Esther 9:11-19 – A Puzzling Question

Our world is marred by the destructive cycle of sectarian violence. One side attacks, the other strikes back. One killing is met by another, one atrocity breeds many in response. No-one wins.

If you were to cut these verses out of your Bible and read them in isolation, you might be rather unimpressed. Yes, the Jews had been wronged, but this is revenge on a horrifying scale. It’s mindless sectarian violence. Perhaps cutting these verses out isn’t such a bad idea.

Let’s not be so hasty! Perhaps our unease says more about our 21st century squeamishness than it does about the facts on the ground. First of all, we need to remember that these enemies were on the loose and hungry for Jewish blood; killing them was an act of self-defence (v16).

Secondly, and more importantly, we need to see these events in their proper perspective. The Ancient Near East was a sordid place: full of barbaric practices, pagan rituals, and idolatrous worship. At the heart of the matter was a stubborn rebellion against the God who created all nations. This may be an unpopular thing to say, but these nations deserved this judgement.

At various points in the Old Testament, God called on his people to be the instruments of that judgement (Deuteronomy 7). In today’s passage, God once again used the Jews in order to punish wicked rebellion against himself.

Perhaps as you read today’s passage, you thought to yourself: “How can God be so severe?” You need to remember that these wicked, rebellious nations were spared for centuries before God executed his judgement.

Why did he allow sworn enemies to wreak havoc for so long? Why did he not act sooner? By the same token, why does he allow modern nations to repeatedly flaunt his laws? Why does he allow individuals to spend years in rebellion against him?

God graciously gives ample opportunity to repent. His patience is the real marvel here. How can God be so merciful? That’s the most puzzling question of all.

Questions
1. What did Haman and others do when God showed them many years of mercy?
2. What will God do to those who continue to throw his patience back in his face?

Prayer Points
1. Thank God for the mercy and patience he has shown us. Without it, we would have faced the judgment we deserve.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.