God the most Wonderful Storyteller!

As I sat and read Esther today, reading it slowly taking notes along the way just couldn't help how wonderfully Esther is literary. I mean seriously if we pay attention to what's going on its not hard to appreciate the incredibly beautiful Irony of this book. The Lord had me laughing as the plot of Chapters 5,6 and 7 unfold as the "bad guy" got what was coming to him. I haven't gone into to much detail on application of everyday life on this book other than God is sovereign in what He does.

I mean seriously the same night Haman plots to kill Mordecai, King Xerxes can't sleep and starts reading some History books to just "stumble upon" a record of Mordecai's loyalty to him and after 5 years after that event wishes to honor Mordecai.

AND THEN Haman in his pride tells the king how one should honor one who deserves honor thinking the King is talking about himself only to have to honor and parade around with Mordecai giving him honor. AND THEN Haman gets hung on the gallows he planned killing Mordecai on.

UGH NO Where can you find such wonderful story telling. And people say the bible is BORING! FAT CHANCE!

Does anyone else enjoy Esther and what have you drawn from Esther that you have applied to your everyday life. I am still working at it perhaps others input would help me.

Awesome remarks, I would say that the Proverbs hits the nail on the head when we read this book I believe it could very well be the theme of the entire book. Proverbs 3:34 "He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed."

I enjoyed greatly seeing the Roles of Haman and Mordecai switched Mordecai went from wearing Sackclothe to Wearing Royal Robes while Haman well the exact opposite. If I hadn't already read the story it would have been a nail biting experience seeing the peril of the Jews with no hope of Salvation.

The Lord had me laughing as the plot of Chapters 5,6 and 7 unfold as the "bad guy" got what was coming to him.

I agree. It is funny. God still had the last word.

The lesson is that people think they are so smart and can outwit others but God in his sovereignty will use it to show who is the smarter.

Wonder how often God laughs at the stupidity of people?

And people say the bible is BORING! FAT CHANCE!

AMEN!

Does anyone else enjoy Esther and what have you drawn from Esther that you have applied to your everyday life.

Yes, I enjoy Esther. In fact I enjoy all of the Historical books in the Bible, no I enjoy them all. The variety is great.

Now a lesson from Esther.

Esther 3:1 describes Haman as an Agagite. Now who is that? If we recall, Agag was a king of the Amelekites. Saul was commanded to kill the entire tribe with all they had. He did but kept Agag alive which incurred the displeasure of God upon him - so much that it repented God from choosing Saul as king. (1Samuel 15) Now years later a descendant from this King threatens the well-being of the Jews.

Two lessons: (Need to possess a tad bit of humor here!)
One: in the first time God told a male to kill this king. He disobeyed. Since a male did not do the job God had to use a young pretty woman to clean up the mess brought on by a king's disobedience! (Seriously, I know the opposite can be true as well.) (This is a point one can use to annoy egotistical males! lol)

Two: A person's disobedience can impact people way down the line. In this case it was hundreds of years. One never knows how one's obedience or disobedience will impact generations to come. This is what really challenges me.

When one reads the Word slowly, savoring it, visualizing what is said, sometimes it is as though you are right there. And sometimes it is as though you are almost seeing God! I can sense his good pleasure and delight! No other piece of literature has this power over me. It is so alive - in the literal sense. Precious and Delightful!

Thanks for sharing, Matthew.

Perhaps I should enlarge a bit on Agag.

I know this is speculation, I have no Biblical proof of it, yet history seems to verify it.

I would guess Agag harbored a lot of resentment for the Jews when Saul killed his people and destroyed all they had. Many times when this happens, this resentment is passed unto succeeding generations which is why you have feuds between tribes of people. Many times the actual act will have become distorted, or it even may have been forgotten but the anger remains and a way to get revenge is always present. In any case, Haman, who was a descendant of Agag now believed he had the opportunity to rid the world of the Jewish people.

There are more lessons here if one wants to think about it, but I must run. It all has to do with how God will use events that are traumatic to people for his honor and glory. NO EVENTS ARE WASTED IN GOD'S ECONOMY. He will use it all somewhere, much like a quilter who will use even the smallest scrap of fabric to fashion a beautiful quilt.

Blessings.

Here are some of my favorite parts of Esther!

Esther 6:1 "That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him."

From this verse I can see the king wanting some good sleeping material and I found that he either wanted something to pacify worries about his kingdom OR he just wanted something boring to listen to so he could go back to sleep.

Esther 7: 5-7 “Who would do such a thing?” King Xerxes demanded. “Who would be so presumptuous as to touch you?”

6 Esther replied, “This wicked Haman is our adversary and our enemy.” Haman grew pale with fright before the king and queen. 7 Then the king jumped to his feet in a rage and went out into the palace garden..."

When I read this I actually said OHHHHHHH BUSTED!!!! And then kept reading to

Esther 7:7-8 ...Haman, however, stayed behind to plead for his life with Queen Esther, for he knew that the king intended to kill him. 8 In despair he fell on the couch where Queen Esther was reclining, just as the king was returning from the palace garden.

The king exclaimed, “Will he even assault the queen right here in the palace, before my very eyes?” And as soon as the king spoke, his attendants covered Haman’s face, signaling his doom.

Haman's attempts to beg for mercy to Esther gets interpreted as Haman attacking Esther and makes his execution all that more speedy.

I have greatly enjoyed reading this book slowly and encourage others to do that same if the Lord leads, take notes and really try to absorb the scene that is unfolding!

Matt,

I hope you are taking notes and will share them here on SI..I love reading your insights.

ginnyrose

I intend to but would really enjoy reading others notes on this book :) I think its one of those that people vaguely know the story but like walking over a field you really don't know if there's buried treasure unless you dig a bit. I am glad to know what the Lord has blessed me with is a blessing to others as well.

Matthew, perhaps you need to do what I did to Jeremiah: post a scripture (starting at the beginning), share an insight and leave it for others to comment before proceeding on in the book. This is a blessing. I would love to see you do it - go for it!

Sounds like a great idea, I definitely enjoyed the Study of Jeremiah that was done. But what I really enjoyed about the Jeremiah study was how many people would give insight on what they read, very cool. I honestly didn't think I would like Esther all that much but its deep if your willing to go deep with it.

I started trying to make an effort to be more observational in my reading, and it has definitely paid off and exactly what my dry bones needed to be refreshed. The more I study Esther the more I fall in love with its content. I mean its got everything a great story ought to have! :) I will prayerfully consider your suggestion, thank you.