The Esther Challenge - Day 3

Hi Woman of God

Welcome to Day 3! Some ladies have reached out asking how their friends can join this challenge. If you want to share the Esther challenge with someone, you can send them this link and tell them to subscribe to the newsletter to receive the emails:

LINK: https://thekingdomwoman.beehiiv.com

They can also access previous emails they missed at that link too.

Let’s dive into chapter 3. This was a good one!

SCRIPTURE

Esther Chapter 3 (the chapter as a whole with emphasis on the verses mentioned below)

OBSERVATION

This chapter introduces Haman’s rise to power and his deep hatred for the Jews. The king promotes Haman, and all officials are commanded to bow before him, but Mordecai refuses. This infuriates Haman, who decides not only to punish Mordecai but to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. He convinces King Ahasuerus to issue a decree ordering their extermination, and the chapter ends with the city of Susa (aka Shushan) in confusion and distress. I had a few observations from this chapter.

Key Lessons from Esther 3:

1. Mordecai’s Refusal to Bow (Verse 2)

   • The reason for Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman is not immediately obvious when reading the chapter, however the reason seems linked to the historical roots of both of these men. Haman is described as an Agagite (Esther 3:1), which many scholars link to King Agag of the Amalekites - Israel’s ancient enemies (1 Samuel 15). Mordecai, a Benjaminite (from the same tribe as King Saul, who fought against Amalek), may have refused to honour a descendant of Israel’s sworn enemy. This shows that spiritual and historical battles of the past can resurface generations later.

2. Haman Hated the Jews Because They Were of a Different Kingdom (Verse 8)

   • Haman despises the Jews because they live by a different set of laws and do not fully assimilate into Persian culture. He claims they do not obey the king’s laws, making them a threat. Similarly, as Christians, we are in the world but not of the world (John 17:16). Our faith, values, and allegiance to God may make us stand out and even provoke opposition from the enemies of God. However, we know the eventual fate of the enemies of God!

3. The King’s Lack of Discernment

   • In every chapter so far, King Ahasuerus has been easily influenced by those around him with questionable counsel. Without questioning Haman’s claims or even considering the consequences, he is manipulated by Haman to authorise the destruction of an entire people. This highlights the importance of discerning between good and evil counsel. Not every voice that advises you is the voice of God. This is why it is important to have your own relationship with God so that your ability to discern His voice will be strong, and you will understand that His voice will never conflict with His Word, His character and His purposes. May we be leaders and have leaders who seek and follow wise counsel, in Jesus’ name!

4. The Impact of the Decree (Verse 15)

   • The decree to annihilate the Jews was sent throughout the empire, causing mass confusion and distress. This would be like a modern government passing a law that legalises the genocide of an entire race or faith group. You can imagine how people would be left in complete shock, fear, and uncertainty by such a law. Some may have supported the law, while others would have been horrified but felt powerless to oppose it. Verse 15 reveals how the city of Susa was left perplexed indicating that the general population found this decision deeply disturbing. In Chapter 4 tomorrow, we will see how the Jewish people respond to this crisis.

APPLICATION

1. Be in the World, but Not of It

   • Like the Jews in Persia, Christians today must navigate a culture that may not always align with God’s Word. As an ambassador of Christ’s Kingdom here on this earth, I will seek to live by godly values, even if they go against popular culture. I will surround myself continually with like-minded believers as there is strength in numbers.

2. Recognise That Spiritual Battles Can Be Generational

   • Some struggles are not just personal but have deeper spiritual roots. Be aware of spiritual warfare and fight with prayer and discernment. Identify any generational battles in your family (patterns of fear, sin, oppression) and intentionally break them through prayer and obedience to God’s word.

3. Seek Wise Counsel and Be Discerning

   • King Ahasuerus constantly followed poor advice, leading to destructive decisions. A leader must be able to distinguish between good and evil counsel. Before making major decisions, I will seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and trusted mentors. I will pray for the grace to not be quick to act on impulse or wrong counsel.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom in Esther 3. Help me to stand firm in my faith like Mordecai, never compromising my values to please others. Give me discernment to recognise spiritual battles and wisdom to navigate them with prayer and obedience. I pray that I be in the world but not of it, living in a way that honours You. Surround me with wise counsel, and help me to make decisions that align with Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen! 🩷

See you tomorrow for Day 4 sister ✨

With my love

Tochi

P.s. if you want to learn how to study the Bible for deeper revelation and understanding, this will help.