Chapter C: The Feast of the Deliverance

Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have rule over them; whereas it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them; the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples. And the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and with slaughter and destruction, and did what they would unto them that hated them.

And Mordecai wrote letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, to enjoin them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, as the days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them.

And the commandment of Esther confirmed these matters of the feast of Purim; and it was written in the book.

THE MEANING OF THE STORY

346. Among the stories of their heroes the Jews preserved several stories of heroines, and none is more striking than that of the patriot queen, whose extraordinary bravery saved her people. There are many kinds of bravery, some in doing, some in suffering. Let us try to get a correct judgment of Esther.

347 (Sec.93A). The first part of the story shows how Esther became the queen of Persia. What kind of feast did the king give? What command did he give to Vashti? Let us remember that ladies in the East do not often appear in public before men. How did it happen that Vashti was deposed?

348 (Sec.93B). What plan was proposed to secure a most beautiful wife for the king? Who was Mordecai? How did he get Esther introduced to the king? How did she become queen? Note that her cousin had advised her not to let it be known that she was a Jewess, because there was a prejudice against her nation.

349 (Sec.94A). The villain of the story is Haman. What high place did he hold? How did Mordecai offend him? What revenge did he plan?

350 (Sec.94B). Mordecai knew that when a royal decree had been issued it could not be changed. How did he behave? What did he request Esther to do?

351 (Sec.94B). Notice the strict rule of the Persian court. No one could see the king unless summoned by him. How different from our democratic government, where any citizen may at least ask permission to see the president! But Mordecai urged Esther to risk her life to save her people. Now see how brave she was. She might have said, "No one knows that I am a Jewess. I am quite safe as the king's wife. I will keep silent. It would be folly to risk my life by offending the king." But she decided to risk her great place with its wealth and luxury, and also her life, because her duty to her people required it. What answer did she send to Mordecai?

352 (Sec.95A). Describe Esther's approach to the king. The tyrant happened to be in a good humor, so she was safe. What invitation did she extend?

353 (Sec.95A). Haman was delighted with the great honor the queen did him. He had no idea that his enemy, whom he had planned to hang on a high gallows, was the queen's cousin. How did it all turn out?

354 (Sec.95B). How was Mordecai promoted? We must remember that although Haman was dead, the king's decree for the slaughter of the Jews could not be changed. But permission could be given to the Jews to defend themselves on the day of the massacre. How was this arranged?

355 (Sec.95C). Of course this is an old story of times when people took fierce revenge, so we learn that the Jews slaughtered their enemies. But it was a great deliverance, and Mordecai and Esther planned that a great feast should be kept to celebrate it. What kind of feast was it?

356 (Sec.95C). The Jews still keep the Feast of Purim. It is one of the merriest times they have. They have all kinds of fun and give presents, as we do at Christmas. And they still honor the beautiful queen, who stood with her own people in their peril, and saved them by her wit and courage.

WRITTEN REVIEW

Recall Mordecai's suggestion to Esther (p. 356). In the days of chivalry knights had a motto: _Noblesse oblige_ meaning that those of noble rank had an obligation to serve those in need. Any strength or good we have is not for our own use, but to help others with. Take this as your motto. Draw a banner and inscribe in colors: _Noblesse oblige_.