The thirteenth day of the twelfth month was the day Haman had plotted to destroy the Jews at the hands of many who hated the Jews. However, the king sided with the Jews and sent out another edict to allow Jews to defend themselves against those who were determined to destroy them (2). As the day broke out, the enemies could not match up against the Jews. When the king sided with the Jews, no one stood against them as they struck down their enemies (10). When we have the Lord on our side, we have nothing to fear (Heb 13:6).

As the day wrapped up, the king invited Esther to make another request, and she asked for a day's extension of the edict for the Jews in Susa. When the king permitted this, the Jews impaled the dead sons of Haman and killed another three hundred men. One may be disturbed by such violence. But those who got killed were the ones ready to destroy and annihilate the Jews along with their women and children despite the king's second edict (3:13) (8:11). Under the strong leadership of Mordecai, the Jews did not lay their hands on the plunder (10,15,16). After they cried out for deliverance, they did not abuse the victory the Lord had given to them by indulging themselves.


Application: Father, help me to be on your side as I depend on your power and authority so that I may experience victory in you.
One Word: The Lord is my strength.