TyndaleStudyNotes
Esth.10.1-2
10:1-2 King Xerxes imposed a tribute: Persian taxes on the provinces were heavy. This burden supported the Persian government’s free spending.
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TyndaleStudyNotes
Esth.10.2
10:2 The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia was the Persian royal annals. While many ancient Persian records have survived, this reference to the greatness of Mordecai has not been found in any records excavated thus far.
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TyndaleStudyNotes
Esth.10.3
10:3 Mordecai the Jew did not brag about himself as Haman did (5:11-12), but this righteous man who continually looked out for the good of others was rewarded with a high government position (prime minister) and the high esteem of his people (He was very great among the Jews).
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TyndaleBook Introductions
Esther
Esther’s rags-to-riches drama tells the story of a woman with wisdom, courage, and willingness who affected the lives of thousands. With a praying community of supporters, and with God providentially working in the background, Esther accepted her role and put her life on the line to save others.
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Esther’s rags-to-riches drama tells the story of a woman with wisdom, courage, and willingness who affected the lives of thousands. With a praying community of supporters, and with God providentially working in the background, Esther accepted her role and put her life on the line to save others.
Setting
The book of Esther is set during the reign of King Xerxes of Persia (486–465 BC). In a previous generation (538 BC), about 50,000 people had returned to Judea from Babylonia (Ezra 1:1-5; 2:64-67). But many Jewish families, including Esther’s, had stayed behind.
During Xerxes’ reign, the Persian empire was near its peak. Xerxes and his military had accomplished great things, including a decisive victory over Egypt. Wealth from taxes poured into the Persian capital of Susa, and Xerxes oversaw the construction of a luxurious new palace at Persepolis. However, Xerxes was a tyrannical king. Esther entered Xerxes’ court and was chosen to be his queen. She was faced with the challenge of serving God and her people in a time of crisis while being the faithful wife of a pagan king.
Summary
When King Xerxes gave a lavish banquet for key leaders of Persia, Queen Vashti refused t...
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