In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. In the twelfth year of King Xerxes,Xerxes, also called Ahasuerus, ruled Persia from 486 to 465 BC. His twelfth year was about 474 BC, after his unsuccessful campaign against Greece. The empire remained vast and powerful, stretching from India to Ethiopia, yet its king’s authority would be shown subject to God’s unseen providence. Est 2:16 She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace… in the first month, the month of Nisan, Nisan, corresponding roughly to March and April, began Israel’s religious year and included Passover. As Israel remembered the Lord’s deliverance from Egypt, the Jews of Persia faced another threat of destruction. Their covenant-keeping God had not abandoned His people, even in exile. Neh 2:1 Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year… the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman Haman sought guidance from chance and superstition as he planned the extermination of an entire people. The Persian term Pur later gave its name to Purim. Though Haman believed the lot would determine a favorable time, “the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision… to determine a day and month. Haman’s delay gave Mordecai and Esther time to act and exposed his scheme before it could be carried out. What appeared to be an impersonal act of fate became part of the Lord’s purposeful preservation of His people. Act 17:26 From one man He made every nation of men,… And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. Adar fell nearly a year after Nisan, roughly February and March. The date intended for Jewish destruction became the date of Jewish deliverance and the basis for the annual feast of Purim. God turned Haman’s design against him and preserved the people through whom the promised Messiah would come. Est 9:1 On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month,… Persons / Places / Events 1. King XerxesAlso known as Ahasuerus, he was the Persian king during the events of the Book of Esther. His reign is marked by significant events that affected the Jewish people. 2. Haman An Agagite and high-ranking official in King Xerxes' court. He is the antagonist in the account, known for his plot to annihilate the Jews. 3. Pur - the Lot (the lot) A method of casting lots used to make decisions or determine fate. In this context, it was used by Haman to choose the date for the planned destruction of the Jews. 4. Nisan The first month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. It is significant as the month of Passover. 5. Adar The twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to February-March. It is the month in which the Jewish festival of Purim is celebrated, commemorating the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansThe casting of lots by Haman shows human attempts to control and plan, but ultimately, God is in control of the outcome. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty over their lives. The Significance of Timing The events in Esther occur during significant months in the Jewish calendar, reminding us that God's timing is perfect. We should be attentive to God's timing in our own lives. The Power of Evil Intentions and God's Deliverance Haman's plot was rooted in evil, yet God used it to bring about deliverance for His people. This teaches us that God can turn even the worst situations for our good and His glory. The Importance of Faith and Courage Esther's account encourages believers to have faith and courage in the face of adversity, trusting that God is working behind the scenes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the casting of lots in Esther 3:7 demonstrate the concept of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact your daily decision-making?2. In what ways does the timing of Haman's plot in the month of Nisan contrast with the celebration of Passover, and what does this teach us about God's deliverance? 3. How can the account of Esther and the casting of lots encourage you to trust in God's control over seemingly random events in your life? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation with evil intentions against you. How can the account of Esther inspire you to trust in God's deliverance and protection? 5. How does the account of Esther connect with other biblical accounts where God turns evil intentions into good outcomes, and how can these accounts strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 16:33This verse highlights the sovereignty of God over the casting of lots, suggesting that while humans may cast lots, the outcome is determined by the Lord. This connection emphasizes God's control over the events in Esther. Leviticus 23:5 This verse describes the Passover, which occurs in the month of Nisan. The timing of Haman's plot in the month of Nisan is significant as it contrasts with the deliverance celebrated during Passover. Genesis 50:20 Joseph's statement about God turning evil intentions into good can be related to the account of Esther, where Haman's evil plot ultimately leads to the Jews' deliverance and celebration.
People Ahasuerus, Haman, Hammedatha, MordecaiPlaces SusaTopics Adar, Ahasuerus, Ahasu-e'rus, Cast, Caused, Chance, Chose, Fall, Fell, Haman, Lot, Month, Nisan, Presence, Pur, Select, Sign, Thirteenth, Till, Twelfth, XerxesDictionary of Bible Themes Esther 3:7 4951 month Library The Net Spread'After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. 2. And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. 3. Then the king's servants which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? 4. Now it came to pass, when … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of the Felicity and Sweetness of God's Love: and of the Nightingale's Song: and Prayer for Perseverance of True Ghostly Song that Worldly Lovers have Not Discourse on Spiritual Food and True Discipleship. Peter's Confession. The Sixth Commandment The Upbringing of Jewish Children Esther Links Esther 3:7 NIVEsther 3:7 NLT Esther 3:7 ESV Esther 3:7 NASB Esther 3:7 KJV Esther 3:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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