Former M.V.C.W.C. - HERALD ARTICLE ARCHIVE








"Up Will Come The Myrtle"
by Kelly Purvis

"Instead of the thorn bush, will come up the myrtle"

Terri Derochen wrote: "Today I am seeing a new book of Esther. If you ever have studied Esther and Purim, you know that reference to God is never directly made in the entire book. It is the only book in the Bible that does this. Even this is very much for His purpose. The lesson taught is:

TO BE FAITHFUL TO HIM MEANS TO BE FAITHFUL TO HIS PEOPLE""

I really liked that! Esther is the little book rich with wise lessons and revelatory themes: good's ultimate triumph over evil, nationalism, community, the remnant motif, humble faithfulness leading to large responsibility, and pride leading to humiliation. Many refer to Esther herself as a picture of the intercessor. In reading Esther again, I see a bigger vision of "intercessor". More than merely "praying for others".. Esther put herself to action, Esther esteemed the welfare and benefit of others above her own.. just like Jesus.

The great day of Purim is the holiday that celebrates the fruit of true intercession ~ the day of reversal ~ when what the enemy means for evil and destruction produces the opposite ~salvation and deliverance, when sorrow and mourning are turned into gladness, feasting and joy!

Fascinating historical facts that put the story of Esther into perspective:

Jewish historians ascribe authorship of the book to Ezra. The conflict of Haman was actually an ongoing conflict of God's people with the Amalekites of old. This enemy began its assault at Israel's coming out of Egypt and continued through history. Exodus 17:16, Deut 25:17-19 1 Sam 15, 1 Chron 4:43 "The Lord has sworn, the Lord will have war against Amalek from generation to generation." And now here in "Esther", Haman's edict is the final effort in the Old Testament period to destroy them, to thwart their destiny. The events take place during the time of Israel's Babylonian captivity. Found also is the background of their sovereignly planned liberator ~ King Cyrus. Cyrus, according to many historians, was the son of Esther and Ahaseurus! 32 years after the events of "Esther", Cyrus would decree the return of the Jews from captivity and restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. This gives new understanding of Cyrus' zeal for God and the Jews. It also makes the prophecy regarding him found in Isaiah 45 even more astounding! The Mordecai of "Esther" is likely the same Mordecai of Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7, one of those who returned from captivity that had seen the First Temple. Another interesting note.. Greek historians call Vashti ~ Queen Amestris. They record her influence during the reign of her and Ahasuerus' son, Artaxerxes. He was born approximately at the time of Vashti's deposal!

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Make a joyful noise!