Esther 10
[Chapter 9 ends on a high note of celebration only to enter into the last chapter where daily life goes back to being a grind. Life is not made right for the Jews because of one victory.] King Xerxes imposed a tribute throughout his empire, even to the distant coastlands. [This means that the king imposed a tax people would have to pay to the kingdom] His great achievements and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia. Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants. [True freedom has not come yet for the Jews. They are still awaiting a promised King and full deliverance. After this victory, they are still in captivity by the Persian empire, longing for a Savior.]
RESPONSE
- Why is this chapter of Esther important? Why not just leave the book at chapter 9 with the Jews celebrating and end on a high note?
- What does it look like to have joy in the day-to-day of life because of what God has done for you while still living in the messiness of this world?