Esther 9:1-32
9:1-2 When the day came for the kingdom-wide attack, the people of God overpowered their enemies. Their triumph was made possible by God.
9:3-5 The king's officials assisted the children of God in their effort against their enemies. They respected Mordecai and therefore took his side rather than the side of their own people.
9:6-11 Listed are men (and numbers of men) who died fighting against them, including Haman's family. The children of God did not plunder their belonging (though they had been given permission to).
9:13-16 Esther asked the king for Haman's family to be killed. God would not have allowed Esther to request the death of innocent men. The only people who were killed were people who were evil and had tried to kill innocents. Overall, seventy-five thousand of their enemies died.
9:17-19 Finally they were able to rest with gratitude that they had overcome their enemies. They were safe. Their spouses and children, friends and family were finally safe; they feasted.
9:20-28 Mordecai created and sent out a new custom: the celebration of rest from their enemies, orchestrated by God. The holiday would serve as further reminder that the will of God works in service of God's children. It would be a reminder that the will of God is the true authority over the world and thus over all of our enemies and fears.
9:29-32 Esther sent out letters of peace and truth throughout the provinces, confirming Mordecai's own letters. The journey God presented Mordecai and Esther with was an extraordinary one. He made an orphan a wise and courageous queen and an anonymous man a respected authority in a massive kingdom.
It should excite us to think about what extraordinary plans God has for our own lives. Faith in Him yields beautiful results and a powerful life journey.
