Job 14
KingCommentsJob 14:1
Esther and Mordecai
These verses say a little more about the relationship between Esther and Mordecai. Esther hid her people and her lineage because Mordecai commanded her to do so (Esther 2:10). The emphasis is on Esther’s obedience to Mordecai. Here we see her mind toward Mordecai. Then in Esther 2:11 we see the opposite, the mind of Mordecai toward Esther. His concern is for her. His thoughts are with her. He wants to know how she is doing. He also wants to know what will happen to her. That he is a Jew is known (Esther 3:4); that she is a Jewess is not known.
Her ancestry must remain hidden. This secret fits completely in the history of this book. It should not be known that the woman who is nominated to become the new queen is a Jewess. Only when history reaches its climax, may and must this secret also be revealed. It is like the announcement of Joseph to his brothers that also only happens when the climax of the brothers’ exercises of faith is reached (Genesis 45:1-4).
The care in the background of Mordecai for Esther is a beautiful picture of what Christ does for His own who are brought up in the school of the Holy Spirit. Christ constantly thinks of His own and continually commits Himself to them, without acting openly on their behalf (Hebrews 7:25b). He wants us to grow and show spiritual beauty, that is, to show His features.
This is how it will be with the remnant in the last days. Although He still hides Himself, He does not abandon them, but is committed to them while they are in need. We see this beautifully illustrated in the storm on the lake: while the disciples are in need, He went up the mountain to pray (Matthew 14:23-24).
Job 14:2
Preparations to Come to the King
Esther 2:12-13 inform us about the general preparations of a girl before she, when it is her turn, can come to the king. The duration of the beauty treatment is “twelve months”, divided into two periods of “six months” (Esther 2:12). The first six months the girl is treated, rubbed in, with oil of myrrh. The second six months she is treated with numerous unspecified spices and cosmetics.
For the first six months, the candidate queen is only treated with myrrh oil. Myrrh is a pleasantly scented resin and can have a bitter, but also a sweet taste. Myrrh is extracted from various types of trees and obtained by incising them. So the tree is injured. At very high desert temperatures, the softened resin seeps out by itself. In biblical times myrrh is a symbol of suffering and death [Source: ].
With this in mind the following can be said regarding the spiritual meaning of oil of myrrh. The word ‘myrrh’ comes from a word that means ‘bitter’. In Scripture myrrh always speaks of the suffering of Christ and the pleasant fragrance that has risen from His suffering to God (cf. Ephesians 5:2). In the treatment with oil of myrrh in preparation for the meeting with the king there is an important spiritual application. It speaks of the fact that nothing is so important for our spiritual growth as to occupy ourselves with the suffering of Christ under the guidance of God’s Spirit, of Whom the oil speaks.
The number six of the “six months” in which the oil of myrrh is applied is the number of man created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-31; cf. Revelation 13:18). Because we are human beings, we need the Holy Spirit, of Whom the oil speaks, to be able to occupy ourselves with the sufferings of Christ.
This will awaken the desire to suffer with Him and for Him, and thus to become like Him, even to be identified with Him in His suffering (cf. Philippians 3:10-11). This, of course, does not apply to His suffering with respect to the atonement of our sins. That suffering is unique and we cannot share in it. However, there is another form of suffering and that is suffering because of faithfulness to Him and His Word (1 Peter 4:13-14). In the picture Esther is made familiar with this suffering.
Then there is that second period of six months. It is necessary to try out all kinds of spices and cosmetics in order to discover which ones suit her best and accentuate her beauty the most. She can then make a conscious choice to take the right means from the harem to the king’s palace (Esther 2:13). This is where her responsibility lies. She decides what she will take with her to impress the king, so that his choice will fall on her to take her as queen.
The following can be said about the spiritual meaning of this second period as a sequel to the first period. In the first period the foundation has been laid. That period is – spiritually applied – entirely dedicated to being engaged in the suffering of Christ that can only be presented to us through the Holy Spirit. Then follows a second period. That period serves to make the right choices that accentuate the beauty of the believer he has thanks to and in Christ.
Each believer has particular characteristics, shows a different glory of Christ, has his own gift in which Christ becomes visible. In order to find out what those characteristics are, the believer must engage in the various glories of Christ. If he studies the Scriptures for the purpose of getting to know Christ better, the result will become visible in his life.
Everything happens in view of our meeting with the Lord Jesus. If we think that we will see Him (1 John 3:2b-3), it will determine our lives in the choices we make. The wrong things, things that prevent us from showing His features in us, will disappear. For example, we are decorating ourselves with the “clothes of righteousness”. We prepare those clothes on earth, but it will appear in heaven that He has given it to us (Revelation 19:7-8).
Esther 2:14 gives us a further look at the rules for the royal women. A girl called by the king is with him during the night. She goes to the king in the evening and returns in the morning. Then she goes to “the second harem” and comes “to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines”. This means that she is degraded to the rank of concubine and will never go back to the king unless he calls her by her name.
Job 14:3
Preparations to Come to the King
Esther 2:12-13 inform us about the general preparations of a girl before she, when it is her turn, can come to the king. The duration of the beauty treatment is “twelve months”, divided into two periods of “six months” (Esther 2:12). The first six months the girl is treated, rubbed in, with oil of myrrh. The second six months she is treated with numerous unspecified spices and cosmetics.
For the first six months, the candidate queen is only treated with myrrh oil. Myrrh is a pleasantly scented resin and can have a bitter, but also a sweet taste. Myrrh is extracted from various types of trees and obtained by incising them. So the tree is injured. At very high desert temperatures, the softened resin seeps out by itself. In biblical times myrrh is a symbol of suffering and death [Source: ].
With this in mind the following can be said regarding the spiritual meaning of oil of myrrh. The word ‘myrrh’ comes from a word that means ‘bitter’. In Scripture myrrh always speaks of the suffering of Christ and the pleasant fragrance that has risen from His suffering to God (cf. Ephesians 5:2). In the treatment with oil of myrrh in preparation for the meeting with the king there is an important spiritual application. It speaks of the fact that nothing is so important for our spiritual growth as to occupy ourselves with the suffering of Christ under the guidance of God’s Spirit, of Whom the oil speaks.
The number six of the “six months” in which the oil of myrrh is applied is the number of man created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-31; cf. Revelation 13:18). Because we are human beings, we need the Holy Spirit, of Whom the oil speaks, to be able to occupy ourselves with the sufferings of Christ.
This will awaken the desire to suffer with Him and for Him, and thus to become like Him, even to be identified with Him in His suffering (cf. Philippians 3:10-11). This, of course, does not apply to His suffering with respect to the atonement of our sins. That suffering is unique and we cannot share in it. However, there is another form of suffering and that is suffering because of faithfulness to Him and His Word (1 Peter 4:13-14). In the picture Esther is made familiar with this suffering.
Then there is that second period of six months. It is necessary to try out all kinds of spices and cosmetics in order to discover which ones suit her best and accentuate her beauty the most. She can then make a conscious choice to take the right means from the harem to the king’s palace (Esther 2:13). This is where her responsibility lies. She decides what she will take with her to impress the king, so that his choice will fall on her to take her as queen.
The following can be said about the spiritual meaning of this second period as a sequel to the first period. In the first period the foundation has been laid. That period is – spiritually applied – entirely dedicated to being engaged in the suffering of Christ that can only be presented to us through the Holy Spirit. Then follows a second period. That period serves to make the right choices that accentuate the beauty of the believer he has thanks to and in Christ.
Each believer has particular characteristics, shows a different glory of Christ, has his own gift in which Christ becomes visible. In order to find out what those characteristics are, the believer must engage in the various glories of Christ. If he studies the Scriptures for the purpose of getting to know Christ better, the result will become visible in his life.
Everything happens in view of our meeting with the Lord Jesus. If we think that we will see Him (1 John 3:2b-3), it will determine our lives in the choices we make. The wrong things, things that prevent us from showing His features in us, will disappear. For example, we are decorating ourselves with the “clothes of righteousness”. We prepare those clothes on earth, but it will appear in heaven that He has given it to us (Revelation 19:7-8).
Esther 2:14 gives us a further look at the rules for the royal women. A girl called by the king is with him during the night. She goes to the king in the evening and returns in the morning. Then she goes to “the second harem” and comes “to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines”. This means that she is degraded to the rank of concubine and will never go back to the king unless he calls her by her name.
Job 14:4
Preparations to Come to the King
Esther 2:12-13 inform us about the general preparations of a girl before she, when it is her turn, can come to the king. The duration of the beauty treatment is “twelve months”, divided into two periods of “six months” (Esther 2:12). The first six months the girl is treated, rubbed in, with oil of myrrh. The second six months she is treated with numerous unspecified spices and cosmetics.
For the first six months, the candidate queen is only treated with myrrh oil. Myrrh is a pleasantly scented resin and can have a bitter, but also a sweet taste. Myrrh is extracted from various types of trees and obtained by incising them. So the tree is injured. At very high desert temperatures, the softened resin seeps out by itself. In biblical times myrrh is a symbol of suffering and death [Source: ].
With this in mind the following can be said regarding the spiritual meaning of oil of myrrh. The word ‘myrrh’ comes from a word that means ‘bitter’. In Scripture myrrh always speaks of the suffering of Christ and the pleasant fragrance that has risen from His suffering to God (cf. Ephesians 5:2). In the treatment with oil of myrrh in preparation for the meeting with the king there is an important spiritual application. It speaks of the fact that nothing is so important for our spiritual growth as to occupy ourselves with the suffering of Christ under the guidance of God’s Spirit, of Whom the oil speaks.
The number six of the “six months” in which the oil of myrrh is applied is the number of man created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-31; cf. Revelation 13:18). Because we are human beings, we need the Holy Spirit, of Whom the oil speaks, to be able to occupy ourselves with the sufferings of Christ.
This will awaken the desire to suffer with Him and for Him, and thus to become like Him, even to be identified with Him in His suffering (cf. Philippians 3:10-11). This, of course, does not apply to His suffering with respect to the atonement of our sins. That suffering is unique and we cannot share in it. However, there is another form of suffering and that is suffering because of faithfulness to Him and His Word (1 Peter 4:13-14). In the picture Esther is made familiar with this suffering.
Then there is that second period of six months. It is necessary to try out all kinds of spices and cosmetics in order to discover which ones suit her best and accentuate her beauty the most. She can then make a conscious choice to take the right means from the harem to the king’s palace (Esther 2:13). This is where her responsibility lies. She decides what she will take with her to impress the king, so that his choice will fall on her to take her as queen.
The following can be said about the spiritual meaning of this second period as a sequel to the first period. In the first period the foundation has been laid. That period is – spiritually applied – entirely dedicated to being engaged in the suffering of Christ that can only be presented to us through the Holy Spirit. Then follows a second period. That period serves to make the right choices that accentuate the beauty of the believer he has thanks to and in Christ.
Each believer has particular characteristics, shows a different glory of Christ, has his own gift in which Christ becomes visible. In order to find out what those characteristics are, the believer must engage in the various glories of Christ. If he studies the Scriptures for the purpose of getting to know Christ better, the result will become visible in his life.
Everything happens in view of our meeting with the Lord Jesus. If we think that we will see Him (1 John 3:2b-3), it will determine our lives in the choices we make. The wrong things, things that prevent us from showing His features in us, will disappear. For example, we are decorating ourselves with the “clothes of righteousness”. We prepare those clothes on earth, but it will appear in heaven that He has given it to us (Revelation 19:7-8).
Esther 2:14 gives us a further look at the rules for the royal women. A girl called by the king is with him during the night. She goes to the king in the evening and returns in the morning. Then she goes to “the second harem” and comes “to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines”. This means that she is degraded to the rank of concubine and will never go back to the king unless he calls her by her name.
Job 14:5
Esther Becomes Queen
When it is Esther’s turn to come to the king, she does not take advantage of her freedom to take anything she wishes (Esther 2:13). She will have been filled with only one thought: “How do I make the best impression on the king?” This makes us think about whether we are dealing with just one question: “How am I and do I live most to the glory of my Lord and Savior?”
Although Esther is completely free in the choice of her clothes and decorations, she decides to take only what Hegai says to her (Esther 2:15). Here we see again, as before with respect to Mordecai (Esther 2:10), her surrender to someone on whom she depends. It is a voluntary surrender.
We surrender ourselves completely to what the Holy Spirit makes clear to us from God’s Word how we can please God. Esther entrusts herself to someone she knows to have the best for her and knows better than she what is good for her stay with the king. That attitude of modesty and submission is an ornament (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-5), through which she “found favor in the eyes of all who saw her”.
The fact that she does not want to take anything but what Hegai says to her is her own choice. Until now others have decided about her. There is a power that directs the event, but there is also an action of her own. In Esther 2:16 again she is dealt with. She is taken to the king. That’s not a choice, that happens to her.
The difference with the other girls is also shown by the fact that only her meeting with the king is dated. This also shows her special exaltation above the masses. The meeting with the king takes place in the “seventh year of reign” of king Ahasuerus, i.e. four years after the deposition of Vashti.
That she trusts Hegai completely, has as a result that the king prefers her over all other girls (Esther 2:17). God has made Esther beautiful, her beauty comes from Him and He directs the king to choose her. Without any desire on the part of Esther, she becomes the king’s favorite wife. We see here that God’s election is separate from any question on the part of man.
The king’s choice is explained in many different ways: 1. his love for her is greater than for any other woman, 2. she obtains from him more favor and kindness than all the other girls, 3. he sets the royal crown on her head and 4. finally makes her queen instead of Vashti.
This is where Vashti is mentioned for the last time. She disappears from history. Her place is taken by Esther.
The king organizes another great banquet for all his princes and his servants. This time it is not about showing his glory (Esther 1:3), but showing the new queen. This banquet is even literally called “Esther’s banquet”.
Job 14:6
Esther Becomes Queen
When it is Esther’s turn to come to the king, she does not take advantage of her freedom to take anything she wishes (Esther 2:13). She will have been filled with only one thought: “How do I make the best impression on the king?” This makes us think about whether we are dealing with just one question: “How am I and do I live most to the glory of my Lord and Savior?”
Although Esther is completely free in the choice of her clothes and decorations, she decides to take only what Hegai says to her (Esther 2:15). Here we see again, as before with respect to Mordecai (Esther 2:10), her surrender to someone on whom she depends. It is a voluntary surrender.
We surrender ourselves completely to what the Holy Spirit makes clear to us from God’s Word how we can please God. Esther entrusts herself to someone she knows to have the best for her and knows better than she what is good for her stay with the king. That attitude of modesty and submission is an ornament (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-5), through which she “found favor in the eyes of all who saw her”.
The fact that she does not want to take anything but what Hegai says to her is her own choice. Until now others have decided about her. There is a power that directs the event, but there is also an action of her own. In Esther 2:16 again she is dealt with. She is taken to the king. That’s not a choice, that happens to her.
The difference with the other girls is also shown by the fact that only her meeting with the king is dated. This also shows her special exaltation above the masses. The meeting with the king takes place in the “seventh year of reign” of king Ahasuerus, i.e. four years after the deposition of Vashti.
That she trusts Hegai completely, has as a result that the king prefers her over all other girls (Esther 2:17). God has made Esther beautiful, her beauty comes from Him and He directs the king to choose her. Without any desire on the part of Esther, she becomes the king’s favorite wife. We see here that God’s election is separate from any question on the part of man.
The king’s choice is explained in many different ways: 1. his love for her is greater than for any other woman, 2. she obtains from him more favor and kindness than all the other girls, 3. he sets the royal crown on her head and 4. finally makes her queen instead of Vashti.
This is where Vashti is mentioned for the last time. She disappears from history. Her place is taken by Esther.
The king organizes another great banquet for all his princes and his servants. This time it is not about showing his glory (Esther 1:3), but showing the new queen. This banquet is even literally called “Esther’s banquet”.
Job 14:7
Esther Becomes Queen
When it is Esther’s turn to come to the king, she does not take advantage of her freedom to take anything she wishes (Esther 2:13). She will have been filled with only one thought: “How do I make the best impression on the king?” This makes us think about whether we are dealing with just one question: “How am I and do I live most to the glory of my Lord and Savior?”
Although Esther is completely free in the choice of her clothes and decorations, she decides to take only what Hegai says to her (Esther 2:15). Here we see again, as before with respect to Mordecai (Esther 2:10), her surrender to someone on whom she depends. It is a voluntary surrender.
We surrender ourselves completely to what the Holy Spirit makes clear to us from God’s Word how we can please God. Esther entrusts herself to someone she knows to have the best for her and knows better than she what is good for her stay with the king. That attitude of modesty and submission is an ornament (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-5), through which she “found favor in the eyes of all who saw her”.
The fact that she does not want to take anything but what Hegai says to her is her own choice. Until now others have decided about her. There is a power that directs the event, but there is also an action of her own. In Esther 2:16 again she is dealt with. She is taken to the king. That’s not a choice, that happens to her.
The difference with the other girls is also shown by the fact that only her meeting with the king is dated. This also shows her special exaltation above the masses. The meeting with the king takes place in the “seventh year of reign” of king Ahasuerus, i.e. four years after the deposition of Vashti.
That she trusts Hegai completely, has as a result that the king prefers her over all other girls (Esther 2:17). God has made Esther beautiful, her beauty comes from Him and He directs the king to choose her. Without any desire on the part of Esther, she becomes the king’s favorite wife. We see here that God’s election is separate from any question on the part of man.
The king’s choice is explained in many different ways: 1. his love for her is greater than for any other woman, 2. she obtains from him more favor and kindness than all the other girls, 3. he sets the royal crown on her head and 4. finally makes her queen instead of Vashti.
This is where Vashti is mentioned for the last time. She disappears from history. Her place is taken by Esther.
The king organizes another great banquet for all his princes and his servants. This time it is not about showing his glory (Esther 1:3), but showing the new queen. This banquet is even literally called “Esther’s banquet”.
Job 14:8
Esther Becomes Queen
When it is Esther’s turn to come to the king, she does not take advantage of her freedom to take anything she wishes (Esther 2:13). She will have been filled with only one thought: “How do I make the best impression on the king?” This makes us think about whether we are dealing with just one question: “How am I and do I live most to the glory of my Lord and Savior?”
Although Esther is completely free in the choice of her clothes and decorations, she decides to take only what Hegai says to her (Esther 2:15). Here we see again, as before with respect to Mordecai (Esther 2:10), her surrender to someone on whom she depends. It is a voluntary surrender.
We surrender ourselves completely to what the Holy Spirit makes clear to us from God’s Word how we can please God. Esther entrusts herself to someone she knows to have the best for her and knows better than she what is good for her stay with the king. That attitude of modesty and submission is an ornament (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-5), through which she “found favor in the eyes of all who saw her”.
The fact that she does not want to take anything but what Hegai says to her is her own choice. Until now others have decided about her. There is a power that directs the event, but there is also an action of her own. In Esther 2:16 again she is dealt with. She is taken to the king. That’s not a choice, that happens to her.
The difference with the other girls is also shown by the fact that only her meeting with the king is dated. This also shows her special exaltation above the masses. The meeting with the king takes place in the “seventh year of reign” of king Ahasuerus, i.e. four years after the deposition of Vashti.
That she trusts Hegai completely, has as a result that the king prefers her over all other girls (Esther 2:17). God has made Esther beautiful, her beauty comes from Him and He directs the king to choose her. Without any desire on the part of Esther, she becomes the king’s favorite wife. We see here that God’s election is separate from any question on the part of man.
The king’s choice is explained in many different ways: 1. his love for her is greater than for any other woman, 2. she obtains from him more favor and kindness than all the other girls, 3. he sets the royal crown on her head and 4. finally makes her queen instead of Vashti.
This is where Vashti is mentioned for the last time. She disappears from history. Her place is taken by Esther.
The king organizes another great banquet for all his princes and his servants. This time it is not about showing his glory (Esther 1:3), but showing the new queen. This banquet is even literally called “Esther’s banquet”.
Job 14:9
Again Mordecai and Esther
The translation of Est 2:19 may also read: “In connection with the bringing of the girls, in the second place, Mordecai was at the gate”. The “second” has to do with Esther 2:10-11. There the first information about the relationship between Mordecai and Esther is given, after in the previous Esther 2:8-9 there is also talk about the gathering of girls. Now, after a second part about girls (Esther 2:12-18), for the second time an announcement is given about the relationship between Mordecai and Esther.
The first announcement shows a restless Mordecai who wants to know what happens to Esther (Esther 2:11). Now that Mordecai knows what happens to Esther, he can quietly sit down in the gate again. The new message about Esther connects to this (Esther 2:20). In the first message it says that Esther does not reveal her people and her ancestry, because Mordecai commanded her to do so (Esther 2:10). In this second message it says the same thing, but the other way around, that she did not tell her ancestry and her people, also with the message that Mordecai commanded her.
The message about Esther concludes by saying that she continues to obey Mordecai when she is queen, just as she obeyed him when he raised her. Her position has changed, her mind not. How important this is, we will see in the continuation of history.
In practical terms, however, there is a lesson to be learned for all those who have grown up in simple circumstances and have risen to high social positions. Let them never renounce their origins and continue to honor their parents!
Job 14:10
Again Mordecai and Esther
The translation of Est 2:19 may also read: “In connection with the bringing of the girls, in the second place, Mordecai was at the gate”. The “second” has to do with Esther 2:10-11. There the first information about the relationship between Mordecai and Esther is given, after in the previous Esther 2:8-9 there is also talk about the gathering of girls. Now, after a second part about girls (Esther 2:12-18), for the second time an announcement is given about the relationship between Mordecai and Esther.
The first announcement shows a restless Mordecai who wants to know what happens to Esther (Esther 2:11). Now that Mordecai knows what happens to Esther, he can quietly sit down in the gate again. The new message about Esther connects to this (Esther 2:20). In the first message it says that Esther does not reveal her people and her ancestry, because Mordecai commanded her to do so (Esther 2:10). In this second message it says the same thing, but the other way around, that she did not tell her ancestry and her people, also with the message that Mordecai commanded her.
The message about Esther concludes by saying that she continues to obey Mordecai when she is queen, just as she obeyed him when he raised her. Her position has changed, her mind not. How important this is, we will see in the continuation of history.
In practical terms, however, there is a lesson to be learned for all those who have grown up in simple circumstances and have risen to high social positions. Let them never renounce their origins and continue to honor their parents!
Job 14:11
Mordecai Discovers a Conspiracy
Mordecai has regained his usual place, “at the king’s gate” (Esther 2:21). This enables him to discover the conspiracy of the king’s officials. The officials are mentioned by name and their function is also communicated. It seems that they are a kind of bodyguard of the king who have easy access to him.
Why they become “angry” with the king, so angry that they want to kill him, is not told. Also, the way in which Mordecai finds out about their plans is not mentioned. This is not important for the course of history. What matters is that Mordecai becomes aware of their plan, what he does with it and what the king does when he hears about it through Esther.
As a loyal subject, Mordecai reports the conspiracy to the king through Esther. Esther talks to the king about Mordecai, whose name is written down in a book. We may speak to God about the Lord Jesus, about what He has done. This is recorded and remains forever before God’s face.
By reporting the discovered conspiracy, Mordecai shows that he is seeking the peace of the city to which he has been banished (Jeremiah 29:7) and that he remains faithful to the established authority. He guards for the honor and welfare of the king. This is how the Lord Jesus acted on earth for the honor of His Father. In His life He has always maintained the rights of God. He has stood up for this and has not allowed Himself to be deprived of them.
It is no opportunity for Mordecai to get rid of an oppressor. Here again we see a similarity with the histories of Joseph and Daniel. Mordecai shows the same attitude of helpfulness as we see with Joseph towards Pharaoh and with Daniel towards Nebuchadnezzar. The case is investigated and turns out to be correct. The two conspirators are hanged.
Then the case is written down, without any further word being heard by Mordecai. His deed is not (yet) rewarded. In the same way, Joseph is forgotten by the cupbearer, as is the wise man who delivered a city through his wisdom (Genesis 40:23; Ecclesiastes 9:14-15).
The writing down of deeds in a book we have learned from God. He records everything and will judge everything in His time according to what is written in the books. God forgets nothing, He has a divine archive. The Lord Jesus comes and has His reward with Him to reward all that has been done for Him, for He forgets nothing (Malachi 3:16; Matthew 10:42; Revelation 22:12; Hebrews 11:26). God’s time comes to reward Mordecai. God’s time will also come to make the Lord Jesus appear in public glory, so that He will be openly honored.
Job 14:12
Mordecai Discovers a Conspiracy
Mordecai has regained his usual place, “at the king’s gate” (Esther 2:21). This enables him to discover the conspiracy of the king’s officials. The officials are mentioned by name and their function is also communicated. It seems that they are a kind of bodyguard of the king who have easy access to him.
Why they become “angry” with the king, so angry that they want to kill him, is not told. Also, the way in which Mordecai finds out about their plans is not mentioned. This is not important for the course of history. What matters is that Mordecai becomes aware of their plan, what he does with it and what the king does when he hears about it through Esther.
As a loyal subject, Mordecai reports the conspiracy to the king through Esther. Esther talks to the king about Mordecai, whose name is written down in a book. We may speak to God about the Lord Jesus, about what He has done. This is recorded and remains forever before God’s face.
By reporting the discovered conspiracy, Mordecai shows that he is seeking the peace of the city to which he has been banished (Jeremiah 29:7) and that he remains faithful to the established authority. He guards for the honor and welfare of the king. This is how the Lord Jesus acted on earth for the honor of His Father. In His life He has always maintained the rights of God. He has stood up for this and has not allowed Himself to be deprived of them.
It is no opportunity for Mordecai to get rid of an oppressor. Here again we see a similarity with the histories of Joseph and Daniel. Mordecai shows the same attitude of helpfulness as we see with Joseph towards Pharaoh and with Daniel towards Nebuchadnezzar. The case is investigated and turns out to be correct. The two conspirators are hanged.
Then the case is written down, without any further word being heard by Mordecai. His deed is not (yet) rewarded. In the same way, Joseph is forgotten by the cupbearer, as is the wise man who delivered a city through his wisdom (Genesis 40:23; Ecclesiastes 9:14-15).
The writing down of deeds in a book we have learned from God. He records everything and will judge everything in His time according to what is written in the books. God forgets nothing, He has a divine archive. The Lord Jesus comes and has His reward with Him to reward all that has been done for Him, for He forgets nothing (Malachi 3:16; Matthew 10:42; Revelation 22:12; Hebrews 11:26). God’s time comes to reward Mordecai. God’s time will also come to make the Lord Jesus appear in public glory, so that He will be openly honored.
Job 14:13
Mordecai Discovers a Conspiracy
Mordecai has regained his usual place, “at the king’s gate” (Esther 2:21). This enables him to discover the conspiracy of the king’s officials. The officials are mentioned by name and their function is also communicated. It seems that they are a kind of bodyguard of the king who have easy access to him.
Why they become “angry” with the king, so angry that they want to kill him, is not told. Also, the way in which Mordecai finds out about their plans is not mentioned. This is not important for the course of history. What matters is that Mordecai becomes aware of their plan, what he does with it and what the king does when he hears about it through Esther.
As a loyal subject, Mordecai reports the conspiracy to the king through Esther. Esther talks to the king about Mordecai, whose name is written down in a book. We may speak to God about the Lord Jesus, about what He has done. This is recorded and remains forever before God’s face.
By reporting the discovered conspiracy, Mordecai shows that he is seeking the peace of the city to which he has been banished (Jeremiah 29:7) and that he remains faithful to the established authority. He guards for the honor and welfare of the king. This is how the Lord Jesus acted on earth for the honor of His Father. In His life He has always maintained the rights of God. He has stood up for this and has not allowed Himself to be deprived of them.
It is no opportunity for Mordecai to get rid of an oppressor. Here again we see a similarity with the histories of Joseph and Daniel. Mordecai shows the same attitude of helpfulness as we see with Joseph towards Pharaoh and with Daniel towards Nebuchadnezzar. The case is investigated and turns out to be correct. The two conspirators are hanged.
Then the case is written down, without any further word being heard by Mordecai. His deed is not (yet) rewarded. In the same way, Joseph is forgotten by the cupbearer, as is the wise man who delivered a city through his wisdom (Genesis 40:23; Ecclesiastes 9:14-15).
The writing down of deeds in a book we have learned from God. He records everything and will judge everything in His time according to what is written in the books. God forgets nothing, He has a divine archive. The Lord Jesus comes and has His reward with Him to reward all that has been done for Him, for He forgets nothing (Malachi 3:16; Matthew 10:42; Revelation 22:12; Hebrews 11:26). God’s time comes to reward Mordecai. God’s time will also come to make the Lord Jesus appear in public glory, so that He will be openly honored.
Job 14:15
Introduction
This chapter is dedicated to Haman. Haman gets his high position from Ahasuerus. We see in this the picture that every power a person has ultimately comes from God. Something else is, how someone uses that power. Haman uses it for his own honor and to kill God’s people, because they do not bow down before him.
Haman, the Agagite
From the expression “after these events” (Esther 3:1) we see that a new part begins, in which new events will take place. We are here at the beginning of the twelfth year of the reign of Ahasuerus (Esther 3:7), while the events of the previous chapter take place around the seventh year of his reign (Esther 2:16).
As an introduction to the new events, our attention is focused on what Ahasuerus is doing to Haman, the fourth protagonist of this book. In a threefold mention we are told remarkably emphatically that Ahasuerus exalts Haman to great heights. Ahasuerus 1. “promoted Haman”, 2. he “advanced him”, and 3. “established his authority over all the princes who [were] with him”.
As with two other protagonists, Mordecai and Esther, Haman’s ancestry is also mentioned (Esther 2:5; 15).
Haman is the great opponent of Mordecai and the people of Mordecai. Here Haman is made great by Ahasuerus as a prelude to the extermination of God’s people. So how is it possible that the king is a picture of God? We only understand that when we see that God is sovereign and gives power to whom He wills. He controls everything.
God created the angel who would become satan (Ezekiel 28:14-19). He has allowed satan to have dominion over creation because he succeeds in deceiving man. Since then, satan has been the “god of this world [lit. age]” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the ruler of this world” (John 16:11) who reigns the world. At the same time, God never relinquishes control. For example, He Himself will conceive the Antichrist (Zechariah 11:16), while in the following verse He also pronounces the ‘woe’ over him (Zechariah 11:17). Thus, the Lord Jesus says to Pilate when He stands before him as a Prisoner: “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11).
It is significant that Haman is an Agagite. Agag is the title of the Amalekite kings (Numbers 24:7; 1 Samuel 15:20; 32). Saul, who like Mordecai is a Benjaminite, must kill Agag. Saul, however, spares his life. What Saul out of disobedience leaves out, Samuel then does (1 Samuel 15:9; 33). In the book of Esther we see in Mordecai another Benjaminite (Esther 2:5) as opposed to another Agagite. Will Mordecai do better than Saul?
In Haman and Mordecai, two nations face each other. One is the people of Mordecai, that is the people of the Jews, God’s people; the other is a people that hates God’s people with great hatred, that is the people of the Amalekites. This hatred has been shown in history. Amalek is the first enemy to attack Israel, while the people have only just been delivered out of Egypt (Exodus 17:8; 16). In view of this, God commands His people to exterminate Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).
Amalek, however, has not yet been exterminated. Balaam speaks of the exaltation of Amalek (Numbers 24:20), although the Messiah will eventually be higher (Numbers 24:7). Here we see the exaltation of Amalek. Instead of an exaltation of Mordecai as a reward for saving the life of the king, a great enemy of God’s people is exalted. But what at first glance seems to go against God’s promises is helping to fulfill His plans.
We see this, for example, in Paul’s life. When he is on his way as the Lord’s messenger, he is captured. Now he can no longer fulfil his commission and go around preaching, because he is bound. God, however, has a purpose with it. Paul is aware of this and therefore he can say that his captivity has
“turned out for the greater progress of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).
We also see this with Israel. God has promised to make the people numerous (Genesis 15:5), but it seems as if the enemy has a chance to exterminate them (Exodus 1:7; 8; 22). The people are in great distress and cry out to God. This is the reason for God to fulfil His promises (Exodus 2:23-25).
Job 14:16
Haman and Mordecai
At the command of the king all the servants bow down before Haman (Esther 3:2). Haman has been given a position to be acknowledged by all. Only those who belong to God’s people do not and are not allowed to do so. For them this command of the king is a test. So it is also with the power that satan has received from God. All who are in the power of satan bow before him. For the children of God it is a test. To whom do they bow?
The power of Haman puts the people of God to the test. Thus, God uses satan, of whom Haman is a picture, to test His people. The Lord Jesus has also had to deal with satan who comes to him with his temptations. In this way God’s children have to deal with an enemy who wants to cause them to abandon confidence in God with all the means at his disposal.
The hatred of the world is a part of everyone who clearly takes his place as a Christian. Such a Christian spreads light and hates the world that is in darkness. If we do not experience this so strongly, it may be because we have already adapted to a certain extent to the world.
Mordecai is someone who does not go with the masses. He does not bow down before this ruler (Esther 3:3). Nor has the Lord Jesus, of whom Mordecai is a picture, ever done so (Matthew 4:8-10). Mordecai resembles the friends of Daniel, who also violate the king’s commandment and refuse to kneel before the image he has made (Daniel 3:18).
If there is a sudden situation where we have to confess our faith, we will experience God’s power. Daniel’s three friends are not unprepared to confront Nebuchadnezzar because of the image he has made. They have learned to pray and in practice to keep themselves clean from the impurity of the world. That is why there is inner strength to remain standing under the pressure of Nebuchadnezzar. The time of need reveals whether there is anything of God present in it.
Those who do not bow down will be held accountable by those who do. This happens in order to exert pressure to also bow down before the great ruler. The faithful Christian will use this opportunity to give an account for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15-16).
That pressure is being exerted on Mordecai is shown in Esther 3:4. For they speak to him “daily” about his ‘inflexibility’. But he does not listen. He keeps himself deaf. In this he resembles the true servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, Who also kept himself deaf to everything that was said to Him that would make Him unfaithful to His God (Isaiah 42:19).
Again we see a clear parallel with Joseph. Joseph is also addressed “day after day” by Potiphar’s wife, whereby her intention was to seduce him to have sexual intercourse with her. And there too we read that he “did not listen to her to lie beside her [or] be with her” (Genesis 39:10). It is important not to listen to wrong advice or encouragements to sin.
When Mordecai stands firm in his refusal to bow to Haman, the servants tell Haman. It seems to have escaped Haman that Mordecai does not bow down to him. The reason they tell Haman is that Mordecai is a Jew. Mordecai does not bow down because he is a Jew. It is also important for us to say that we are not participating in certain things because we belong to the Lord Jesus.
Mordecai did not conceal his origins, but confessed it. That is precisely why they want to see if his words will hold up. In this way our confession will also be tested. We can count on being the special target of satan’s attacks if we confess our faith in the Lord Jesus and belong to the church of the living God.
We will see that in the rest of this history. Drawn attention by the servants to the inflexibility of Mordecai towards him, Haman now pays special attention to Mordecai. If he sees that he indeed does not bow down before him, he is “filled with rage” (Esther 3:5). From this moment on there is nothing more for him than anger toward Mordecai, an anger that seeks a way out.
The only thing that can calm his anger is Mordecai’s death. And not only that. Also the whole people of Mordecai must be exterminated (Esther 3:6). Inspired by this thought, Haman searches for a way to “to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai”. And not locally, only in the citadel of Susa, but “throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus”.
Here we clearly see that Haman is a picture of satan. If the people were killed, the Messiah could not be born. We also see this with Herod, who is a willing instrument in the hand of satan when he wants to kill the Lord Jesus when He is just born (Matthew 2:16).
Haman wants to kill the whole people of the Jews (Psalms 83:4-5). The people are associated with Mordecai and share Haman’s hatred of Mordecai. Here we see the connection between the Lord Jesus and His people. Christ and His own are one. Thus, Saul is told by the glorified Lord: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4) while he was persecuting the church. That the devil’s wrath concerns both the Lord Jesus and His people, we see also in the end time, when the dragon, that is the devil, wants to devour not only the Child, that is Christ, but also all who belong to Him, that is the believing remnant of Israel (Revelation 12:4b; 17).
How did Haman come to this attitude? He has seen that there is one person who dares to defy him. However, in his pride and wrath it is too little for him that only one person pays. His injured pride calls for revenge. He is not satisfied with just one person. He wants to be like God, like satan once did, and submit everything to himself. Whoever dares to resist him must be killed. Satan never offers an alternative, nor can he. He has a depraved nature and destroys whoever is in his power (cf. John 10:10a). Whoever does not bow down, he seeks to perish. Whoever bows down before him, whoever he holds in his grasp, that person is dragged into ruin.
In order to come to the execution of his gruesome murder plan, Haman lets the lot cast in his presence (Esther 3:7). He lets this be done, guided by his superstitious, pagan, dark thinking, to determine the most suitable day for the realization of his plan of extermination. This occult course of events proves once more that Haman is a servant of satan. However, God is above him and satan.
Surely it is remarkable that fate finally falls on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. The casting of the lot begins in the first month, the month of Nisan, that is the month of Passover, which is reminiscent of the redemption of God’s people from Egypt. For each day of that month the lot is cast, but no day turns out to be suitable. So it is with every day of the second month and every day of the following months. Until finally the lot designates the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, as the favorable day.
The time in which the lot is cast is “the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus”, a dating that indicates that the authority is in the hands of the nations and not in those of God’s people. However, the months are mentioned with the Hebrew name, a dating that applies to God’s people. Here we see that behind this demonic act God controls everything. Haman will have seen the outcome as a favorable omen, because it gives him time to carry out his depraved intention. However, he has no awareness that this delay will be both his downfall and the deliverance of the Jews. He does cast the lot, but the LORD decides (Proverbs 16:33).
In Israel the lot makes the will of God known to the people. We see this for example in the history of Achan (Joshua 7:16-18) and in the division of the land (Joshua 15-19). In the Bible the lot is cast out for the last time when a successor is to be chosen for Judas, the traitor of the Lord Jesus (Acts 1:26). We do not need the lot, because we have the complete Word of God. Now God’s will is given to us in His Word, which is made clear to us by the Holy Spirit.
Job 14:17
Haman and Mordecai
At the command of the king all the servants bow down before Haman (Esther 3:2). Haman has been given a position to be acknowledged by all. Only those who belong to God’s people do not and are not allowed to do so. For them this command of the king is a test. So it is also with the power that satan has received from God. All who are in the power of satan bow before him. For the children of God it is a test. To whom do they bow?
The power of Haman puts the people of God to the test. Thus, God uses satan, of whom Haman is a picture, to test His people. The Lord Jesus has also had to deal with satan who comes to him with his temptations. In this way God’s children have to deal with an enemy who wants to cause them to abandon confidence in God with all the means at his disposal.
The hatred of the world is a part of everyone who clearly takes his place as a Christian. Such a Christian spreads light and hates the world that is in darkness. If we do not experience this so strongly, it may be because we have already adapted to a certain extent to the world.
Mordecai is someone who does not go with the masses. He does not bow down before this ruler (Esther 3:3). Nor has the Lord Jesus, of whom Mordecai is a picture, ever done so (Matthew 4:8-10). Mordecai resembles the friends of Daniel, who also violate the king’s commandment and refuse to kneel before the image he has made (Daniel 3:18).
If there is a sudden situation where we have to confess our faith, we will experience God’s power. Daniel’s three friends are not unprepared to confront Nebuchadnezzar because of the image he has made. They have learned to pray and in practice to keep themselves clean from the impurity of the world. That is why there is inner strength to remain standing under the pressure of Nebuchadnezzar. The time of need reveals whether there is anything of God present in it.
Those who do not bow down will be held accountable by those who do. This happens in order to exert pressure to also bow down before the great ruler. The faithful Christian will use this opportunity to give an account for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15-16).
That pressure is being exerted on Mordecai is shown in Esther 3:4. For they speak to him “daily” about his ‘inflexibility’. But he does not listen. He keeps himself deaf. In this he resembles the true servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, Who also kept himself deaf to everything that was said to Him that would make Him unfaithful to His God (Isaiah 42:19).
Again we see a clear parallel with Joseph. Joseph is also addressed “day after day” by Potiphar’s wife, whereby her intention was to seduce him to have sexual intercourse with her. And there too we read that he “did not listen to her to lie beside her [or] be with her” (Genesis 39:10). It is important not to listen to wrong advice or encouragements to sin.
When Mordecai stands firm in his refusal to bow to Haman, the servants tell Haman. It seems to have escaped Haman that Mordecai does not bow down to him. The reason they tell Haman is that Mordecai is a Jew. Mordecai does not bow down because he is a Jew. It is also important for us to say that we are not participating in certain things because we belong to the Lord Jesus.
Mordecai did not conceal his origins, but confessed it. That is precisely why they want to see if his words will hold up. In this way our confession will also be tested. We can count on being the special target of satan’s attacks if we confess our faith in the Lord Jesus and belong to the church of the living God.
We will see that in the rest of this history. Drawn attention by the servants to the inflexibility of Mordecai towards him, Haman now pays special attention to Mordecai. If he sees that he indeed does not bow down before him, he is “filled with rage” (Esther 3:5). From this moment on there is nothing more for him than anger toward Mordecai, an anger that seeks a way out.
The only thing that can calm his anger is Mordecai’s death. And not only that. Also the whole people of Mordecai must be exterminated (Esther 3:6). Inspired by this thought, Haman searches for a way to “to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai”. And not locally, only in the citadel of Susa, but “throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus”.
Here we clearly see that Haman is a picture of satan. If the people were killed, the Messiah could not be born. We also see this with Herod, who is a willing instrument in the hand of satan when he wants to kill the Lord Jesus when He is just born (Matthew 2:16).
Haman wants to kill the whole people of the Jews (Psalms 83:4-5). The people are associated with Mordecai and share Haman’s hatred of Mordecai. Here we see the connection between the Lord Jesus and His people. Christ and His own are one. Thus, Saul is told by the glorified Lord: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4) while he was persecuting the church. That the devil’s wrath concerns both the Lord Jesus and His people, we see also in the end time, when the dragon, that is the devil, wants to devour not only the Child, that is Christ, but also all who belong to Him, that is the believing remnant of Israel (Revelation 12:4b; 17).
How did Haman come to this attitude? He has seen that there is one person who dares to defy him. However, in his pride and wrath it is too little for him that only one person pays. His injured pride calls for revenge. He is not satisfied with just one person. He wants to be like God, like satan once did, and submit everything to himself. Whoever dares to resist him must be killed. Satan never offers an alternative, nor can he. He has a depraved nature and destroys whoever is in his power (cf. John 10:10a). Whoever does not bow down, he seeks to perish. Whoever bows down before him, whoever he holds in his grasp, that person is dragged into ruin.
In order to come to the execution of his gruesome murder plan, Haman lets the lot cast in his presence (Esther 3:7). He lets this be done, guided by his superstitious, pagan, dark thinking, to determine the most suitable day for the realization of his plan of extermination. This occult course of events proves once more that Haman is a servant of satan. However, God is above him and satan.
Surely it is remarkable that fate finally falls on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. The casting of the lot begins in the first month, the month of Nisan, that is the month of Passover, which is reminiscent of the redemption of God’s people from Egypt. For each day of that month the lot is cast, but no day turns out to be suitable. So it is with every day of the second month and every day of the following months. Until finally the lot designates the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, as the favorable day.
The time in which the lot is cast is “the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus”, a dating that indicates that the authority is in the hands of the nations and not in those of God’s people. However, the months are mentioned with the Hebrew name, a dating that applies to God’s people. Here we see that behind this demonic act God controls everything. Haman will have seen the outcome as a favorable omen, because it gives him time to carry out his depraved intention. However, he has no awareness that this delay will be both his downfall and the deliverance of the Jews. He does cast the lot, but the LORD decides (Proverbs 16:33).
In Israel the lot makes the will of God known to the people. We see this for example in the history of Achan (Joshua 7:16-18) and in the division of the land (Joshua 15-19). In the Bible the lot is cast out for the last time when a successor is to be chosen for Judas, the traitor of the Lord Jesus (Acts 1:26). We do not need the lot, because we have the complete Word of God. Now God’s will is given to us in His Word, which is made clear to us by the Holy Spirit.
Job 14:18
Haman and Mordecai
At the command of the king all the servants bow down before Haman (Esther 3:2). Haman has been given a position to be acknowledged by all. Only those who belong to God’s people do not and are not allowed to do so. For them this command of the king is a test. So it is also with the power that satan has received from God. All who are in the power of satan bow before him. For the children of God it is a test. To whom do they bow?
The power of Haman puts the people of God to the test. Thus, God uses satan, of whom Haman is a picture, to test His people. The Lord Jesus has also had to deal with satan who comes to him with his temptations. In this way God’s children have to deal with an enemy who wants to cause them to abandon confidence in God with all the means at his disposal.
The hatred of the world is a part of everyone who clearly takes his place as a Christian. Such a Christian spreads light and hates the world that is in darkness. If we do not experience this so strongly, it may be because we have already adapted to a certain extent to the world.
Mordecai is someone who does not go with the masses. He does not bow down before this ruler (Esther 3:3). Nor has the Lord Jesus, of whom Mordecai is a picture, ever done so (Matthew 4:8-10). Mordecai resembles the friends of Daniel, who also violate the king’s commandment and refuse to kneel before the image he has made (Daniel 3:18).
If there is a sudden situation where we have to confess our faith, we will experience God’s power. Daniel’s three friends are not unprepared to confront Nebuchadnezzar because of the image he has made. They have learned to pray and in practice to keep themselves clean from the impurity of the world. That is why there is inner strength to remain standing under the pressure of Nebuchadnezzar. The time of need reveals whether there is anything of God present in it.
Those who do not bow down will be held accountable by those who do. This happens in order to exert pressure to also bow down before the great ruler. The faithful Christian will use this opportunity to give an account for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15-16).
That pressure is being exerted on Mordecai is shown in Esther 3:4. For they speak to him “daily” about his ‘inflexibility’. But he does not listen. He keeps himself deaf. In this he resembles the true servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, Who also kept himself deaf to everything that was said to Him that would make Him unfaithful to His God (Isaiah 42:19).
Again we see a clear parallel with Joseph. Joseph is also addressed “day after day” by Potiphar’s wife, whereby her intention was to seduce him to have sexual intercourse with her. And there too we read that he “did not listen to her to lie beside her [or] be with her” (Genesis 39:10). It is important not to listen to wrong advice or encouragements to sin.
When Mordecai stands firm in his refusal to bow to Haman, the servants tell Haman. It seems to have escaped Haman that Mordecai does not bow down to him. The reason they tell Haman is that Mordecai is a Jew. Mordecai does not bow down because he is a Jew. It is also important for us to say that we are not participating in certain things because we belong to the Lord Jesus.
Mordecai did not conceal his origins, but confessed it. That is precisely why they want to see if his words will hold up. In this way our confession will also be tested. We can count on being the special target of satan’s attacks if we confess our faith in the Lord Jesus and belong to the church of the living God.
We will see that in the rest of this history. Drawn attention by the servants to the inflexibility of Mordecai towards him, Haman now pays special attention to Mordecai. If he sees that he indeed does not bow down before him, he is “filled with rage” (Esther 3:5). From this moment on there is nothing more for him than anger toward Mordecai, an anger that seeks a way out.
The only thing that can calm his anger is Mordecai’s death. And not only that. Also the whole people of Mordecai must be exterminated (Esther 3:6). Inspired by this thought, Haman searches for a way to “to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai”. And not locally, only in the citadel of Susa, but “throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus”.
Here we clearly see that Haman is a picture of satan. If the people were killed, the Messiah could not be born. We also see this with Herod, who is a willing instrument in the hand of satan when he wants to kill the Lord Jesus when He is just born (Matthew 2:16).
Haman wants to kill the whole people of the Jews (Psalms 83:4-5). The people are associated with Mordecai and share Haman’s hatred of Mordecai. Here we see the connection between the Lord Jesus and His people. Christ and His own are one. Thus, Saul is told by the glorified Lord: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4) while he was persecuting the church. That the devil’s wrath concerns both the Lord Jesus and His people, we see also in the end time, when the dragon, that is the devil, wants to devour not only the Child, that is Christ, but also all who belong to Him, that is the believing remnant of Israel (Revelation 12:4b; 17).
How did Haman come to this attitude? He has seen that there is one person who dares to defy him. However, in his pride and wrath it is too little for him that only one person pays. His injured pride calls for revenge. He is not satisfied with just one person. He wants to be like God, like satan once did, and submit everything to himself. Whoever dares to resist him must be killed. Satan never offers an alternative, nor can he. He has a depraved nature and destroys whoever is in his power (cf. John 10:10a). Whoever does not bow down, he seeks to perish. Whoever bows down before him, whoever he holds in his grasp, that person is dragged into ruin.
In order to come to the execution of his gruesome murder plan, Haman lets the lot cast in his presence (Esther 3:7). He lets this be done, guided by his superstitious, pagan, dark thinking, to determine the most suitable day for the realization of his plan of extermination. This occult course of events proves once more that Haman is a servant of satan. However, God is above him and satan.
Surely it is remarkable that fate finally falls on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. The casting of the lot begins in the first month, the month of Nisan, that is the month of Passover, which is reminiscent of the redemption of God’s people from Egypt. For each day of that month the lot is cast, but no day turns out to be suitable. So it is with every day of the second month and every day of the following months. Until finally the lot designates the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, as the favorable day.
The time in which the lot is cast is “the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus”, a dating that indicates that the authority is in the hands of the nations and not in those of God’s people. However, the months are mentioned with the Hebrew name, a dating that applies to God’s people. Here we see that behind this demonic act God controls everything. Haman will have seen the outcome as a favorable omen, because it gives him time to carry out his depraved intention. However, he has no awareness that this delay will be both his downfall and the deliverance of the Jews. He does cast the lot, but the LORD decides (Proverbs 16:33).
In Israel the lot makes the will of God known to the people. We see this for example in the history of Achan (Joshua 7:16-18) and in the division of the land (Joshua 15-19). In the Bible the lot is cast out for the last time when a successor is to be chosen for Judas, the traitor of the Lord Jesus (Acts 1:26). We do not need the lot, because we have the complete Word of God. Now God’s will is given to us in His Word, which is made clear to us by the Holy Spirit.
Job 14:19
Haman and Mordecai
At the command of the king all the servants bow down before Haman (Esther 3:2). Haman has been given a position to be acknowledged by all. Only those who belong to God’s people do not and are not allowed to do so. For them this command of the king is a test. So it is also with the power that satan has received from God. All who are in the power of satan bow before him. For the children of God it is a test. To whom do they bow?
The power of Haman puts the people of God to the test. Thus, God uses satan, of whom Haman is a picture, to test His people. The Lord Jesus has also had to deal with satan who comes to him with his temptations. In this way God’s children have to deal with an enemy who wants to cause them to abandon confidence in God with all the means at his disposal.
The hatred of the world is a part of everyone who clearly takes his place as a Christian. Such a Christian spreads light and hates the world that is in darkness. If we do not experience this so strongly, it may be because we have already adapted to a certain extent to the world.
Mordecai is someone who does not go with the masses. He does not bow down before this ruler (Esther 3:3). Nor has the Lord Jesus, of whom Mordecai is a picture, ever done so (Matthew 4:8-10). Mordecai resembles the friends of Daniel, who also violate the king’s commandment and refuse to kneel before the image he has made (Daniel 3:18).
If there is a sudden situation where we have to confess our faith, we will experience God’s power. Daniel’s three friends are not unprepared to confront Nebuchadnezzar because of the image he has made. They have learned to pray and in practice to keep themselves clean from the impurity of the world. That is why there is inner strength to remain standing under the pressure of Nebuchadnezzar. The time of need reveals whether there is anything of God present in it.
Those who do not bow down will be held accountable by those who do. This happens in order to exert pressure to also bow down before the great ruler. The faithful Christian will use this opportunity to give an account for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15-16).
That pressure is being exerted on Mordecai is shown in Esther 3:4. For they speak to him “daily” about his ‘inflexibility’. But he does not listen. He keeps himself deaf. In this he resembles the true servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, Who also kept himself deaf to everything that was said to Him that would make Him unfaithful to His God (Isaiah 42:19).
Again we see a clear parallel with Joseph. Joseph is also addressed “day after day” by Potiphar’s wife, whereby her intention was to seduce him to have sexual intercourse with her. And there too we read that he “did not listen to her to lie beside her [or] be with her” (Genesis 39:10). It is important not to listen to wrong advice or encouragements to sin.
When Mordecai stands firm in his refusal to bow to Haman, the servants tell Haman. It seems to have escaped Haman that Mordecai does not bow down to him. The reason they tell Haman is that Mordecai is a Jew. Mordecai does not bow down because he is a Jew. It is also important for us to say that we are not participating in certain things because we belong to the Lord Jesus.
Mordecai did not conceal his origins, but confessed it. That is precisely why they want to see if his words will hold up. In this way our confession will also be tested. We can count on being the special target of satan’s attacks if we confess our faith in the Lord Jesus and belong to the church of the living God.
We will see that in the rest of this history. Drawn attention by the servants to the inflexibility of Mordecai towards him, Haman now pays special attention to Mordecai. If he sees that he indeed does not bow down before him, he is “filled with rage” (Esther 3:5). From this moment on there is nothing more for him than anger toward Mordecai, an anger that seeks a way out.
The only thing that can calm his anger is Mordecai’s death. And not only that. Also the whole people of Mordecai must be exterminated (Esther 3:6). Inspired by this thought, Haman searches for a way to “to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai”. And not locally, only in the citadel of Susa, but “throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus”.
Here we clearly see that Haman is a picture of satan. If the people were killed, the Messiah could not be born. We also see this with Herod, who is a willing instrument in the hand of satan when he wants to kill the Lord Jesus when He is just born (Matthew 2:16).
Haman wants to kill the whole people of the Jews (Psalms 83:4-5). The people are associated with Mordecai and share Haman’s hatred of Mordecai. Here we see the connection between the Lord Jesus and His people. Christ and His own are one. Thus, Saul is told by the glorified Lord: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4) while he was persecuting the church. That the devil’s wrath concerns both the Lord Jesus and His people, we see also in the end time, when the dragon, that is the devil, wants to devour not only the Child, that is Christ, but also all who belong to Him, that is the believing remnant of Israel (Revelation 12:4b; 17).
How did Haman come to this attitude? He has seen that there is one person who dares to defy him. However, in his pride and wrath it is too little for him that only one person pays. His injured pride calls for revenge. He is not satisfied with just one person. He wants to be like God, like satan once did, and submit everything to himself. Whoever dares to resist him must be killed. Satan never offers an alternative, nor can he. He has a depraved nature and destroys whoever is in his power (cf. John 10:10a). Whoever does not bow down, he seeks to perish. Whoever bows down before him, whoever he holds in his grasp, that person is dragged into ruin.
In order to come to the execution of his gruesome murder plan, Haman lets the lot cast in his presence (Esther 3:7). He lets this be done, guided by his superstitious, pagan, dark thinking, to determine the most suitable day for the realization of his plan of extermination. This occult course of events proves once more that Haman is a servant of satan. However, God is above him and satan.
Surely it is remarkable that fate finally falls on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. The casting of the lot begins in the first month, the month of Nisan, that is the month of Passover, which is reminiscent of the redemption of God’s people from Egypt. For each day of that month the lot is cast, but no day turns out to be suitable. So it is with every day of the second month and every day of the following months. Until finally the lot designates the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, as the favorable day.
The time in which the lot is cast is “the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus”, a dating that indicates that the authority is in the hands of the nations and not in those of God’s people. However, the months are mentioned with the Hebrew name, a dating that applies to God’s people. Here we see that behind this demonic act God controls everything. Haman will have seen the outcome as a favorable omen, because it gives him time to carry out his depraved intention. However, he has no awareness that this delay will be both his downfall and the deliverance of the Jews. He does cast the lot, but the LORD decides (Proverbs 16:33).
In Israel the lot makes the will of God known to the people. We see this for example in the history of Achan (Joshua 7:16-18) and in the division of the land (Joshua 15-19). In the Bible the lot is cast out for the last time when a successor is to be chosen for Judas, the traitor of the Lord Jesus (Acts 1:26). We do not need the lot, because we have the complete Word of God. Now God’s will is given to us in His Word, which is made clear to us by the Holy Spirit.
Job 14:20
Haman and Mordecai
At the command of the king all the servants bow down before Haman (Esther 3:2). Haman has been given a position to be acknowledged by all. Only those who belong to God’s people do not and are not allowed to do so. For them this command of the king is a test. So it is also with the power that satan has received from God. All who are in the power of satan bow before him. For the children of God it is a test. To whom do they bow?
The power of Haman puts the people of God to the test. Thus, God uses satan, of whom Haman is a picture, to test His people. The Lord Jesus has also had to deal with satan who comes to him with his temptations. In this way God’s children have to deal with an enemy who wants to cause them to abandon confidence in God with all the means at his disposal.
The hatred of the world is a part of everyone who clearly takes his place as a Christian. Such a Christian spreads light and hates the world that is in darkness. If we do not experience this so strongly, it may be because we have already adapted to a certain extent to the world.
Mordecai is someone who does not go with the masses. He does not bow down before this ruler (Esther 3:3). Nor has the Lord Jesus, of whom Mordecai is a picture, ever done so (Matthew 4:8-10). Mordecai resembles the friends of Daniel, who also violate the king’s commandment and refuse to kneel before the image he has made (Daniel 3:18).
If there is a sudden situation where we have to confess our faith, we will experience God’s power. Daniel’s three friends are not unprepared to confront Nebuchadnezzar because of the image he has made. They have learned to pray and in practice to keep themselves clean from the impurity of the world. That is why there is inner strength to remain standing under the pressure of Nebuchadnezzar. The time of need reveals whether there is anything of God present in it.
Those who do not bow down will be held accountable by those who do. This happens in order to exert pressure to also bow down before the great ruler. The faithful Christian will use this opportunity to give an account for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15-16).
That pressure is being exerted on Mordecai is shown in Esther 3:4. For they speak to him “daily” about his ‘inflexibility’. But he does not listen. He keeps himself deaf. In this he resembles the true servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, Who also kept himself deaf to everything that was said to Him that would make Him unfaithful to His God (Isaiah 42:19).
Again we see a clear parallel with Joseph. Joseph is also addressed “day after day” by Potiphar’s wife, whereby her intention was to seduce him to have sexual intercourse with her. And there too we read that he “did not listen to her to lie beside her [or] be with her” (Genesis 39:10). It is important not to listen to wrong advice or encouragements to sin.
When Mordecai stands firm in his refusal to bow to Haman, the servants tell Haman. It seems to have escaped Haman that Mordecai does not bow down to him. The reason they tell Haman is that Mordecai is a Jew. Mordecai does not bow down because he is a Jew. It is also important for us to say that we are not participating in certain things because we belong to the Lord Jesus.
Mordecai did not conceal his origins, but confessed it. That is precisely why they want to see if his words will hold up. In this way our confession will also be tested. We can count on being the special target of satan’s attacks if we confess our faith in the Lord Jesus and belong to the church of the living God.
We will see that in the rest of this history. Drawn attention by the servants to the inflexibility of Mordecai towards him, Haman now pays special attention to Mordecai. If he sees that he indeed does not bow down before him, he is “filled with rage” (Esther 3:5). From this moment on there is nothing more for him than anger toward Mordecai, an anger that seeks a way out.
The only thing that can calm his anger is Mordecai’s death. And not only that. Also the whole people of Mordecai must be exterminated (Esther 3:6). Inspired by this thought, Haman searches for a way to “to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai”. And not locally, only in the citadel of Susa, but “throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus”.
Here we clearly see that Haman is a picture of satan. If the people were killed, the Messiah could not be born. We also see this with Herod, who is a willing instrument in the hand of satan when he wants to kill the Lord Jesus when He is just born (Matthew 2:16).
Haman wants to kill the whole people of the Jews (Psalms 83:4-5). The people are associated with Mordecai and share Haman’s hatred of Mordecai. Here we see the connection between the Lord Jesus and His people. Christ and His own are one. Thus, Saul is told by the glorified Lord: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4) while he was persecuting the church. That the devil’s wrath concerns both the Lord Jesus and His people, we see also in the end time, when the dragon, that is the devil, wants to devour not only the Child, that is Christ, but also all who belong to Him, that is the believing remnant of Israel (Revelation 12:4b; 17).
How did Haman come to this attitude? He has seen that there is one person who dares to defy him. However, in his pride and wrath it is too little for him that only one person pays. His injured pride calls for revenge. He is not satisfied with just one person. He wants to be like God, like satan once did, and submit everything to himself. Whoever dares to resist him must be killed. Satan never offers an alternative, nor can he. He has a depraved nature and destroys whoever is in his power (cf. John 10:10a). Whoever does not bow down, he seeks to perish. Whoever bows down before him, whoever he holds in his grasp, that person is dragged into ruin.
In order to come to the execution of his gruesome murder plan, Haman lets the lot cast in his presence (Esther 3:7). He lets this be done, guided by his superstitious, pagan, dark thinking, to determine the most suitable day for the realization of his plan of extermination. This occult course of events proves once more that Haman is a servant of satan. However, God is above him and satan.
Surely it is remarkable that fate finally falls on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. The casting of the lot begins in the first month, the month of Nisan, that is the month of Passover, which is reminiscent of the redemption of God’s people from Egypt. For each day of that month the lot is cast, but no day turns out to be suitable. So it is with every day of the second month and every day of the following months. Until finally the lot designates the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, as the favorable day.
The time in which the lot is cast is “the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus”, a dating that indicates that the authority is in the hands of the nations and not in those of God’s people. However, the months are mentioned with the Hebrew name, a dating that applies to God’s people. Here we see that behind this demonic act God controls everything. Haman will have seen the outcome as a favorable omen, because it gives him time to carry out his depraved intention. However, he has no awareness that this delay will be both his downfall and the deliverance of the Jews. He does cast the lot, but the LORD decides (Proverbs 16:33).
In Israel the lot makes the will of God known to the people. We see this for example in the history of Achan (Joshua 7:16-18) and in the division of the land (Joshua 15-19). In the Bible the lot is cast out for the last time when a successor is to be chosen for Judas, the traitor of the Lord Jesus (Acts 1:26). We do not need the lot, because we have the complete Word of God. Now God’s will is given to us in His Word, which is made clear to us by the Holy Spirit.
Job 14:21
Haman and Mordecai
At the command of the king all the servants bow down before Haman (Esther 3:2). Haman has been given a position to be acknowledged by all. Only those who belong to God’s people do not and are not allowed to do so. For them this command of the king is a test. So it is also with the power that satan has received from God. All who are in the power of satan bow before him. For the children of God it is a test. To whom do they bow?
The power of Haman puts the people of God to the test. Thus, God uses satan, of whom Haman is a picture, to test His people. The Lord Jesus has also had to deal with satan who comes to him with his temptations. In this way God’s children have to deal with an enemy who wants to cause them to abandon confidence in God with all the means at his disposal.
The hatred of the world is a part of everyone who clearly takes his place as a Christian. Such a Christian spreads light and hates the world that is in darkness. If we do not experience this so strongly, it may be because we have already adapted to a certain extent to the world.
Mordecai is someone who does not go with the masses. He does not bow down before this ruler (Esther 3:3). Nor has the Lord Jesus, of whom Mordecai is a picture, ever done so (Matthew 4:8-10). Mordecai resembles the friends of Daniel, who also violate the king’s commandment and refuse to kneel before the image he has made (Daniel 3:18).
If there is a sudden situation where we have to confess our faith, we will experience God’s power. Daniel’s three friends are not unprepared to confront Nebuchadnezzar because of the image he has made. They have learned to pray and in practice to keep themselves clean from the impurity of the world. That is why there is inner strength to remain standing under the pressure of Nebuchadnezzar. The time of need reveals whether there is anything of God present in it.
Those who do not bow down will be held accountable by those who do. This happens in order to exert pressure to also bow down before the great ruler. The faithful Christian will use this opportunity to give an account for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15-16).
That pressure is being exerted on Mordecai is shown in Esther 3:4. For they speak to him “daily” about his ‘inflexibility’. But he does not listen. He keeps himself deaf. In this he resembles the true servant of the LORD, the Lord Jesus, Who also kept himself deaf to everything that was said to Him that would make Him unfaithful to His God (Isaiah 42:19).
Again we see a clear parallel with Joseph. Joseph is also addressed “day after day” by Potiphar’s wife, whereby her intention was to seduce him to have sexual intercourse with her. And there too we read that he “did not listen to her to lie beside her [or] be with her” (Genesis 39:10). It is important not to listen to wrong advice or encouragements to sin.
When Mordecai stands firm in his refusal to bow to Haman, the servants tell Haman. It seems to have escaped Haman that Mordecai does not bow down to him. The reason they tell Haman is that Mordecai is a Jew. Mordecai does not bow down because he is a Jew. It is also important for us to say that we are not participating in certain things because we belong to the Lord Jesus.
Mordecai did not conceal his origins, but confessed it. That is precisely why they want to see if his words will hold up. In this way our confession will also be tested. We can count on being the special target of satan’s attacks if we confess our faith in the Lord Jesus and belong to the church of the living God.
We will see that in the rest of this history. Drawn attention by the servants to the inflexibility of Mordecai towards him, Haman now pays special attention to Mordecai. If he sees that he indeed does not bow down before him, he is “filled with rage” (Esther 3:5). From this moment on there is nothing more for him than anger toward Mordecai, an anger that seeks a way out.
The only thing that can calm his anger is Mordecai’s death. And not only that. Also the whole people of Mordecai must be exterminated (Esther 3:6). Inspired by this thought, Haman searches for a way to “to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai”. And not locally, only in the citadel of Susa, but “throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus”.
Here we clearly see that Haman is a picture of satan. If the people were killed, the Messiah could not be born. We also see this with Herod, who is a willing instrument in the hand of satan when he wants to kill the Lord Jesus when He is just born (Matthew 2:16).
Haman wants to kill the whole people of the Jews (Psalms 83:4-5). The people are associated with Mordecai and share Haman’s hatred of Mordecai. Here we see the connection between the Lord Jesus and His people. Christ and His own are one. Thus, Saul is told by the glorified Lord: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4) while he was persecuting the church. That the devil’s wrath concerns both the Lord Jesus and His people, we see also in the end time, when the dragon, that is the devil, wants to devour not only the Child, that is Christ, but also all who belong to Him, that is the believing remnant of Israel (Revelation 12:4b; 17).
How did Haman come to this attitude? He has seen that there is one person who dares to defy him. However, in his pride and wrath it is too little for him that only one person pays. His injured pride calls for revenge. He is not satisfied with just one person. He wants to be like God, like satan once did, and submit everything to himself. Whoever dares to resist him must be killed. Satan never offers an alternative, nor can he. He has a depraved nature and destroys whoever is in his power (cf. John 10:10a). Whoever does not bow down, he seeks to perish. Whoever bows down before him, whoever he holds in his grasp, that person is dragged into ruin.
In order to come to the execution of his gruesome murder plan, Haman lets the lot cast in his presence (Esther 3:7). He lets this be done, guided by his superstitious, pagan, dark thinking, to determine the most suitable day for the realization of his plan of extermination. This occult course of events proves once more that Haman is a servant of satan. However, God is above him and satan.
Surely it is remarkable that fate finally falls on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. The casting of the lot begins in the first month, the month of Nisan, that is the month of Passover, which is reminiscent of the redemption of God’s people from Egypt. For each day of that month the lot is cast, but no day turns out to be suitable. So it is with every day of the second month and every day of the following months. Until finally the lot designates the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, as the favorable day.
The time in which the lot is cast is “the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus”, a dating that indicates that the authority is in the hands of the nations and not in those of God’s people. However, the months are mentioned with the Hebrew name, a dating that applies to God’s people. Here we see that behind this demonic act God controls everything. Haman will have seen the outcome as a favorable omen, because it gives him time to carry out his depraved intention. However, he has no awareness that this delay will be both his downfall and the deliverance of the Jews. He does cast the lot, but the LORD decides (Proverbs 16:33).
In Israel the lot makes the will of God known to the people. We see this for example in the history of Achan (Joshua 7:16-18) and in the division of the land (Joshua 15-19). In the Bible the lot is cast out for the last time when a successor is to be chosen for Judas, the traitor of the Lord Jesus (Acts 1:26). We do not need the lot, because we have the complete Word of God. Now God’s will is given to us in His Word, which is made clear to us by the Holy Spirit.
Job 14:22
Haman’s Plan
After Haman has cast the lot and determined the day of the extermination of the Jews, he goes to King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:8). His intention is to get permission for his plan. Cunning as he is, Haman does not mention the name of the people. He wants to portray the people as a nation that is dangerous to the state. It is an anonymous people that has spread its cancer cells like a cancerous tumor throughout the entire kingdom of the king.
He first points out that there is a people that lives “scattered and dispersed” among all other peoples. They are everywhere. Also because of their laws they are different from other nations (cf. Deuteronomy 4:8; Psalms 147:19-20). Finally, the situation with these people is so bad that none of them “observe the king’s laws”. His conclusion is that it does not suit the king to leave them alone. If the king does leave them alone, this people will cause great difficulties in his kingdom and it will be over with the peace in his kingdom.
He has a good solution and that is to kill the people (Esther 3:9). If the king gives a written order for this now, it will be all right. The king doesn’t have to worry about the costs either. Haman declares himself willing to make a substantial deposit in the king’s treasury. With that money the hands of those who have to do the dirty work can be filled. In any case, it does not have to be at the king’s expense.
What Haman says to Ahasuerus in Esther 3:8, he means to discredit the people, but in fact it is a great compliment. It is a people of whom God has said that they dwell apart (Numbers 23:9b). The world should be able to say the same of Christians today. Through salvation, God has separated His people, the church, from all other nations. To salvation belongs separation or sanctification. Separation is the result of salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11). He who is saved is sanctified. This means that he belongs to God and no longer to the world. God led Abraham out of Ur and His people out of Egypt and us out of the world (cf. Galatians 1:4).
Haman’s plan shows us the deeply depraved thoughts of satan. The people of God are not charged with any crime, something that makes them punishable. There is also no condition that they must meet in order to save their lives. No, they must die, die without mercy, just because they are Jews. Thus, the enemies of the church have always called for “the blood of the witnesses of Jesus” (Revelation 17:6). Those enemies are like the leech that cries: “Give, give” (Proverbs 30:15).