Daily Bible Reading “What is PURIM?” (Esther 9:26-32)

What is PURIM?

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 9:26-32. PURIM is a Jewish holiday which was established during the days of the book of Esther to commemorate God’s deliverance of the Jewish people.

It is a day of celebration where the book of Esther is read in the synagogues. There are parties where people dress up in costumes. They give gifts to the poor and to each other. It is a day of celebration including big family feasts.

The PURIM celebration has been passed down from generation to generation and is still celebrated today. PURIM is celebrated on the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar according to the Hebrew calendar.

Therefore, the date changes from year to year according to Gregorian calendar. They also make cookies called Hamantaschen, which may be called “Haman’s Hats” or ”Haman’s Ears.”

Have you ever been to a PURIM Celebration? Why not plan to have one at the end of this Bible study? It would be especially fun if you are doing this Bible study with a group.

But, you could have a PURIM Celebration with your family. I have included some suggestions for your PURIM Celebration along with a recipe for Hamantaschen cookies in the back of this book.

I have never been interested in history that much, but since doing these Bible studies and learning how there are traditions and other things which have been passed down from generation to generation since biblical times I have become more interested in history, especially biblical history. Do you find biblical history interesting?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 9:26-32

26 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,

27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;

28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.

29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.

30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.

32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

 

Things to think about:

  • Do you find it interesting that special days which were established in biblical times are still celebrated today?
  • What are some other holidays that were established in biblical times that are still celebrated today?
  • What holidays do you celebrate and why do you celebrate them?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the book of Esther and the lessons we learn from reading and studying it. We thank You that we can see Your sovereignty throughout the book. Thank You that we see there are certain days appointed in biblical times which are still celebrated today, such as PURIM. Help us to know You are in control and You will work things out for our good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

-Excerpt from: PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

If you have never read the story of Esther and how and why Purim was first started check out my book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

 

The Jewish people will be celebrating Purim this week. Purim 2021 starts Friday evening February 26 and ends on Saturday evening February 27.

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

Go to: http://bookShow.me/B00B8X1SAE

Get your copy now!

 

Featured Book:

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals is a Daily Bible Reading Study Book by Deborah H. Bateman and friends. It is a compilation of 28 Daily Devotionals by Deborah and fourteen of her author and writer friends.

Purim is a holiday that was started back in the days of Queen Esther and is still celebrated today. Deborah took the letters of PURIM and created categories for the contributors to write about:

• P=Praise
• U=Un-forgiveness or Forgiveness
• R=Relationships
• I=Inspirational
• M=Marriage

One of the traditions of Purim is giving gifts to the poor. In light of that tradition we have decided that a portion of the proceeds of this book will go to charity.

PURIM Celebration was originally created as part of Deborah’s Book Launch for her book: The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor which was published in 2012.

PURIM Celebration includes devotionals from: Mary Pacheco, Penny Zeller, Katherine Harms, Dave Moore, Marlo Schalesky, Judith Robl, Lynn Dove, Buffy Crabtree, Deborah McCarragher, Shawn Lamb, Serge Roux-Levrat, Lily Brenner, Heidi Faith, and Lisa Buffaloe. The book is edited by Lisa Lickel, one of my friends in the John 3:16 Networking Group.

Some of the contributors are from the John 3:16 Network Marketing group Deborah belongs to. Some of the writers are from a coaching program that Deborah participates in. One of the authors is from the Palmetto Christian Writer’s Network Deborah is a member of. The rest of the writers and authors are friends Deborah has made over the past few years online.

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

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)

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 “I Am the Way” (John 14:6)

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:

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
 
 

Daily Bible Reading “I Am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-16)

I Am the Good Shepherd

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 10:11-16.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

In this Scripture, Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. He compares himself to a hireling, one who is hired to work in the field and tend the sheep. He states that when a wolf comes to try to attack the sheep a hireling will not defend the sheep, but will flee and the wolf will catch the sheep.

The hireling will flee, because he doesn’t care for the sheep. Jesus, on the other hand, as the good shepherd, knows His sheep and they know Him. He cares for the sheep and watches over them and protects them.

Jesus declares that the Father knows Him and He knows the Father. He says He lays down His life for the sheep. He says He has more sheep which are not of this fold, but He will call them and they will hear His voice and come to Him. There will be one fold and one shepherd.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

John 10:11-16

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why does Jesus call Himself the Good Shepherd?
  • How does Jesus compare to a hired hand?
  • What does Jesus say about the Father?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where Jesus declares that He is the Good Shepherd. Thank You for sending Him into this world. Thank You for using Him to lead, guide and direct us. Thank You that He watches over us and protects us from the enemy. Help us to honor Him as the Good Shepherd. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

 

Christian Music Video: The Great Shepherd

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