What is the meaning of Esther 9:23? So the Jews agreed - “So the Jews agreed” (Esther 9:23) captures a unified, voluntary response. God’s people are not coerced but moved from the heart, echoing earlier moments of covenant commitment (Exodus 24:3; Nehemiah 10:28-29). - Their agreement reflects faith in God’s providence just witnessed through Esther and Mordecai (Esther 9:1-2). Trust naturally leads to obedience (John 14:15). - Unity matters: Psalm 133 celebrates brethren dwelling together in harmony, and Acts 4:32 records the early church “of one heart and soul.” The Jews here model that same oneness. to continue the custom - The “custom” is Purim (Esther 9:24-26), a yearly commemoration of deliverance. Scripture often anchors memory in repeated practices—Passover (Exodus 12:14) and the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) being prime examples. - Continuing the custom safeguards future generations. Psalm 78:4 urges telling “the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD” so children will set their hope in Him (v. 7). - God esteems righteous traditions that keep His works alive in community life (2 Thessalonians 2:15). they had started - The initiative began “that very day” of victory (Esther 9:17-19). God’s interventions often spark immediate worship: Moses builds an altar after Amalek’s defeat (Exodus 17:15); Samuel raises Ebenezer after the Philistines’ rout (1 Samuel 7:12). - What starts in gratitude must grow into a settled pattern. Galatians 6:9 encourages perseverance so early zeal matures into lasting fruit. as Mordecai had written to them - Mordecai functions as both civic leader and inspired writer (Esther 9:20). His letter gives structure, dates, and practical guidelines (Esther 9:21-22). Obedience to written instruction mirrors Israel’s regard for the Law delivered by Moses (Deuteronomy 31:24-26). - Respect for God-appointed authority runs through Scripture: Hezekiah followed “the command of David and of Solomon” in worship reforms (2 Chronicles 30:12), and the early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). - This clause underlines the reliability of Scripture itself—what God has set down in writing is meant to be received, preserved, and practiced (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 1:3). summary Esther 9:23 records a community choosing to remember God’s deliverance through an enduring celebration. United in purpose, they commit to a tradition birthed in gratitude and codified by faithful leadership. Their example urges us to value corporate obedience, preserve God-honoring customs, and submit to the trustworthy guidance of His written Word. |
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