Day 136- Esther 1-5, Psalm 136

Esther was a young Jewish girl born in exile in the vast Persian Empire, in the city of Susa. She grew up far from the land of her ancestors, in a world shaped by foreign kings and palace walls. Her life began with heartbreak. She lost both her mother and father while she was still a child. Orphaned and vulnerable, she was taken in by her older cousin Mordecai, who became her guardian. He raised her not just with love, but with wisdom and faith. In Esther 1, King Xerxes throws a six-month party to flaunt his power, But when Queen Vashti refuses to be paraded before drunken guests, she’s dismissed. A royal decree was sent out declaring that every man should be the ruler of his household. Vashti was never heard from again in Scripture. In Esther 2, a beauty contest is held to find a new queen. Among the many is Esther, a Jewish orphan. She hides her identity and wins the king’s favor. She becomes queen. God places people in high positions, not always for comfort, but for purpose. In Esther 3, Haman is a powerful noble filled with pride. When Mordecai, Esther’s adoptive father, refuses to bow, Haman’s pride ignites into fury. Discovering Mordecai is Jewish, Haman plots genocide. In Esther 4, Mordecai sends word to Esther, urging her to intervene. She hesitates but Mordecai reminds her of her purpose. Esther courageously agrees to act, asking the Jews to fast with her. In Esther 5, Esther approaches the king uninvited. He welcomes her. Instead of revealing Haman’s plot immediately, she invites the king and Haman to a banquet. Then another. Esther waits for the right moment. Psalm 136 is a comprehensive song of praise, retelling God’s monumental actions, from shaping the world, to rescuing Israel from slavery, to guiding them safely into their homeland.