Esther 5:1-10:3
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Below is an amazing painting by Rembrandt from the year 1660 of Esther revealing the evil plans of Haman to King Xerxes at the banquet in chapter 7. Check out how Haman is off in the left in the shadows... apropos!
Okay, somehow I forgot that the book of Esther ended with the Jewish holiday of Purim being instituted. A good FAQ from a Jewish website about Purim is at this link. In doing a google image search on Purim I quickly realized that folks dress up for this celebratory Jewish holiday! Below is a modern day Purim mask:
There is also a device called the Purim "gragger", which is a noisemaker. When the Purim story is read aloud from the book of Esther everyone boos and shakes their graggers whenever Haman's name is mentioned! (I'm not kidding - it sounds like fun to me! :) More on Purim graggers, including how you can make your own, is online here. Below is a picture of a gragger, and below that is a picture of a woman shaking a gragger at the sound of Haman's name being read during Purim!
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Esther titled "Esther's Dilemma and Decision" is at this link and "Sleepless in Susa" is at this link.
Worship God: Today's readings reminded me of Chris Tomlin's great song "Made to Worship!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJEC3eCtmRU
Are you made to worship? Not sure? Click here and be made to worship!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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