This chapter shows a major turning point of the book of Esther. The expression in verse 5, “the reverse occurred” summarizes precisely what actually happened to the Jews who were destined to perish under the wicked plot of their enemy beforehand. But the reverse occurred when God showed favor to the Jews through Esther and Mordecai. The king acceded to Esther’s request to spare the Jews. The king also hung Haman with the gallows that he built for Mordecai. This turn of events triggered off a sense of fear among the locals towards Mordecai and the Jews.

A series of killing subsequently occurs among the enemies of the Jews when they sought to annihilate the Jews. In v6, the first 500 men was killed in Susa, the citadel of the Persian empire. This is followed by the 10 sons of Haman who were hanged on the gallows. The second 300 men were further killed in Susa upon the king’s edict to protect the Jews. Finally, in the whole provinces of the Persian empire, 75000 people were also killed who hated the Jews. When all these haters of the Jews were being destroyed, there was a great celebration of feasting and gladness for the victory in how God had helped His people.

In the course of history, there are several significant events in the world that demonstrate how God has preserved the Jews for the sake of His will. One vivid history event is the Holocaust during the World War II; Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany was like Hama, the enemy of the Jews. Hitler wanted to kill all the Jews and burn all the bibles. Six million Jews (two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population) were being killed by either mass shooting or poisonous gas chamber. God is sovereign and Hitler’s wicked plot failed to accomplish its desire outcome; Christianity continues to expand till today and the Bible becomes one of the best-selling books in the world and it is also being translated into many languages.

No enemy of God’s people and persecutor of the Christian faith can stand against God or thwart His will. We experience religious freedom in Singapore. But in many places in the world, Christian believers are being persecuted for their faith in God. We have read how God answered the prayers of the people in the book of Esther when they fasted and prayed for deliverance. Let us continue to support and pray for Christian brothers and sisters living in difficult places and who are being persecuted for their Christian beliefs.

PRAYER : Dear holy and righteous God, we bow before you in reverential fear of your holy name. We are grateful that we can worship you freely in Singapore. We pray for the people around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in you. Please raise up missionaries who are upright and holy in their lives to be sent forth as your instruments of righteousness. Give wisdom and discernment to our church leaders in supporting and sending such missionaries from our church. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.