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Daily Bible Reading “Esther Finds Favor with Hegai” (Esther 2:1-11)

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Esther Finds Favor with Hegai

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 2:1-11. When the Scripture says “after these things,” it is not just talking about the things that took place in chapter one; biblical scholars believe there was a four-year period between chapters 1 and 2. There was a war where King Xerxes invaded Greece and lost.

He came home defeated and by now was over being mad. He thought about what Vashti did, and the decree he sent out against her. He must have been getting lonely, so his servants suggested they would seek fair young virgins for him. The king appointed officers to all the provinces; they gathered all the virgins and brought them to the palace, to the house for the women. First the virgins went through a purification process. Then, the king would pick a queen to replace Vashti.

At the palace there was a Jew called Mordecai, a Benjamite, who had been relocated to Persia from Jerusalem with the captivity of Judah, when the Babylonians conquered their land. Mordecai had a young cousin Esther, whose Jewish name was Hadassah, who was fair and beautiful. Esther’s parents died and Mordecai had taken her for his own daughter. I guess you could say after her parents died he adopted her.

When the king’s decree went out, many young women including Esther were brought to Shushan the palace, and were given over to Hegai, who was the king’s chamberlain and the overseer of the king’s harem. There was something special about Esther, and she found favor with Hegai. He liked her better than all the rest of the women, so he gave her special beauty treatments and seven maidens and gave them the best part of the house to stay in.

Proverbs 3:3-4

“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”

Esther didn’t tell anybody she was a Jew, nor who her next of kin was, because Mordecai told her not to. Mordecai walked by the court of the women’s house every day to check on Esther and make sure she was okay. This shows Mordecai’s love and concern for his adopted daughter, Esther.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 2:1-11

1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
8 So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

 

Things to think about:

  • Can you share some ways that God has taken care of you?
  • What happened to Esther’s parents?
  • Who took care of Esther?
  • How was Esther treated when she arrived at the palace?
  • With whom did Esther find favor?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture that tells us the story of Esther. We see in this Scripture even though she lost her parents at an early age, You provided someone to care for her. We thank You that You always care for us. Help us to know in our hearts that we can count on You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now! We will only be sharing a few lessons on this blog. In order to read and study the entire book you will need to get a copy. You will be blessed by the story of Esther.

 

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

"The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor" By: Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Esther from the Old Testament of the Bible. In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who told her maybe she was born for such a time as this.

God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Queen Vashti’s Fall” (Esther 1:10-22)

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Esther - Queen Vashti L2Queen Vashti’s Fall

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 1:10-22. It is now day seven of the king’s feast, which he was giving for everybody in Shushan. The men had been drinking as much as they pleased of the finest royal wine for a week. I can imagine they weren’t feeling any pain, as they must have been pretty intoxicated at this point.

King Xerxes got the idea that since he had shown off all his other trappings of the kingdom he wanted to show off the queen, because she was so beautiful. He tells his seven chamberlains to go and tell Queen Vashti that he wants her to come, wearing her royal crown and show off her beauty to all the princes. At the very least he wanted her to uncover her face, which wasn’t custom at this time, but some believe he wanted her to come before them wearing nothing but the royal crown.

Queen Vashti refused to come. The king got very mad and his anger boiled up in him. Can you blame Vashti for not following the command of parading herself around in front of a room full of drunken men?

Remember, not only had she not submitted to her husband as the law commanded, but she refused the order of the king. The Scripture does say that wives should submit to their husbands, but if they want you to do something unethical, illegal or something against God, I believe you have the right to refuse.

The king was so mad that Queen Vashti refused his command he asked the wise men, which were the seven princes of Persia and Media, what they could legally do to the queen to punish her for her disobedience.

Memucan spoke up and said Vashti not only did wrong to the king, but to the princes and all the people he governed. He was afraid when all the women of the provinces heard what Vashti did they would rebel against their husbands, also. He suggested the king send out a decree saying Vashti would no longer be queen, because of her disobedience to the king and the king would choose a replacement for her. He thought this would make the other women of the region realize they had to honor, respect and submit to their husbands.

The king and princes agreed with Memucan, so they sent out a decree to everyone in the king’s provinces, in every language, saying every man should rule in his own house.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 1:10-22

10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
13 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
14 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;
15 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
20 And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.
21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
22 For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

 

Things to think about:

  • Have you ever been asked to do something that was against your morals, as Queen Vashti was?
  • How did you respond?
  • Do you blame Queen Vashti for not obeying the king’s request?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture help us to see drinking too much wine can cause all kinds of trouble. Help us as wives to submit to our husbands as unto the Lord. But help us to know where the boundaries are. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now! We will only be sharing a few lessons on this blog. In order to read and study the entire book you will need to get a copy.

 

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

"The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor" By: Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Esther from the Old Testament of the Bible. In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who told her maybe she was born for such a time as this.

God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Party of Parties” (Esther 1:1-9)

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Esther - King Xerxes of PersiaParty of Parties

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 1:1-9. The Book of Esther takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who historians believe was also called Xerxes. For simplicity’s sake we will call him Xerxes (Zerk-sez), because it is easier to pronounce and spell. He was king over the land located between India and Ethiopia, which included over 127 provinces around 500 BC. This is considered to be the Persian Empire, or modern-day Iran. The king’s palace was in Shushan, which is also known as Shusha.

This book starts off with a great feast which took place in the third year of King Xerxes’ reign. This was a party of parties, all the powers that be from both Persia and Media and their servants were attending the party. It was a party where Xerxes was going to entertain these dignitaries for 180 days. He wanted to show off all the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty. Can you imagine having a party that lasted 180 days? Think about the expense of such a party. How about having to feed these people for this long? Can you even imagine attending a party that lasted for 180 days? Think about it: 180 days is almost six months.

When this time had passed he made a special feast for all the people in Shushan the palace. This feast was held in the court of the garden at the king’s palace. This was a beautiful decorated garden with tapestries of white, green, and blue hung by fine linen and purple cords attached to silver rings. There were pillars of marble and the couches were gold and silver. The floor of the courtyard was made of marble which was red, blue, white, and black. It sounds absolutely beautiful. What a lovely setting for a feast.

They served the finest royal wine at this feast. Each person had his own unique golden goblets. They were allowed to drink as much wine as they wanted. The men and women were not allowed to socialize with one another back in this time and culture. So, Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal house of King Xerxes.

Basically this Scripture sets the scene for us, so we can glimpse into royal life in the king’s palace. In the next lesson we will see how the plot thickens and how Esther is brought into the story of the Book of Esther, which was named after her.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 1:1-9

1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:
2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

 

Things to think about:

  • What is the most elaborate party you have ever been to?
  • How long did this party last?
  • Can you imagine going to a feast at the king’s palace?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we study The Book of Esther, help us to see where You fit into the picture. Help us to look at our own lives and see where You fit into our lives as well. We know You have a plan for all of us and even when we don’t know what the plan is, You are making a way for us. Help us to trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now. We will only be sharing a few lessons from the book on this blog.

 

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

"The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor" By: Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Esther from the Old Testament of the Bible. In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who told her maybe she was born for such a time as this.

God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “This Baby was Jesus” (Matthew 1:18-25)

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Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:18-25. Since it is Christmas I thought it only fitting to talk about the real meaning of Christmas, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While we do all the things we do during this holiday season to celebrate, let’s keep our focus on what the real reason for the season is. It is not about decorating the tree, shopping and wrapping presents, family gatherings, baking goodies, or anything else that we do to celebrate, it is all about HIM!

Let’s go back to the beginning, when it was first discovered that Jesus Christ was going to be born into this world through a miracle of God. The Scripture we will look at is from Matthew 1:18-25. Matthew tells about the birth of Jesus.

Mary was a virgin, chosen by God, to be the mother of Jesus. It was a miraculous birth, because Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Think about how Mary must have felt when she found out she was expecting a child. She never had a physical relationship with a man. Mary was engaged to Joseph, who was a just man. At first, Joseph thought he should put her away privately so as not to make a public example of her.

But, the angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and confirmed that Mary had conceived of the Holy Ghost. He told Joseph, Mary was going to have a son and they should call him JESUS. Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt when he had that dream? He was engaged to a woman who was expecting a baby that was not his. Then, he had this dream saying it was conceived of the Holy Ghost. How was he going to explain this to his family and friends?

The angel also told Joseph that JESUS would save his people from their sins. This was the purpose of JESUS’ birth, from the beginning; God allowed JESUS to be born as a human in order to become the Savior of the world. He used Mary, as an instrument through which Jesus was born, so He could live a sinless life in this world and ultimately so He could be the sacrifice for our sins. Think about the responsibility that Mary and Joseph must have felt. God chose them, they didn’t volunteer.

This baby was different from any other baby that had ever been born into this world. He was the Son of God. He was the Savior of the world. He would grow up and be crucified on the cross. As we celebrate Christmas let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate the one whose birthday we honor.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

 

Things to think about:

  • Can you imagine how Mary felt when she found out she was expecting a baby?
  • Can you imagine how Joseph felt when he found out his fiancé’ Mary was going to have a baby even though they had not had a physical relationship?
  • Think about the miracle God performed when He caused Mary to be expectant of the Holy Ghost.
  • Do you celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this account from Matthew about the virgin birth of Your Son, JESUS. Thank You for sending Him to the earth to be our Savior. As we celebrate Christmas, help us to keep our focus on the true reason for the season. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

 

Christian Music: This Baby by Steven Curtis Chapman

 

Featured Book:

Matthew

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00C1JGJMQ
Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Merry Christmas! May God bless you and your family during this holiday season.

 

Merry Christmas,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Recipe for Life

PS. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Daily Bible Reading “I Am the Way” (John 14:6)

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I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 14:6. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

In this Scripture, Jesus is talking to the disciples and trying to explain to them that He is the only way to salvation. Because of our sinful nature, there is no other way for us to have fellowship with the Father, but through accepting Jesus as our Savior.

God sent Jesus into this world to prepare a way for us. He died on the cross so we could be saved from our sins and have eternal life. Some people may try other ways to get to heaven, but Jesus is the only way. Even sadder is the fact that some people don’t believe there is a heaven. There are no other choices but heaven and hell when we die; salvation or damnation. Which do you choose?

We can’t be good enough or do enough good deeds to deserve forgiveness. We can only be forgiven for our sins by receiving Jesus as our Savior. He took the wrath of our sins when He died on the cross. There is no other person who can open the doorway to heaven for us.

Jesus was God’s messenger. God sent Him into the world to live and die. He was the sacrifice for our sins. He went to heaven after His death to intercede with the Father for us and to prepare a place for us so when we die we can spend eternity with Him and God the Father.

We can’t pray to anyone else to receive the forgiveness only He can give. It’s like traveling down a one-way street. There is only one way to go. He is the way. He is the truth. He is the only way for us to receive eternal life.

 

Things to think about:

  • What are some of the ways that people try to earn their way to heaven?
  • What are some of the other “gods” that people think can usher them into heaven?
  • Since Jesus is the only way, have you made things right with Him in your heart?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for providing the way for us through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for this Scripture that reminds us that He is the way, the truth and the life. Help those who don’t know Him yet as their personal Savior to find their way to Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.– John 14:6

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Excerpt from I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

Christian Music Video: “I Am”

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back tomorrow and invite your friends and family members to join us for Bible Study.

 

 

Featured Book:

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

By Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Jesus asks his disciples the question, “Who do men say that I am?” Then, through different metaphors, He describes who He is.

In I AM: Jesus, the Son of God, Deborah H. Bateman shares biblical illustrations on each of these topics and includes the reason God sent Jesus to the world. This book will help you more fully grasp who Jesus is and His purpose in your life.

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God is the thirty-third book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for consideration or discussion, a prayer, and a Bible Verse to journal or memorize. This book is great as a personal devotional or a group Bible Study. Get your copy today. You will be glad you did.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah