2:14). Accordingly, God’s words (Ps. 119:160; Dan. 10:21) and actions (Neh. 9:33)

TRUTH in Greek: aleâtheia; verity; the unveiled reality lying at the basis of and agreeing with an appearance; the manifested, the veritable essence of matter.

Check Out The Cross References.

THINK and REASON Peace.

1. Who is peace?

Jdg 6:23-24; Rom 15:33

Isa 9:6

2. Who will never have peace? Why?

Isa 48:22

Rom 5:10, 8

3. How does one get peace, that inner peace?

Joh 16:33

Eph 2:17

Joh 14:27

Rom 5:1

Gal 5:22-23

4. How do we maintain peace?

Isa 26:3

Phil 4:6-7 

Psa 34:14

5. What is our responsibility regarding peace?

Rom 12:18

Mat 5:9

THINK and REASON Truth.

What is Truth? Why is Truth important? What does Truth do?

Joh 1:1, 14

Joh 14:6

Joh 17:17

Joh 8:32-33

Now THINK, how Truth can bring peace?

THINK and REASON:

What effect would words of peace and truth have on the Jews?

 Check Out the Meaning.

 LISTEN to the Spirit

Do I fast?

Why do I fast?

What happens when I fast?

What Did You LEARN 

Check out GODcha’s #14 LEARN Question(s).

#14. Esther and Mordecai wrote to confirm this 2^nd letter. He sent letters to all the Jews who were near and far with words of peace and truth. What would this do for his people? (v29-32)

Sum It Up!

We LEARN:

Then Queen Esther, with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this 2nd letter about Purim.

He sent letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth, v29-30.

We Discover:

This phrase ‘peace and truth’ is used in 3 places in the Word of God.

Peace and truth came with healing when Hezekiah was healed, 2Ki 20:19, Isa 39:8.

The LORD promised peace and truth when He would bring health and healing to His people, assuring them He would restore them, Jer 33:6.

Understand: Peace and truth are connected to restoration and healing.

We Discover:

Regarding The Truth 

Jesus is the Word that became flesh, full of grace and Truth, Joh 1:1, 14.

Jesus is the way to God, the Truth about God, and the life with God, Joh 14:6.

The Word is Truth, and sanctifies (sets a person apart), Joh 17:17.

The Truth sets one free, Joh 8:32.

We Discover:

Regarding Peace

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Isa 9:6.

Jesus came and preached peace to those who were far (the Gentiles) and those who were near (the Jews), Eph 2:17.

There is no peace for the wicked, Isa 48:22. Man is a sinner, an enemy of God, separated from God, Rom 5:10.

But Christ the Prince of Peace died for us while we were sinners, enemies of God, in order to restore us to God, Rom 5:10, 8.

When one believes, they are justified by faith, having peace with God through Jesus, no longer separated from God, Rom 5:1.

In Jesus who is peace, we have peace. In the world, we would have tribulation, but He encouraged us to take courage; He has overcome the world, Joh 16:33.

Jesus who is peace leaves peace to us and gives it to us. It is ours! – His peace is not like the world’s. Meaning it is not the absence of trouble, conflict, difficulties, etc. But because He dwells with us and in us, His peace is an inner peace in the midst of trials, etc. Thus our hearts need not be troubled or fearful, Joh 14:27.

The Holy Spirit comes abiding with us; in us forever, establishing His fruit of peace, Joh 14:14-17; Gal 5:22-23.

Peace, along with mercy and love, is continually being multiplied to us, Jud 1:2.

The steadfast of mind God will keep in perfect peace, because we trust in Him, Isa 26:3.

We are not to be anxious. We are to take our anxious thoughts and worries to God in prayer and the promise is the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus, Phil 4:6-7.

We are to seek and pursue peace, 1Pe 3:10-11.

We are to be peacemakers, Mat 5:9.

We are to be at peace with all men if it is possible, Rom 12:18.

We See: Jesus is the Truth and Prince of Peace.

Now THINK and REASON

How did we see Mordecai in the beginning? He wasn’t leadership material, was he? Would we have ever dreamed to see such a transformation in this man? Where did it begin? How did it begin?

Back in Chapter 4 when Mordecai was in sackcloth and ashes, weeping, repenting.

And I am thinking of men, in particular, men you are to be leading your families?  How are you leading? Are you willing to repent of who you have been, and let Jesus lead you into Truth and Peace, so you can lead your family this way?

THINK and REASON a bit more.

The same holds true for women, young adults, siblings. We all lead someone. May we humble ourselves and be changed, and lead like Mordecai, giving Truth and Peace.

We LEARN:

The 2nd letter was to establish these days of Purim at their appointed times, just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had established for the Jews, with instructions for their times of fasting and their lamentations.

The command of Esther established these customs for Purim, and it was written in the book, v31-32.

We Discover:

Fasting is the act of worship in mourning (despairing) while entreating God.

Fasting is 1st mentioned in Judges in the context of sin when God’s people finally became desperate turning to Him, Jdg 20:26.

Fasting involves genuine repentance, returning to the Lord, with weeping and mourning, Joe 2:12; 1Sa 7:6.

Fasting is seeking the Lord, as Ezra did for protection, Ezr 8:23.

Fasting is more than outward, it is all about what is inside.

A genuine fast that is acceptable to the Lord to loosen the bonds of sin and the oppression of others is to take care of others – feed the hungry and help the afflicted, Isa 58:5-12.

 Jesus, when tempted by the devil, fasted 40 days and nights, Mat 4:1-12.

Fasting is assumed to be a normal practice of one’s spiritual life and associated with gloom; prayer; helping others; and seeking the Lord in secret, Mat 6:16-18.

“As we fast, we deliberately weaken the powerful bond with our flesh and strengthen our relationship with God, spirit to Spirit.” Chris Hodges

“But it is an exchange. There is less of us and more of Him. That is always going to be a good deal. Fasting is like turning the volume knob down on our flesh, and turning it up in the spirit. We gain authority, clarity, and closeness with God.” One With Israel

“Today, the Jews begin their celebration with a fast on the thirteenth day of the month (Est 9:31), commemorating the date on which Haman’s evil decree was issued (Est 3:12). They go to the synagogue and hear the Book of Esther publicly read; and whenever the name of Haman is mentioned, they cry out, “May he be accursed!” or “May his name perish!” Children bring a special Purim rattle called a ‘grager’ and use it to make noise every time they hear Haman’s name read. On the morning of the fourteenth day of the month, the Jews again go to the synagogue, where the Esther story is read again and the congregation engages in prayer. The story about Moses and the Amalekites (Exo 17:8-16) is also read. Then the celebrants go home to a festive holiday meal with gifts and special foods, and the celebrating continues on the next day. They also send gifts and food to the poor and needy so that everybody can rejoice together.” W. Wiersbe

” Purim is the first and last biblically revealed, non-Mosaic festival with perpetual significance.” John MacArthur

STOP!

LISTEN to God Speak

And LIVE it out!

Check out GODcha’s #14 LIVE Question(s).

#14. What words of peace and truth has God revealed to me?

a. If a Gentile far off, or Jew, who is near, do I have peace through the blood of Jesus, Col 1:19-20?

b. How and why have His words of Truth brought calmness, tranquility, stability, and security to my life?

c. Do I echo God’s words of Truth to others to look to Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6-7), in order to have peace?

Respond to God. . . LIVE it out!

Now We Don’t Just LISTEN,

But, We Speak to God!

Help to Learn to Talk to Him>

Oh, chat with God, your Creator who loves you! He is waiting, desiring this intimate communication with you.

Okay, One Last Thing to Do 

SUMMARIZE

To Wrap Up Chapter 9,  GODcha directs us to Summarize the Paragraphs, and then the Chapter.

This helps you grasp and process what you have LEARNED, cementing this Chapter down deep into your heart and you will remember it.

Come on try it, you will be so glad you did!

1. Read all of Esther Chapter 9.

This will help to refresh your minds and remember the main topics or what was  Key.

2. Focus on a Paragraph at a time.

Remember: Paragraphs are designated by boldface numbers or letters in your hardbound Bibles.

3. LOOK for the main topics of each Paragraph.

What was talked about the most?

Hint:  Key Words and/or phrases will help with this.

The main topics will help give you an outline, and you will see the flow of the chapter!

Jot the main topic of each Paragraph in the margins of your Bible next to the bolded verses, as well as in your Notes.

When you go through this process, thinking and reasoning God’s Truths, then God is able to seal Truth into your memory!  

4. Now to Summarize.

Keep the summary to 4-6 Words or less if possible.

Why? 

Because it will be easier to remember.

5. DO NOT paraphrase!

Use the Words God uses.

a. Paraphrasing can change the meaning.

b. And, we want to know and bury God’s Word, which has the power, into our heads and hearts.

This Chapter is Not Hard at All.

Try it on your own before you go any further.

I will help you after you give it a shot!

You can do this!

I know you can!

Okay, let’s see how you did.

Let’s Summarize The Paragraphs

v1-15 Jews Struck Their Enemies

v16-17 – Jews in Provinces Feasting/Rejoicing

v18-19 – Jews in Susa Feasting/Rejoicing

v20-22 – Mordecai Recorded/Sent Letters

v23-28 – Purim To Be Remembered

v29-32 – Purim Confirmed/Established

How Would You Summarize Chapter 9?

What about:

Jews Destroying Enemies Remembered

Fantastic, you all! 

I am so proud of you, and

I sincerely thank you for staying with us on this journey!

Chapter 9 is a Wrap!

Oh, I pray you have engaged with God in a very special way as you LISTENED to Him speak to you personally.

Meditate on everything God is teaching you. “For the one who meditates on God’s Word is blessed,” (Psalm 1:1-2).  

What have you learned about yourself?

Is there some action God is requiring of you?

Do you need to confess and repent?

Put this Review and Summary

in Your Notes

Video Tutorial>  Notes Tutorial >

If you will take the time to put this Review in your Notes, you can return to it anytime and anywhere. You will be so glad you did.

If short on time, copy and paste into your Notes.

Let’s Bow Before the Father

FATHER GOD, BLESSED LORD JESUS, and HOLY SPIRIT – GOD in three persons, we praise You! Oh, as we finish up this Chapter of Esther, that You have safeguarded down through the ages. we do so rejoice in who You are and what You have done for us, for all the world. I so pray all who are on this journey have moved from mourning to rejoicing. That we would have a deep deep joy within because You removed the darkness that hung over us, illuminating our lives sweet Jesus, because You are the Light.

Oh, may we truly understand how one person can make such an incredible difference for You and Your kingdom. As we look at how You drastically changed Mordecai’s life in a day, may we consider how our lives have been drastically changed, and how You are changing our lives daily. Help us to make a difference for You and Your kingdom. May many in our lives, in this pagan world, look at our lives and desire You. And may we all be able to give the reason for our hope, so others would joyfully become one of Your children. In Your name sweet Jesus, we pray and ask these things. Amen.

You did awesome!

Next: We will LOOK @ Esther Chapter 10, finishing our journey in Esther.

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