Thoughts on the Bible Readings November 27th (Esther 2; Amos 7; Titus 1, 2, 3)

After the anger of Ahasuerus has abated, as chapter 2 tells, he consults with his young peers as to the process that is to be pursued in finding a new Queen to replace Vashti. Throughout his entire realm beautiful virgins are sought and the one who pleases the king is to be chosen. Verses 5-11 introduce us to both Mordecai and the maiden Esther, her Hebrew name is Hadassah (Persian word "Esther" = 'star'; Hebrew name "Hadassah" = 'myrtle'), When the newly created state of Israel was formed in 1948 their first ambulance service was called "Hadassah". Mordecai had been taken into captivity in BC 605 when Jeconiah was Judah's king. Esther is Mordecai's uncle's daughter. Esther pleases the head eunuch, Hegai, who is also in charge of the king's harem. Therefore, Esther is advanced by Hegai to be brought before king Ahasuerus as soon as possible. But at this point in time no one knew that Esther was Jewish. Verses 13-24 describe the care and process that is required for those to be brought before the king.Verses 15-18 tell of Esther's turn to enter the king's presence. She immediately finds Darius' favour and he gives a feast honouring her. Verses 19-23 inform us that Mordecai overheard a plot to kill king Ahasuerus. This plot comes from two of his chamberlains - Bigthan and Teresh. The greatest lesson of the book of Esther is of Yahweh's providential preservation of His people. Hence nothing in the entire book happens by accident. It all occurs because God's providential hand is directing everything.Amos 7 tells of successive judgments brought on Israel (called Jacob in this chapter as he was the forefather of the nation) by Yahweh in response to the nation's waywardness. The first disaster is preparing the plague locusts devouring the developing crop. The second catastrophe is the sending of a great fire on the land - the fire is a symbol of judgment and frequently by warfare. The third disaster was the builder's plumb line to measure the nation's straightness and when applied the nation is found to be in need of correction. After each proposed judgment there follows the prophet's intercession for the nation with the refrain, "by whom shall Jacob rise, for he is small". Then we are told of God's response which indicates the decreed judgment cannot be averted. King Jeroboam 2nd's false priest, Amaziah, from Bethel (the house of God - (ironically so-called) tells Amos to stop saying things that the king does not want to hear. Amos' response is that he became a prophet involuntarily because of the Almighty's call to him as a part of the ministry of the prophets. Prior to that Amos earned his living by gathering and selling wild figs (sycamore tree fruit). Amos denounces Amaziah and prophesies a telling and spine- chilling prophecy against the false priest and his family.