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

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

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

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!

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

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

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Queen 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

About the book:

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)

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Party 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

About the book:

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 “Know the Love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:13-21)

Posted on February 19, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Know the Love of Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 3:13-21. In this Scripture, Paul tells the Ephesians not to be discouraged because he was in prison. It was for their honor and glory he was suffering. Would you be discouraged if your leader was in prison?

Paul says, “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the creator of everything in heaven and earth.” This shows Paul’s humility and reverence to God.

Paul’s desire for them was that God would give them inner strength by His Spirit through the riches of God’s glory. His prayer was that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith as they put their trust in Him. He wanted them to be rooted and grounded in love. His prayer for them was that they would be able to understand, as all Christians should, how high, how wide, how long, and how deep is God’s love for us. He also desired that they know the love of Christ, which passes all knowledge, and be filled with the fullness of God.

Paul gives glory to God who is able to do more than we could ever imagine by His power at work in us. He prayed that God be given glory in the church forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul didn’t try to take glory or honor for anything he did. He made sure whatever he did he gave the glory to God and to Jesus Christ. Paul realized without God he was nothing and he could do nothing without the power of God living in him.

Paul loved the Ephesians, but he knew God loved them even more and he wanted them to understand and know the love of God.

I love this Scripture. As you read this Scripture, this is my prayer for you. I pray God would allow you by the riches of His glory to be strong with His might by His Spirit in your inner man. I pray Christ would dwell in your heart by faith and you would be rooted and grounded in love.

I pray you might be able to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love for you, even though it surpasses our knowledge. My prayers for you are that you would be filled with the love of God and know in your heart He is able to do much more than we can ask or think, by the power of God that works in us. To God is the glory forever.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 3:13-21

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Things to think about:

Do you think we can comprehend how much God loves us?

Does reading this Scripture lift your spirit?

Have you experienced the immeasurable love of God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear God,

Thank You for this Scripture in Ephesians where Paul is praising and glorifying You. Help us get a glimpse into how much You love us. We give You praise, honor, and glory for all You do for us. We thank You for the wonderful plan You had for us from the beginning of time. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. – Ephesians 3:19

–Excerpt from God Is Love ~ Deborah H. Bateman

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Featured Book:

God Is Love

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

God is Love is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It contains 19 daily devotionals on Scriptures about love from the Bible: including God’s love for us, the love relationship between a husband and wife, love and honoring our parents, and much more.

This devotional would be great for either a personal daily devotions or group Bible studies, including small groups, and Sunday school classes. Each devotional contains a brief commentary by the author, the daily Bible Scripture, a prayer of the day, and several questions for personal reflection or group discussion.

In God is Love, Deborah strives to show you not only what love is, but that love comes from God, as well as the love of God surpasses all imagination. Her goal for you as you read this book is that you would realize how much God loves you.

Benefits of reading God is Love
• You will learn what love is
• You will learn about different kinds of love
• You will learn how much God loves you
• You will learn of the sacrifice made by God because of His love for you

Available on Amazon

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “The Greatest Gift” (Luke 2:1-14)

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Greatest Gift

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Luke 2:1-14. We have all spent the last several weeks or even months getting ready for the Christmas holiday season.

We have been busy picking out gifts for our loved ones, decorating our houses, and Christmas trees. Many of us have been baking our favorite holiday treats for our family and friends, and getting ready for our Christmas celebrations.

We have been going to parties and wrapping gifts. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season, let’s not forget the true reason for the season. Christmas is supposed to be a holiday to celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This Scripture in Luke 2 gives us the details of that glorious day. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. It was almost time for Mary to deliver baby Jesus. While they were in Bethlehem the time for her to give birth came. The Scripture tells us she delivered her firstborn Son in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

The shepherds were in the field watching over their sheep at night when the angel of the Lord came to them. The glory of the Lord shined all around them and they were afraid. The angel said to them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Then, the angel informed them that they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

All of a sudden, along with the angel was a heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” There was a great celebration on that glorious day.

Daily Bible Reading:

Luke 2:1-14

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men

As we celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus on Christmas, remember the greatest gift was not His birth. The greatest gift was the reason for Him coming to earth in the first place. Of course, this gift would not be possible had He not been born.

The gift of salvation that God offers us through the death of His beloved Son on the cross for the remission of our sins is the greatest gift.

The Bible tells us in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

When we give someone a gift, they can make the choice to receive our gift or reject it. In the same way, we have to make the decision whether we want to receive God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ or reject it. If we receive it, we can live eternally with God and Jesus. If we reject this precious gift from God there will be eternal consequences.

Things to think about:

What do we celebrate on Christmas?
How does it make you feel to know that you can be forgiven for all your sins?
Have you accepted the gift of salvation? If so, we praise God with you. If not, please consider doing so today.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we celebrate this Christmas season, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus. We thank You for the greatest gift of all that You offered us when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Help us not to take this precious gift for granted, but to treasure it. Help those who have not yet accepted this gift to consider doing so today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will continue to study God’s Word together.

If you would like to know more about the life of Jesus Christ check out my book: The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ.

Featured Book:

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: 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

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Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!