The Book of Esther
Chapter 3
¹ After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the officials who were with him.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 1)
On reflecting oh God my Father, one may question why the King appointed Haman and not Mordecai who had done all the groundwork and discovered the plot against the same King? However, this is Your will and only You can solve the riddle. However I know that in the course of life, You have different plans for all of us, each heading on a pathway of Your choice. I thank You for being in control my God and Father Amen.
² And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and did obeisance to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or do obeisance.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 2)
Oh God my beloved Father, may we all stick to our principles, especially where our faith is at risk or an issue of concern, even if this means risking our worldly securities such as employment or other sources of income. If we stand our ground by means of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, Jesus will stand on our behalf before God my Father Amen. Thanks, Jesus and God my Father Amen. I pray for both the strength and endurance to witness and proclaim Your name.
³ Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's command?"
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 3)
Oh God, my beloved Father, disobedience is easily observed for it creates a pattern of disorder both in oneself and even more among society. However as in the case of those who challenged social changes such as apartheid there are times when we have to take action and challenge the issues at stake either peacefully as in the case of Gandhi or even as in the case of Martin Luther King and others with a bit more energy, however, bloodshed oh God is never acceptable because a wrong will never compensate for another wrong Amen.
⁴ When they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai's words would avail; for he had told them he was a jew.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 4)
Oh God, my beloved Father, Your Word does not only give me spiritual wisdom but also practical. In such cases of disobedience that would result in harm on a greater scale, it would be wise to consult with our superiors. I had to learn this lesson the hard way, but it finally penetrated my brain to include my superiors in my emails so that they be informed of what is going on and would be able to give their support if necessary. Amen. Thank You, Jesus, for these lessons in life and love.
⁵ When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or do obeisance to him, Haman was infuriated.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 5)
Oh God my beloved Father, may nobody ever deny us of our God-given respect, because we become angry and aggressive, for in our head and according to our ego, when in a position of power it is a right to be obeyed and respected, it is to come as natural for people to bow before us! Sadly enough at times we go home after a day at work and stay in role and start demanding this and that from others in our families and vent our anger if our demands are not met in a way that may even be worse than our behaviour at work, for at home there are not the conditional factors that exist at work. At home one will not be reproached by one's superior for calling the wife a bitch or lazy, or reproaching her about the dinner that was not as perfect as usual. This is a kick in our ego when at home we are dethroned by our wives or other members of the family such as the baby who at times get the most attention since they need the most care. I pray oh God my Father that we keep our ego in check and practice our humility. Amen.
⁶ But he thought it beneath him to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, having been told who Mordecai's people were, Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 6)
Oh God, my beloved Father, because of one person, a whole nation was planned to be destroyed in order to repay for the lack of respect shown by Mordecai, to Haman. Oh, Jesus You also were one person against the wrath and sins of all humanity including that of my own, however, You love me so much that You took it on Yourself to die because You love me Amen. Thank You Jesus Amen.
⁷ In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur-which means "the lot"-before Haman for the day and for the month, and the lot fell on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. ⁸ Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and separated among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not appropriate for the king to tolerate them.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verses 7 to 8)
Oh God, my beloved Father, as the soldiers drew lots for Your clothing during the passion Haman and his sinful company drew lots in relation to the day to which Your people were going to be set up in front of King Ahasuerus, in order to be removed from the kingdom. I pray for such people who have a price on their head as in the cases of people being trafficked who have their families at risk if they do not comply with the demands of those who have taken them. I also pray for the blackmailers themselves so that they realize the sinful acts that they are committing and the pain that they are causing in the hearts of their victims.
⁹ If it pleases the king let a decree be issued for their destruction, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business so that they may put it into the king's treasuries"
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 9)
Oh God my beloved Father, there have been many cases in the world where people have been killed as a consequence of such an arrangement on different scales, the largest was the holocaust where Your people had been destroyed in the Nazi death camps. I pray that we learn to value each other as persons with dignity and a soul and not as property Amen.
¹⁰ So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 10)
Oh God, my blessed Father, I thank You for testing me by means of other people, even though at the moment of a trial I may grumble and moan, however, these tests are necessary for me Amen in order to know where my strengths and vulnerabilities are even on a spiritual level Amen. May I be found worthy of passing the final test when I appear before you in Heaven Amen.
¹¹ The king said to Haman, "The money is given to you, and the people as well, to do with them as it seems good to you."
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 11)
Oh God, my beloved Father, I pray that You never permit people to be sold or killed for the price of money. People are never to be treated as money, for they have dignity and are vessels where Your Holy presence dwells Amen.
¹² Then the king's secretaries were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language; it was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's ring.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 12)
Oh God, my beloved Father it seems that evil is international and can be translated into many languages. I pray that Your Good News is also spread into many foreign lands so that many others will benefit from its goodness. I pray that You be able to sit with Your heart's content that everyone has made You the centre of their lives Amen. I pray for that day my God and Father Amen.
¹³ Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces, giving orders to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 13)
Oh God my Father, the plan of the first holocaust was underway and nobody but You could put a stop to such a disaster as took place in the death camps of Auschwitz. I pray for the victims and for the whole world so that we learn a great lesson from such a disastrous event Amen.
¹⁴ A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation, calling on all the peoples to be ready for that day.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 14)
Oh God, my blessed Father, I pray that I may be found ready when my day or hour arrives, Amen. May I be found worthy of appearing in Your presence Amen.
¹⁵ The couriers went quickly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion,
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 15)
Oh God, my Father the perpetrators always think they are in power and have the upper hand while persecuting others by using their power, however, You stand up for the persecuted and fight for them. Amen.
Oh God, my blessed Father, I would like to end this third chapter of the book of Esther with the following prayer:-
Oh God my Father, I pray for all people who are experiencing different forms of persecution that You may deliver them from this evil. For all those who think that by using wealth and power they can control the lives of others and make their lives a misery. Forgive such people for they do not know what they are doing, the pain that they are causing others Amen.
² And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and did obeisance to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or do obeisance.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 2)
Oh God my beloved Father, may we all stick to our principles, especially where our faith is at risk or an issue of concern, even if this means risking our worldly securities such as employment or other sources of income. If we stand our ground by means of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, Jesus will stand on our behalf before God my Father Amen. Thanks, Jesus and God my Father Amen. I pray for both the strength and endurance to witness and proclaim Your name.
³ Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's command?"
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 3)
Oh God, my beloved Father, disobedience is easily observed for it creates a pattern of disorder both in oneself and even more among society. However as in the case of those who challenged social changes such as apartheid there are times when we have to take action and challenge the issues at stake either peacefully as in the case of Gandhi or even as in the case of Martin Luther King and others with a bit more energy, however, bloodshed oh God is never acceptable because a wrong will never compensate for another wrong Amen.
⁴ When they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai's words would avail; for he had told them he was a jew.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 4)
Oh God, my beloved Father, Your Word does not only give me spiritual wisdom but also practical. In such cases of disobedience that would result in harm on a greater scale, it would be wise to consult with our superiors. I had to learn this lesson the hard way, but it finally penetrated my brain to include my superiors in my emails so that they be informed of what is going on and would be able to give their support if necessary. Amen. Thank You, Jesus, for these lessons in life and love.
⁵ When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or do obeisance to him, Haman was infuriated.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 5)
Oh God my beloved Father, may nobody ever deny us of our God-given respect, because we become angry and aggressive, for in our head and according to our ego, when in a position of power it is a right to be obeyed and respected, it is to come as natural for people to bow before us! Sadly enough at times we go home after a day at work and stay in role and start demanding this and that from others in our families and vent our anger if our demands are not met in a way that may even be worse than our behaviour at work, for at home there are not the conditional factors that exist at work. At home one will not be reproached by one's superior for calling the wife a bitch or lazy, or reproaching her about the dinner that was not as perfect as usual. This is a kick in our ego when at home we are dethroned by our wives or other members of the family such as the baby who at times get the most attention since they need the most care. I pray oh God my Father that we keep our ego in check and practice our humility. Amen.
⁶ But he thought it beneath him to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, having been told who Mordecai's people were, Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 6)
Oh God, my beloved Father, because of one person, a whole nation was planned to be destroyed in order to repay for the lack of respect shown by Mordecai, to Haman. Oh, Jesus You also were one person against the wrath and sins of all humanity including that of my own, however, You love me so much that You took it on Yourself to die because You love me Amen. Thank You Jesus Amen.
⁷ In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur-which means "the lot"-before Haman for the day and for the month, and the lot fell on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. ⁸ Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and separated among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not appropriate for the king to tolerate them.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verses 7 to 8)
Oh God, my beloved Father, as the soldiers drew lots for Your clothing during the passion Haman and his sinful company drew lots in relation to the day to which Your people were going to be set up in front of King Ahasuerus, in order to be removed from the kingdom. I pray for such people who have a price on their head as in the cases of people being trafficked who have their families at risk if they do not comply with the demands of those who have taken them. I also pray for the blackmailers themselves so that they realize the sinful acts that they are committing and the pain that they are causing in the hearts of their victims.
⁹ If it pleases the king let a decree be issued for their destruction, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business so that they may put it into the king's treasuries"
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 9)
Oh God my beloved Father, there have been many cases in the world where people have been killed as a consequence of such an arrangement on different scales, the largest was the holocaust where Your people had been destroyed in the Nazi death camps. I pray that we learn to value each other as persons with dignity and a soul and not as property Amen.
¹⁰ So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 10)
Oh God, my blessed Father, I thank You for testing me by means of other people, even though at the moment of a trial I may grumble and moan, however, these tests are necessary for me Amen in order to know where my strengths and vulnerabilities are even on a spiritual level Amen. May I be found worthy of passing the final test when I appear before you in Heaven Amen.
¹¹ The king said to Haman, "The money is given to you, and the people as well, to do with them as it seems good to you."
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 11)
Oh God, my beloved Father, I pray that You never permit people to be sold or killed for the price of money. People are never to be treated as money, for they have dignity and are vessels where Your Holy presence dwells Amen.
¹² Then the king's secretaries were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language; it was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's ring.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 12)
Oh God, my beloved Father it seems that evil is international and can be translated into many languages. I pray that Your Good News is also spread into many foreign lands so that many others will benefit from its goodness. I pray that You be able to sit with Your heart's content that everyone has made You the centre of their lives Amen. I pray for that day my God and Father Amen.
¹³ Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces, giving orders to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 13)
Oh God my Father, the plan of the first holocaust was underway and nobody but You could put a stop to such a disaster as took place in the death camps of Auschwitz. I pray for the victims and for the whole world so that we learn a great lesson from such a disastrous event Amen.
¹⁴ A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation, calling on all the peoples to be ready for that day.
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 14)
Oh God, my blessed Father, I pray that I may be found ready when my day or hour arrives, Amen. May I be found worthy of appearing in Your presence Amen.
¹⁵ The couriers went quickly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion,
(The Book of Esther Chapter 3 verse 15)
Oh God, my Father the perpetrators always think they are in power and have the upper hand while persecuting others by using their power, however, You stand up for the persecuted and fight for them. Amen.
Oh God, my blessed Father, I would like to end this third chapter of the book of Esther with the following prayer:-
Oh God my Father, I pray for all people who are experiencing different forms of persecution that You may deliver them from this evil. For all those who think that by using wealth and power they can control the lives of others and make their lives a misery. Forgive such people for they do not know what they are doing, the pain that they are causing others Amen.
