Topical Bible: Month: Abib (April): Decree to Put the Jews to Death In

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Introduction:
The month of Abib, also known as Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, holds significant historical and religious importance in the biblical narrative. It is during this month that a pivotal event in Jewish history unfolded, as recorded in the Book of Esther. This event is marked by the issuance of a decree to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire, a decree that was later overturned through divine intervention and the courageous actions of Queen Esther and Mordecai.

Historical Context:
The events surrounding the decree to put the Jews to death occurred during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), who ruled over a vast empire stretching from India to Cush. The narrative is set in the Persian capital of Susa, where Esther, a Jewish woman, had become queen. Her cousin Mordecai, who had raised her, played a crucial role in the unfolding drama.

The Decree:
The decree to annihilate the Jews was orchestrated by Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in King Ahasuerus's court. Haman harbored a deep-seated hatred for Mordecai, who refused to bow down to him. In his wrath, Haman sought to destroy not only Mordecai but all the Jews in the empire. He cast lots, known as "Purim," to determine the most auspicious day for this massacre, which fell on the 13th day of the month of Adar (Esther 3:7).

Haman presented his plan to King Ahasuerus, convincing him that the Jews were a threat to the kingdom. The king, unaware of Esther's Jewish identity, agreed to Haman's proposal and issued a royal decree, sealed with his signet ring, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in a single day (Esther 3:13).

Divine Intervention and Reversal:
The decree was disseminated throughout the empire, causing great mourning among the Jews. Mordecai urged Esther to intercede with the king, reminding her that she had come to her royal position "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Esther courageously approached the king, risking her life, and invited him and Haman to a banquet.

During the second banquet, Esther revealed her Jewish identity and exposed Haman's plot. King Ahasuerus, enraged by Haman's treachery, ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10).

To counteract the irreversible decree, the king issued a new edict, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies on the appointed day. This led to a great victory for the Jews, who were able to protect themselves and defeat their adversaries (Esther 8:11-13).

Significance and Legacy:
The deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Purim, celebrated on the 14th and 15th days of Adar. This festival serves as a reminder of God's providence and faithfulness in preserving His people against seemingly insurmountable odds.

The story of Esther and the decree to put the Jews to death highlights themes of courage, faith, and divine sovereignty. It underscores the belief that God works through individuals and circumstances to fulfill His purposes, even in the face of great evil.

Conclusion:
The month of Abib, marked by the issuance and reversal of the decree to annihilate the Jews, stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the providential care of God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's convictions and trusting in God's deliverance, even in the darkest of times.

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Esther 3:12
Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded to the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
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The Iranian Conquest
... of Harran without difficulty, and immediately put the necessary ... but his friends were
tortured to death or had ... The latter bowed before the decree, and confiding ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm