Allegory is “a story[...] with a second distinct meaning partially hidden behind its literal or visible meaning.” (Baldick) Usually, the elements of the story (such as characters, locations) will stand for abstract concepts, such as spiritual messages. positions in a conflict, or they may suggest a set of historical or upcoming events to serve as an an adominition or as didacticism. The best example in Literature is George Orwell's Animal Farm. To not seem openly threatening to Stalin's Communist regime, he used allegory to hide the true meaning under the guise of farm animals.
Our Western/Hellenistic/Enlightenment biases and prejudices have dwindled the power of story, due to its tendency to stress reason on an Eastern text. It would be very beneficial for us to adopt a Hebraic mindset when reading a Hebraic text, because this paradigm allows us to view God through emotion and relationship. The Greeks have wisdom, but the Hebrews are wise to simplify actions. The Greeks use logos to study empty reasoning into the metaphysical void of the mind. The Hebrews drive forward (dabhar) to morph reason into a tangible reality, easier to be related to. The Bible in many instances adopts this medium to communicate truth that is not blunt and religious, but metaphorical, to allow the essence to be properly captured, and accentuate the very profound concept that is being spoken about, in a complex network of ambiguity. An ambiguity that simulates the mind and the heart to want to unveil the truth. We can't cast and personalize faith as a science, but should grasp it as a covenant relationship.
Thus, this is why when reading the Bible, the absence of God is in fact a clue to tell us that all the events are in fact evidence of God's traces in the character's lives/our lives. He always works behind the scenes. This is the sort of allegorical narrative that looks appealing to the secular eye. This the precise form of storytelling I am employing for the development of my series Era of 303, which is also a way to be more culturally relevant in a culture that already disregards and has no interest in the things of God. It is parabolic teaching which is what Jesus used. If He wanted to communicate God's profound love He could have just said "God's love is unfathomable and boundless," instead, he told the story of the prodigal son. Instead of saying "your benevolence must reach beyond your own kin and kith". Rather, He tells the tale of the Good Samaritan. (Bailey, Jacob and the Prodigal.) The key to reach the world is to incorporate icons of what the world is familiar and seed truth, subtly, so it can make the audience ponder and meditate on the powerful story. This is the best way use bait to bring people into the knowledge of the doctrine of Christ. It is through narrative and allegories, just as the occult uses symbols to bring people in the worship of Satan through media, then we can bring people back to Jesus Christ the King using Biblical symbols. The enemy is doing what he is doing with media because he knows it works.
Thus, this is why when reading the Bible, the absence of God is in fact a clue to tell us that all the events are in fact evidence of God's traces in the character's lives/our lives. He always works behind the scenes. This is the sort of allegorical narrative that looks appealing to the secular eye. This the precise form of storytelling I am employing for the development of my series Era of 303, which is also a way to be more culturally relevant in a culture that already disregards and has no interest in the things of God. It is parabolic teaching which is what Jesus used. If He wanted to communicate God's profound love He could have just said "God's love is unfathomable and boundless," instead, he told the story of the prodigal son. Instead of saying "your benevolence must reach beyond your own kin and kith". Rather, He tells the tale of the Good Samaritan. (Bailey, Jacob and the Prodigal.) The key to reach the world is to incorporate icons of what the world is familiar and seed truth, subtly, so it can make the audience ponder and meditate on the powerful story. This is the best way use bait to bring people into the knowledge of the doctrine of Christ. It is through narrative and allegories, just as the occult uses symbols to bring people in the worship of Satan through media, then we can bring people back to Jesus Christ the King using Biblical symbols. The enemy is doing what he is doing with media because he knows it works.
As an example, let's just see how storytelling and allegorical narrative is very powerful in the pages of Scripture. This is the conviction of King David by Prophet Nathan.
"2 Samuel 12 King James Version (KJV)
12 And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:
6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.
11 Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick."
Israel's theology were told as stories. Not as slick enterprises of logical essays. You notice how the prophet got the King's attention of his sin? Through a narrative. He could have easily just come right up in his face and listed the Commandments in the Torah that he breached, in a tirade of Judaical accusation, but no. David committed adultery and murder and worse of all, he acted stiff necked about it! Just telling someone their sin doesn't cut it. The emotion packed behind the narrative is what made David fall to his knees and repent. That is an example of why the power of allegory is THE best way to reach a world investing in TV, movies, novels, drama and video games. He emotionally saw God's point of view of his sin before he intellectually saw it. Preachers have it the wrong way around! Truth can be better communicated through the medium of creative art (in our case, narrative) not fire and brimstone preaching.
If you like to know more about Imagination and God, please feel free to check out this Podcast from Fantastical Truth Ep. 7: How Does Jesus Define and Redeem His Gift of Imagination? | with Brian Godawa.
Before we start our study, I quickly want to outline for you the basic Traits of the Bride. If we are to strive to be more than a servant to God but a spouse, we ought to have such traits. There is a dichotomy. There will be a remnant of believers that will be closer to God, intimately connected to God and more holy, separate from the other wedding quests. I have summarized the main important points here from Jim Staley's fabulous teachings (part 1 and 2) on the Bride. If you would like to watch the videos, I have sourced them for you here. But for time sake, I have listed what we should know about Esther and her character.
The Chosen Few, Priest or the Bride of Christ (is this you in your relationship with God?)
- Wise and willingly obsequious to her husband (God) and lives a shamar lifestyle. In other words, she fears the Lord to do everything her husband has commanded and her will is to do his word. (Pro 31: 11 and 12) She doesn't compromise, reflect nor ponder and presume. The Bible is her life and she will never wait but will do. (lamp Psalm 119:105 and Pro 6:23).
- Dress not corrupted or spotted by the flesh (Jude 23).
- Virgin (not involved in idolatry and worshipping other gods.)
- Ready, organized and diligent.
- When under tribulation and stress, she endures in His word. Fear of being disobedient or foolish.
- Patient, steadfast, unbelievably strong work ethic and consistent. She is willing to go beyond of what is commanded, for her neighbor and God simultaneously. (Pro 31:13-19).
- Hospitable, compassionate and forgiving. (Pro 31:20, Gen 24)
- Strong, brave and confident. Not embarrassed to express what she believes living amidst the unclean, mockers and unbelievers. (Pro 31:21)
- Humble yet exulted in royalty. (Pro 31:23)
- Wise and thankful. (Pro 31:26-27)
- Inside beauty. (Pro 31:30)
- Overcomes and mature, willing to finish well to gain the reward.
- She is peculiar and should be different from everyone in the world.
- Displays the gifts of the Spirit. She hears her master's voice. (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, ect)
History
Many attribute the historical Esther to Amestris. A Persian queen, the wife of Xerxes I of Persia, mother of Achaemenid King of Kings Artaxerxes I of Persia. She was known to have been poorly regarded by ancient Greek historians which should be of no surprise regarding her heritage. In Persian, her name means 'Strong woman' (a trait of the bride).
This story is set around 485 - 480 BC. This is the same time when King Cyrus had just released the some of the Jewish population back into the land of Israel after their 70 years of exile in Babylon (597 - 527 BC). However, some Jews did not go back for they had become adapted to the culture and became conformable living in the Persian empire that conquered the Neo-Babylonians. The story of Esther happens around the same time as the Book of Ezra in the construction of the Second Temple (527 to 444 BC) and the events of the Book of Nehemiah (473 - 403). Interactive Biblical timeline.
At this time (approximately 483 B.C.), Ahasuerus/Xerxes was planning for a fatal lex talionis attack (equal retaliation, revenge) to atone for the rebellions done by the Greek city states within Asia Minor, who during the Ionian Revolt, had burnt down the satrap of Sardis and in the process, sacked the temples. His doomed invasion of Greece, which would take place several years later (the famous and gigantic Greco-Persian Wars 490 -479), would be the historical context our story of Esther is set in. At this time the city of Athens was in its classical glory, leader of the Hellenic and Delian Leagues celebrating the 79th Olympic games. The Greeks underestimated the sheer size of the Persian Empire as the largest the world had ever seen. It covered what we call today Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel; and also, parts of modern day Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and Arabia. But in a nutshell, after the great defeats at Marathon, Salamis and Platea, Xerxes after dethroning Vashti would eventually retreat back to Susa and thus beginning the story of Esther. I will not delve into the opinions of the historical Queen Esther but if you're interest is piqued, you can check out these sources:
At this time (approximately 483 B.C.), Ahasuerus/Xerxes was planning for a fatal lex talionis attack (equal retaliation, revenge) to atone for the rebellions done by the Greek city states within Asia Minor, who during the Ionian Revolt, had burnt down the satrap of Sardis and in the process, sacked the temples. His doomed invasion of Greece, which would take place several years later (the famous and gigantic Greco-Persian Wars 490 -479), would be the historical context our story of Esther is set in. At this time the city of Athens was in its classical glory, leader of the Hellenic and Delian Leagues celebrating the 79th Olympic games. The Greeks underestimated the sheer size of the Persian Empire as the largest the world had ever seen. It covered what we call today Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel; and also, parts of modern day Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and Arabia. But in a nutshell, after the great defeats at Marathon, Salamis and Platea, Xerxes after dethroning Vashti would eventually retreat back to Susa and thus beginning the story of Esther. I will not delve into the opinions of the historical Queen Esther but if you're interest is piqued, you can check out these sources:
Sermon on the historical context and the core message of Esther so beautifully articulated.
Scholarly research regarding archology and chronology.
Esther Study
Now please read Esther 1:1-22.
Chapter 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:)
Ahasuerus is another epithet given to Xerxes I of the Persian Empire. However, the account in the Bible goes out its way to give us details pertaining to the exact number his satraps (provinces) of the empire at that time. Now, we know the Persian Empire is a beast system of pagan significance, but remember this is an allegorical tale. There is more freedom for creative flexibility. It is just a snapshot of the eternal reign of YHWH's kingdom described to us finite begins in an earthy perspective with Yeshua/Jesus as King. Thus, Ahasuerus is symbolic for Yeshua! Xerxes - that 7 foot tall dude with all the piercings that tried to kill the Spartans in 300! Yeah, that guy that Hollywood has demonized. This is a distortion of history and is attested to how much the Classical Greeks hated the Persians (barbarians) in their histories, and we are all brought up in history class from the Greek perspective of the Persian Wars. But in reality, from a Jewish perspective, Xerxes was actually a great secular king with a very stable empire. The Greeks in the Persian eyes were nothing but a minor nuance.
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:
Every time, the number 3 is used in Scripture, there is a Messianic semantic field. According to Tony Robinson from Restoration of Torah Ministries, he claims that "The Resurrection and the
Life.. is especially strengthened when
coupled in some manner with the number three."
The feast mentioned here is a flattering portrait of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Compare:
"9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." Rev 19:9Yeshua started His reign when He rose 2000 years ago. If every thousand years is a day that means the 3rd year of his reign (3000 years since Resurrection) would be when He returns in the New Heavens and the New earth.
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;
Notice the language used here. We have a reference to seven days of creation as well as the feats taking place in a garden. Here, the author is drawing parallels with garden imagery to draw our attention to the time when we that are resurrected are brought back into a new haven and a new earth, where the verbiage used in Genesis to describe the Garden of Eden is used. This is a return to paradise! Back to the beginning!
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" Isaiah 46:9-10
We also know that the Eternal New Eden with have a Tabernacle dwelling among us, that is called the New Jerusalem.
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." Rev 21:2-3
Is it interesting that the earthly Tabernacle instructions given to Moses was to replicate this heavenly one not made by hands, had very detailed and vital specifications on what what material it needs, because nothing should be added or taken away from how to build it with what is laid out. I want to draw specific attention to the four powerful colors that are a repetitive artistic design used not just for the Tabernacle, but for the larger Temple.
" And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen." Exo 25:4"Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them." Exo 26:1"And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:" Exo 26:31"And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework." Exo 26:36"And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four." Exo 27:16"And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it." Exo 28:15
There is an exhaustive list of the occurring use of these four colors. This is a common motif with very deep and spiritual meaning that I will not go into but I will just dot point the basic meaning of the colors here:
- Blue = Covenant relationship and heavenly royalty.
- Purple = Earthly royalty
- Scarlet/Red = Sin and judgement
- White/Fine linen = Purity and righteousness.
Now with these definitions in mind, watch and compare this to the next verse in the description of Ahasuerus' palace (which is an allegory for the New Jerusalem and the New Temple.)
"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."
Green is the new color design here that is not in the original Tabernacle color pallet. There is a great significance in this because did you also notice that the color red is missing as well? Is this just a mistake, a stretch or is there something profound to be uncovered here? Why is red missing? Remember what this allegory is referring to. It is referring to the eternal reign contextually where all sin and evil have been destroyed and all wrath and judgment of God has already been completed. So it would make perfect sense that this allegory would remove the color red form the palace embodiment, because this is an allegory or a symbol for a world that is sinless; a reset back to the prefall state! Now it is very apparent as to way this variable color is in here. Green is a color for life and prosperity, quite appropriate for a symbol for new life and the eternal reign of peace.
"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."
We all know what Yah is constantly begging for His people to remember and keep: it is the seventh day (the Sabbath) - a day of peace and joy where no work is done. He is ready to be with His people of the Sabbath as it is an invitation to spend time with Him and family.
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exo 20:8-11
No wonder the allegory relates this to a jovial banquet! The Sabbath day is the best blessing one could ever have! Now, this is so thick with meaning, so I'll show you the meaning chronologically first then overall. Notice how there is a reveal of seven eunuchs at the service of the king to bring Vasthi forth. What does this picture?
"John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;" Rev 1:4These are the names of the seven eunuchs in a sentence. Make of it what you will:
[The] Faithful booty [and] ass-driver in the wine-press [sees the] God-given star [from] severe [judgement].
Verse 11 introduces to us Queen Vashti - or the old covenant Israelites. We know how much Yah loves His people as a husband loves a bride and it is her righteousness that gives her the beauty and the pride of the king to show her off. Now look what happens next. Will Vashti come and meet the king on the Sabbath Day?
"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:
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?"
So Vashti (Israel believers) refused to keep the Sabbath Day and rejected the spirit of God (the seven chamberlains). It is the Torah (law and judgement that comes out of Zion and is the constitution of the Kingdom) to keep the Sabbath Day. By choosing not to be a light to the nations, the bride will defraud the entire world (the empire of Jesus Christ). What is it to break the Torah? How terrible is this punishment?
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4
In other words, Vashti sinned by compromise (working on the sabbath) which made the king wroth. Notice that it is the seven servants (spirits) that reports to the king the bad news. The text also adds a detail that these servants were "wise and knew the times." This means they are learnt on many things. They are chosen to be with the king, high in rank because they kept the Torah and fulfilled it as they understood the moedim (times) and the protocols.
"17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Mat 5
Read very closely because the king only speaks to those "that knew the law (Torah) and judgement (mishpatim)." Those that had access to the king's presence are the ones that understood and interpreted what the king said to the citizens of the empire. So one of the first lessons we learn from this passage is how to get close to God. It makes God's (the king's) "heart merry" when we want to obey His commandments. Thus, this is why this book and the Bible over and over again emphasizes that to get close to the king, you must keep His commandments. Obey His word through faith. If you know His heart, then you can come closer to Him and go up the hierarchy of His just kingdom. It is this desire to know the law of their marriage. This is what Queen Vashti did not have as she had an idea of a type of worldly philanthropy.
"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." 1 John 2:3-5"23 And a fire will go forth from his wrath, and will consume the foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like straw that is kindled. 24 “Woe to those who sin and do not observe my commandments,” says the Lord; 25 “I will not spare them. Depart, you faithless children! Do not pollute my sanctuary.” 2 Esdras 15:23-25"21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, and drive out demons in Your name, and perform many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Get away from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” Mat 7:21-23
This situation with the ostracism of Queen Vashti is a picture of the people's heart - their hearts of stone to the Old Covenant. Those that are wise men are those that knew the Torah and were obedient. The closer people are to the king are the ones that have a greater responsibility, to knew His Torah. They have more than liturgical obsequious, they have a heart. The law is not the final destination. It gets us to His presence. The final destination is the Holy of Hollies where He is.
"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."
She had direct access before Him. We have no idea what happens to Vashti after 483 BC, but that she had to step down from her position as queen to b operate in a lower social role. Watch how the New Covenant with the king's new bride (Esther) will be an allegory for the New Covenant believers that have a heart for Him - a heart of flesh. It is the same covenant, but the fault was with the people (Queen Vashti).
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." Jer 31:31-33"For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:" Heb 8:7-10
If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ but chose not to obey His commands, you will be dethroned like Vashti and ancient Israel who where taken into Babylon and to the four corners of the earth, losing your spiritual identity. The king (Jesus) has the legal authority to remove you from His presence. We have been deceived to think that as long as we pray the sinner's prayer and intellectually believe in Jesus, we are close to God by inviting Him in our hearts, basking in His glory. That is not the message is story is promoting. We are to do something to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
"11Do not just listen to the Law, but be strong and valiant to obey all of it. 12Hearing is like the seed, but a deed shows that the seed has taken root in you. It then becomes a tree of belief which produces the fruit of true righteousness. 13What becomes of a smelly rotten seed if no root will come out of it? 14So, hurry. Be quick to hear and act. For if you are a true seed, if you have belief and righteousness, then the LORD will bless you all with peace." Book of Gad 8
7 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? James 2
Lets us learn from Vashti's compromise. She was not the true bride of Christ. She was disqualified as Christendom is today, yes, we have a chance to be the bride, but with the gift of freewill, you can turn that offer down by how you live your life. That dose not mean you are not saved, it is just you had the potential of a great opportunity for you to have have been more successful. Are you acting like Vashti? Are you half-hearted when severing the Lord? Are you kidding yourself, thinking you are blessed in life but are rebellious? It is better if you have not been born as Scriptures says because you will suffer many stripes if you know what you are doing is unacceptable. Because if you think you are all blessed, you are in fact, blind, dumb and naked.
There are two women mentioned throughput the canon and extra-biblical texts. These women are The Bride (Esther, lady wisdom Zion ect), and The Harlot (the rebellious woman, Vashti, and the Zionist Israel).
"Revelation 18:7-8 King James Version (KJV)This is what happens to those that dogmatically claim they are the bride of Christ! They repeat like a broken record: "we are not appointed unto wrath! We are not appointed unto wrath! ect. ect." So shall there come a day, when those that thought that they were the bride, will be weeping and gnashing their teeth, in the worse possible judgement, suffering from the plagues dashed upon this world in the End Times.
7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow."
8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."
There are two women mentioned throughput the canon and extra-biblical texts. These women are The Bride (Esther, lady wisdom Zion ect), and The Harlot (the rebellious woman, Vashti, and the Zionist Israel).
"Proverbs 7:9-10 King James Version (KJV)There is a dichotomy between the two women in Scripture: Esther and Vashti. Vashti is has the qualities of the Harlot rather than the bride as we have seen, she willing disobeyed with a high hand. She is willingly sinning against Lord God and just like Israel, the Whore of Babylon will be the new resurgence of power that will appear to be holy but is in fact, grotesque. This is Zionist Israel, built up by the false insidious UN to become a nation in 1948, established by the Rothschilds to be the kingdom of the Antichrist, based off the Noahide Laws. Vasthi is not only an allegory for Christendom, but the Whore of Babylon! A counterfeit Satanic wisdom that appears good. A Nephilim religion conceived by the Watchers being recycled as Mystery Babylon the Great.
9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:
10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart."
"Proverbs 7:25-27 King James Version (KJV)We see these two women in contrast when Solomon in the Proverbs talks about the ideal Lady Wisdom who, in the apocryphal book of Sirach is described as thus:.
25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death."
"He that feareth the Lord will doe good, and he that hath the knowledge of the Law shall obtain her. And as a mother shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife married of a virgin." Sirach 15:1-2The bride is also called Zion or Jerusalem.
"A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that rendereth recompence to his enemies.Solomon also speaks about the righteous woman who is the bride. These characteristics is what we will see embodied by Queen Esther, as an allegory fit for the Bride of Christ.
7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.
9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.
10 Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:
11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory." Isa 66:6-11
"2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Rev 21:2
"Proverbs 8 King James Version (KJV)There are two women calling people to come. Which woman are you enticed by? Which one is your mother?
8 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart."
"Proverbs 9:14-15 King James Version (KJV)
14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:"
"17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev 22
Now please read Esther 2:1-23
Chapter 2
"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."
The king (YHWH) has no bride. After 483, the Ionian Greeks burnt down the city of Sardis which was a major offense that provoked the king even more. While dispatching Persian forces to engage in the naval Battle of Sardis (481), he had no one to share a relationship with because no one was righteous. He is grieved, longing for a new bride and has pity on her sin. Not only that, broader events indicates that his great, unsuccessful invasion of Greece was extremely humiliating and he came home a defeated man. He wanted to relax and cheer his heart and turn his eyes from Hellas to the sensual diversions of a wife.
"Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words." Isaiah 41:26"How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man;" Hosea 11:8-9
"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:"
According to the ancient Jewish historian Josephus: Ahasuerus had a total of 400 women selected. The plan was to assemble a harem from the most beautiful women of the land; to bring them into a harem for the king, and to choose the most favored woman to be his queen from that group. The virgins gathered by Xerxes are allegories of the 10 virgins (the tribe of Ephraim or the prodigal son) returning to covenant of Christ. But only a remnant will be the bride, in Esther's case, only she was the only the chosen one. This brings to mind the scripture from Jesus: Many are called and few are chosen - the called 399 harem and the chosen 1. The path is narrow and not everyone that calls themselves Israel will make it in. We work out our salvation with fear and trembling and to finish the race for that crown.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." 1 Cor 9:24-25
Purification in the Scriptures is being emerged and washed by the living waters of the word. That is by living them and breathing them all the time.
"Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)" Esther 2:12
It is key for use to understand the meaning of way they had to be prepared for one whole year (12 months). In the Bible, the meaning of 12, which is considered a perfect number, is that it symbolizes God's power and authority, as well as serving as a perfect governmental foundation. It can also symbolize completeness or the nation of Israel as a whole. 
In order to reach perfection, God's bride must be fully equipped before coming into His presence. The year was divided into two parts (6) which is a symbol of work, where in specific prespetartions were conducted.
In order to reach perfection, God's bride must be fully equipped before coming into His presence. The year was divided into two parts (6) which is a symbol of work, where in specific prespetartions were conducted.
What is oil according to the Scriptures? We know myrrh was one of the spices brought to Yeshua when He was born (Mat 2:11). Remember, the ten virgins had to had oil in their lamps ready in the parable so again, there's another parallel to Yeshua's allegory for Israel in regards to readying ourselves during the 12 months. We know oil was needed for the lamp of the menorah to light up the holy place in the Tabernacle.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105" For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman." Pro 6:23-24
When you are called that does not mean you are prepared to come into the presence of the king (chosen). The virgins were called, but we know that they never made it. We need to know the protocol to enter in the presence of the king. The requirements is for you to be clean (on how to do that, read the Book of Leviticus). We need to be prepare with the oil in our lamps like the wise virgins. We need time, years in fact, to be sanctified and refined before we are presented before the king as fine treasures that He can be proud of.
YHWH in the Scriptures describes His bride in similar language as treasure and adorned in exotic garments and aromas used here in Esther.
"Ezekiel 16:13-14 King James Version (KJV)13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God."
God's plan is to display His bride, not in a mocking way, but to display His splendor through her. It may seem vain for a king on earth to display the beauty of his bride to his subjects, but we need to remember that this story is speaking about a spiritual principle here. God displays His bride (New Jerusalem) before the nations, not because of her physical beauty, but to glorify the king's glory as how His royalty empowers her. It is her inner beauty and how she has changed is the beautiful part. His glory is found in His bride, maintaining humility by reflecting His glory through His chosen ones. May this be the cause as to why God has withdrawn His name from the text of Esther? The God of the universe chose this book to withdraw Himself, because He wants us to witness His goodness in His bride. The calling of His bride is to be what the nations see as a reflection of God's character and virtue. Esther is the book all about how the Bride is, and how she lives and acts. So it's important that the name of YHWH is withdrawn because in reality, He doesn't the nations to see Him, because if they did, they will die. He wants to shine His glory through you, and those that have shamared His word to qualify to be the Bride. The Bride is His plan. If you have the eyes to see and ears to hear, YHWH is all over this text. This is a reflection of ourselves, because we are also in this book, if we are willing to look hard enough.
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.
Esther is not her Hebrew name. Esther is her Persian name meaning “star” which has an entomology that goes back to the goddess of fertility and sex name Ishtar (which is also Anglicanized to Easter), the morning star Venus (Roman goddess and version of Ishtar). This makes sense as this goddess was a patron to royalty in ancient epochs. Fitting for a queen of Persian to be a reincarnation, per-say of the Queen of Heaven Semiramis or Isis - adapted by Catholicism as the Virgin Mary or Barbello as the divine mother of Gnosticism. But this pictures a very profound reality and spiritual condition of sincere Christians today. We all start out in the traditions and paganism of men. The bride was birthed and brought up in paganism, but she finds a way out, learns the truth and finds a way to cleanse herself, separate herself and make herself holy, from all the filthy nonsense. Dabbling with Esther (celebrating Easter) is paganism. We have forgotten our real name and postponed our destiny as the bride. Esther's Jewish name Hadassah on the other hand, means myrtle, which in prophetic symbolism, the myrtle would replace the briars and thorns of the desert, so depicting the Lord’s forgiveness and acceptance of his people. (Isaiah 41:19; 55:13; cf. Zechariah 1:8)” (Baldwin).
Esther and the Bride's true identity was cloaked by the heathen around her. She was adopted by Mordecai after her parents died from the Babylonian invasion so just like us, Jesus adopted us into the family of Israel, merged into Abraham's seed.
Esther and the Bride's true identity was cloaked by the heathen around her. She was adopted by Mordecai after her parents died from the Babylonian invasion so just like us, Jesus adopted us into the family of Israel, merged into Abraham's seed.
"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will," Eph 1:5
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her 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.
Because of this favor, Hegai gave Esther special beauty preparations, beyond her allowance to be baptised (bathed) and cleansed. He also gave her seven choice maidservants to look after her beauty needs. We know that these beautifying cosmetics are spiritual in symbolism. These would be like the gifts of the spirit as the bride prepares to meet her Maker. In Persian culture, queens do not show a lot of skin, because they are completely covered with the ornaments of the king's desires. If we are the bride of Christ, what are the ornaments that YHWH adorns us with that make us pure and beautiful? The gifts of the Holy Spirit is what goes onto the dress of the bride. The gifts of the Holy Spirit is meant to edify the body of Christ and are especially termed in scripture to be seen through our actions. We are to prepare our body (the temple) without spot or wrinkle when He comes through the veil to save His bride at the end. What we are wearing spiritually depends on our destiny when we come before the throne alone. What does your dress (life) look like? Whatever you do, think and say, gose on your garments.
Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.
Is this perhaps a flaw in Esther's character? Listening to Mordecai's flawed wisdom? There is never a good reason for hiding the fact that we are Christians. Far too many Christians act as if they are “secret agents” – and they always conceal within the world, not being a show off of who they are in the Lord. We must take the warning Jesus gave in Matthew 10:32-33 seriously:
However, we do recognize that there are situations where God may have us be reticent about our Christian identity. Remember, just like Esther, the bride of Christ lives in a household "clothed in scarlet (sin)" while "she is not afraid of the snow (righteousness)." Pro 31
Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.
Is this perhaps a flaw in Esther's character? Listening to Mordecai's flawed wisdom? There is never a good reason for hiding the fact that we are Christians. Far too many Christians act as if they are “secret agents” – and they always conceal within the world, not being a show off of who they are in the Lord. We must take the warning Jesus gave in Matthew 10:32-33 seriously:
Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.We can’t live a life of denial and expect God to recognize us. When we wear Tzitzit (Num 15), because it is like a wedding ring to show to the world whom we serve, as well as reminding us of who we serve. I have noticed after wearing them, that people I'd never thought I would share my faith with, would curiously ask, "what are those strings you're wearing?" and well, I would take the opportunity to witness and plant a seed into them. All the people that ask me are impressed and respect my beliefs. Not saying we should show off like the Pharisees with their long flowing tassels, but people around us should FEEL that we are different by our blessed lives of obsequious deeds and emulating Messiah day in and day out. That is the best way to show our true identity. It is termed "silent witnessing" and it is just as effective as being open about it.
However, we do recognize that there are situations where God may have us be reticent about our Christian identity. Remember, just like Esther, the bride of Christ lives in a household "clothed in scarlet (sin)" while "she is not afraid of the snow (righteousness)." Pro 31
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
Hegai provided all the women with the prescribed beauty treatments over a period of twelve months. When it was their turn to go into the kings' chambers, they were dressed and adorned in whatever jewelry or garbs THEY chose. Symbolically, this represents sanctification in our walks to follow Messiah. Hagai (the Holy Spirit) is merciful to help us, even when we desire to get in the way and to control things ourselves in the clothing of what we want in life, to how we want our life to be planed out - just like the women. We have free will to live our lives the way we want it, but if it is not in alignment with the king's will, we will be not promoted into a high ranking role within the kingdom.
In 478 BC, Esther wanted to know how to be clothed appropriately to impress the king by doing the unconventional: she besought what He wanted and not what she wanted. She asked the Ruach (Hagai) for the will of God and how she can follow it in her life! She wanted the truth (Torah) and not the drivel of religion! This is the formula of how we should live our lives and that we cannot chose to do things our own way and expect to get far, as the bride. We cannot choose how to come before Jesus Christ because there is only one way to God. We need to surrender everything we do before Him. You see, Christendom today is all about the self and not all about God. All of the virgins were too caught in in trying to find favor in God's eyes, via their own religious ways and traditions. Esther knew that the Spirit knew what the king likes. You could chose the most beautiful green garment but will you ever know if the king really hates it or not. I bet you Esther came into the king's palace, wearing something that nobody would even think of wearing or that was looked over as not trendy. Nobody knew what the king specifically liked, expect her. Imagine there was an old scarf in the corner that all the women ignored, but it turned out to be the king's mother's prayer shawl, all ruddy and old, but the eunuch said, "that will get his attention." The women were so numerous, a prosperity self-potential cultural, that vexes us. It becomes very obnoxious as you could imagine these women and how they strove to adjust their appearances the way they thought was right, only to end up disappointed in the end. Vanity. God is not interested in our efforts. He is looking for someone that humble themselves, willing crush their worldly plans and for those that pray "not my will, but your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
This is what separates the bride from every other believer. She is submitted to YHWH, like the olah whole burnt offering to the will of the King. Biblically, clothing is the same word used for keeping the commandments. Thus, when Esther here requested to the servant (the Holy Spirit) what the king wants her to wear, this is allegorical of us requesting how God wants us to worship Him and love in in spirit and in truth. This is a core aspect to the bride's character that I listed above in this study.
Revelation 22:14English Standard VersionBlessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.King James BibleBlessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
If we want to be the bride, we are to not spot our garments with the lusts of the flesh. We wouldn't want to defile our garments anyway because we are born again and His spirit dwells in us. He paid a great price with his blood and life so we can be cleansed from the ugliness of the sin virus.
Jude 23 King James Version (KJV)Hegai showered her with favor and right off the bat, Esther is ahead of the game. He realized there was something special about this young woman. She had so much favor that he gave her more beauty treatments that were previously allotted. He even gave her maidservants and moved her to the best place in the house of women! So long before the king ever saw her, God was preparing the way for Esther to become queen. This is a picture of God's bride preparing to have no spot or blemish!
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Just like Esther, when you are a child of God, you walk in God’s favor when we are obedient to His word under the blood of Jesus! He goes before you to prepare the way for you to reign in your own life!
"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4
In other words, Esther requested nothing but what which came out of “Meditation" - the meaning of Hagai. This is a graphic demonstration that when you “Hagah” on God’s word, He gives you wisdom and favor in your life. Blessings flow to one who depends on God in this way. You are “Adorned” with only the best things. But meditating on what? On the death of Jesus! That’s what the myrrh and spices depict. These were used to prepare the body of our precious Jesus before He was placed in the tomb. Esther, having received more myrrh and spices than the rest, is a picture of believers who are laser focused on Jesus and what He did for us at Calvary. His death is central to all of history. It is the pivotal event that divides B.C. from A.D. It is “His-story,” and the focus of the ENTIRE BIBLE!
(For more on the topic of meditation, please follow the link below:
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Boy, does this remind you of the most scariest verse in Scripture?
"22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?It is not enough to say "I just want to get there." We cannot just claim the blood and continue on living and sinning as if Christ doesn't mean anything to us. "True saving faith is fully surrendering to Yeshua. It's committing your whole life to Him, not only in word but also in deed. It's a commitment to follow Yeshua daily... Faith" that doesn't produce good works is a counterfeit." (Wilber When Faith Works). Not many Christians are doing this today, so they will be disappointed in the end, wishing they actually knuckled down and read the word and did the word, when they had time. Are you like the 399? Are you part of the many? Or are you like Esther, one of the few? Will you be counted worthy? You will not regret it if you do. As for the profane 399 who lost (cast into outer darkness and weeping and gnashing of teeth), they were banished (cast into the fire) to the harem where they stayed the wife or the concubine of the king, but rarely if ever, saw him afterwards (lest in the Kingdom of Heaven). Do you want to be a mere janitor in the eternal kingdom? I hope not. Man up Christians, lets get to work. Esther you see, obtained favor by the spirit (the eunuch) and not by the law. She went beyond what the other virgins did. A real bride will do the extra effort, the extra mile. It is faith that saves us and not the law. It is not one night with the law, but one night with the king.
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Mat 7:22-23
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.
23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
There is so much going on here under the surface it's amazing. This position at the king's gate indicates that Mordecai was associated with the decision makers and men of influence in the kingdom. Just like the battle between the spirit and the flesh, there is an enemy (the lust of the flesh) waiting for us at the gate all the time. It is a fulcrum point. The second you move, it flips down. You can chose to have the Spirit use you or you can let the enemy overcome you (Gen 4:7). Mordecai's strategic position at the gate for Esther's protection means that he was at the gate of the King (Jesus). We need to be at the gate of our king so that we may begin our service to Him. Later, we will see the service of Mordecai and his victory over the enemy will make him great in the kingdom of Heaven. This is a gate where commerce was conducted, it was there people congregated and meet. More on that in part 2 but Mordecai is always here for most of the story. This is significant and symbolic, because in the Holy City New Jerusalem, all of God's people must pass through one of the twelve gates to enter into the Kingdom. We must be at the gate and there is only one to get to the Father and that is Yeshua!
"13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Which gate are you going through? Are you grafted into the olive tree of Israel through the blood of Jesus Christ?
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Mat 7
"23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13
"1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out...
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep." John 10
"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
"Revelation 22:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Now the hanging on the tree is the worst curse that anyone could get. In fact, Yeshua took this curse for us so we don't have too. Therefore, here in Esther 2:23 there is a lingering Messianic undertone. The two thieves (like the two traitors in our story) were hung and the life of the King was saved.
" And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.: Duet 21:22-23"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Acts 5:30-31
How many thieves were hung on the tree in Esther and with Jesus/Yeshua? Two. Indeed, this is further evidence of how seeds of the Messiah are hidden all over this story, that on the surface, it looks secular and non-religious. Perfect tool for spreading the truth to the world.
Now read Esther 3:1-15
Chapter 3
In 472 BC, enter Haman - the cunning antagonist our our parable. Automatically, he is a type and shadow of an Antichrist/Satanic like figure no doubt. But what is so intriguing about this man is not just his innate anti-jewish and Hitler-like temperament, it is actually his very questionable genealogy.
"After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him."
The Agagites are the descendants of the formidable Nephilim king of the Amalekites named Agag, which means "I will over-top". Very fitting name for a villain. He was the ruler that King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 was supposed to annihilate them from the face of the earth because of the demonic hybrid/giant Nephilim DNA they inhibited, to cause a genetic disaster. We know the story. Saul killed all the Amalekites but he spared Agag, thus utterly disobeyed and reviling the command of God, sinning with a presumptuous high hand, which denied the safety of future generations from the insidious plotting of the demonic giant king. Little did Saul knew, his heinous mistake, not only cause him to be dethroned in the short term, the long term, will have far more severe consequences, that would ultimately put the entire nation of Judah at risk. It's amazing because at the moment, we can look at Samuel 15 and say that God is a genocidal ethnic cleanser. But what if God said we are about to kill a baby named Adolf Hitler, Charles Manson or even Thanos, to save the lives of millions! God is outside of time, and He can see the beginning from the end. What seems crazy to us, is actually what God knows, because He knows best. Just like a small sin, might become the greatest adversary to us in the future. We reap what we sow, as it is justly accorded in the say of things. Every action has an opposite reaction.
But lets go further back in history to the origins and the reputation of the Amaleklites. Historically, the Amalekites were known as the shepherd Hyksos kings. It was after the Exodus in Egypt (April 1440 BC), Egypt was invaded by foreigners that subdued them throughout the second Egyptian dark age, wherein the pharanoic royalty was subjugated in middle Egypt by these indiscriminate warlords. They were finally able to overcome them in the wars of liberation by Ahmose's family, finally unifying the country and setting the stage for Egypt to become a imperial power (1203 - 837 BC). Just like the name Agag means over-top, his people and forefathers surely embodied that characteristic, which we also will see Haman embody as well.
Sources: See video timestamp at 52:18.
Esau was Isaac’s first born, but lost his blessings and birth-rite to Jacob that his posterity never forgave, and thus the hidden reason behind war with Israel at the time of the Exodus and his plot to regain his lost inheritance via Eliphaz.Elpihaz married Timna producing Amalek and a competing (false) messsianic bloodline coveting the Abrahamic blessings and birth-rite to add to their pedigree.GEN 36.12 “And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek.”Esau’s hatred begat a trans-generational blood oath against Israel that boiled over in the time of Exodus, David, and Saul, and Esther and through out history, and which will all be part of the end time.EXO 17.8 “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. EXO 17.9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek.”The hybrid Edomite/Amaleqim/Idumaean nation sought to destroy a rag-tag Israel nation from the face of the earth, before they were forged with faith and for war; while they were weak and weary fleeing the Egyptians.Amaleqim sought to steal the blessings and birth-rite of Jacob, usurping them as Esau’s spurious posterity, including the messianic blessing, to overlay onto their Nephilim dragon bloodline.Competing bloodlines are reflected in Balaam’s oracle of Israel’s future Messiah and kingdom that would be raised higher than Agag’s antichrist bloodline.
NUM 24.5 “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!...NUM 24.7… and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.”The Greek Septuagint is legitimately criticized for its errors, but I find it intriguing that the arguably oldest surviving OT manuscript regards Gog and Agag as synonymous, translating Numbers 27 utilizing Gog.
“G1136 Gog”, in the NT Greek is identified as “a symbolic name for some future antichrist,” just as Numbers prophesies about Agag. However, the Septuagint’s gramatical structure seems to state Gog’s kingdom shall be exalted in place of Israel’s Messiah, reflecting why the Septuagint is criticized.Sept. Num 24:5-7 “...Jacob, and thy tents, Israel!6 as shady groves, and as gardens by a river, and as tents which God pitched, and as cedars by the waters. There shall come a man out of his seed, and he shall rule over many nations; and the kingdom of Gog shall be exalted, and his kingdom shall be increased.”God and Israel did not forgive Amalek’s of the unprovoked attack, vowing to blot the memory of Amalek and the Agagite royal bloodline rule in the future.DEU 25.17 “Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; DEU 25.18 How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God.”DEU 25.19 “Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.”Centuries later, King Saul as part of his anointing was commanded to blot the memory of Amalek, and the Agagite kingship bloodline from memory for their sins in the days of the Exodus.The Amaleqim conspired with other nations, like Edom to ensure “the name of Israel may no more be in no more be in remembrance”; to replace Israel in the Abrahamic Covenant; to prevent the coming of the Messiah Jesus; to overlay their dragon messiah onto the Abrahamic Covenant.PSA 83.3 “They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. PSA 83.4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. PSA 83.5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: PSA 83.6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; PSA 83.7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek”Saul’s instructions were clear: Amalekite annihilation and everything they possessed as equal justice. The Amalaqim blood oath would be turned back on them, just Balaam could not prophesy in defiance of God’s will (Nbrs 23:7-12).1SA 15.1 “The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the Lord”1SA 15.2 “I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 1SA 15.3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”EXO 17.14 “Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven... EXO 17.16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”Saul attacked the Amaleqim in the western desert towards Egypt lay Agag. Agag was slain by the prophet Samuel, who then went on to annoint David to be future . Amaleqim were led once more by a King Agag, underscoring this patronymic title and bloodline.But Saul did not destroy all the Amaleqim, nor did Saul sking because of Saul’s defiance of God’s instructions.1SA 15.7 “And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. 1SA 15.8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 1SA 15.9 But Saul and the people spared Agag”1SA 15.32 “Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites… 1SA 15.33 And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.”Either by Saul’s delay to slay Agag, or refusal thereafter to complete Amaleqim annihilation and their royal progeny, the Agag bloodline continued.The books of Samuel record David later fought the Amalekites (2 Sam. 8: 11-12), and finished the western Amalekites at Ziklag (1 Sam. 30: 1–31), but the damage was already done with the Agagite bloodline escaping annihilation.It seems likely that David exercised more of a mopping-up operation in the southwest, but he must have waged all-out war against the eastern Amalekites.The Amaleqim east of Syria are seemingly connected with a Syrian Edomite Hadad dynasty and title 2 Sam 8, marking another royal dynasty and joint Edomite/Amalekite confederation of the trans-generational blood oath.2SA 1.1 “Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag”2SA 8.11 “Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; 2SA 8.12 Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.”Amaleqim memory and prestige was blotted out from memory from under heaven. Secular history does not list the Amaleqim therefore.PSA 9.4 “Thou satest in the throne judging right…thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. PSA 9.6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.”Not all Amaleqim were destroyed; a remnant seemingly escape during Saul’s reign. In Hezekiah’s reign, Simeonites killed a (returning) Amaleqim remnant in Seir.This suggest others survived thereafter as well, perhaps in exile, explicating how Haman as an Agagite appears as a king in the Persian court.1CH 4.42 “five hundred men, went to mount Seir… 1CH 4.43 And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.”Amaleqim royal bloodlines were recognized with Haman the Aggite’s exaltation of above all other kings who sat in the Persian court of kings.Haman’s exaltation should be understood in the context of power and prestige the Amaleqim empire and kings once held, and perhaps will again in the end time.
"And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence...
5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
This is the story of Gadreel (Satan) - the original of evil - who was one of the most powerful beings in the universe called the Seraphim that are situated right next to the throne of God. Like Haman, Gadreel got too caught up in his pride of his power and demanded that mankind will bow down to worship him - the scaled gemstone covered, six winged dragon!
"And when the prince of the lower order of angels saw what great majesty had been given unto Adam, he was jealous of him from that day, and he did not wish to worship him. And he said unto his hosts, "Ye shall not worship him, and ye shall not praise him with the angels. It is meet that ye should worship me, because I am fire and spirit; and not that I should worship a thing of dust, which hath been fashioned of fine dust." And the Rebel meditating these things [Fol. 5b, col. 2] would not render obedience to God, and of his own free will he asserted his independence and separated himself from God. But he was swept away out of heaven and fell, and the fall of himself and of all his company from heaven took place on the p. 56 Sixth Day, at the second hour of the day. And the apparel of their glorious state was stripped off them. And his name was called "Sâtânâ" because he turned aside [from the right way], and "Shêdâ" because he was cast out, and "Daiwâ" because he lost the apparel of his glory." Cave of Treasures [THE REVOLT OF SATAN, AND THE BATTLE IN HEAVEN.]
The royal conflict within the Heavenly courtroom is reflected in Haman's ego against Mordecai who refused to bow to the enemy. His decree to bow down to the Seraphim dragons, will be resisted by the righteous. This is the beginning of all conspiracies - the microcosm is Haman's against the Jews.
12.1 Groaning, the Devil said: "O Adam, all my enmity, jealousy, and resentment is towards you, since on account of you I was expelled and alienated from my glory, which I had in heaven in the midst of the angels. On account of you I was cast out upon the earth." 12.2 Adam answered: "What have I done to you? 12.3 What fault do I have against you? Since you have not been harmed nor injured by us, why do you persecute us?" 13.1 The Devil answered: "Adam what are you saying to me? On account of you I was cast out from heaven. 13.2 When you were formed, I was cast out from the face of God and was sent forth from the company of the angels. When God blew into you the breath of life and your countenance and likeness were made in the image of God, Michael led you and made you worship in the sight of God. The Lord God then said: 'Behold, Adam, I have made you in our image and likeness.' 14.1 Having gone forth Michael called all the angels saying: 'Worship the image of the Lord God, just as the Lord God has commanded.' 14.2 Michael himself worshipped first then he called me and said: 'Worship the image of God Jehovah.' 14.3 I answered: 'I do not have it within me to worship Adam.' When Michael compelled me to worship, I said to him: 'Why do you compel me? I will not worship him who is lower and posterior to me. I am prior to that creature. Before he was made, I had already been made. He ought to worship me.' 15.1 Hearing this, other angels who were under me were unwilling to worship him. 15.2 Michael said: 'Worship the image of God. If you do not worship, the Lord God will grow angry with you.' 15.3 said: 'If he grows angry with me, I will place my seat above the stars of heaven and I will be like the Most High.' 16.1 Then the Lord God grew angry with me and sent me forth with my angels from our glory. On account of you we were expelled from our dwelling into this world and cast out upon the earth." Life of Adam and Eve.
It is an ancient cosmic hate. The clash of two primordial seeds that are still struggling for superiority - for survival. The ferocity and enmity between the Israel of God and the Nephilim is the ramification of the cosmic seed war declared in Genesis 3:15. This builds the historical tension and conflict in our parable, wherein the forces of the evil one are assembling to onslaught the forces of good and to remove the possibility of the Messiah from being born.
"17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev 12
Now is this so timely for today. We do not have to bow to an authority that is not in alignment with the Scriptures. Even if not submitting to the governments that force us with a mandatory mark of the beast (whatever that may be to make us able to buy and sell and change us), we will be targeted and might be killed and martyred for our faith. Are we willing to be called enemies and a virus in the countries we live in? It's a tough prospect. That's how Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his Hellenised Jews saw the faithful Jews, and that is how Haman saw them as well. Anytime now, in the future, all secular governments will be slaughtering those that stand for the faith just like in Nero's day, all for not complying to their new anti-torah laws.
The wiping out of fundamentalists is going to be justified (as it was termed by the Pope's one world religion) as establishing of God's kingdom on earth, just as Haman did for Xerxes (Yeshua). Nothing is new under the sun. How sad will that day be, when God's people are killed by a system taking God's name in vain, thinking they are doing His will by killing His own people. Ironic. This is a big part of the Great Delusion. In my blog posts Lucifer is Apollo - The Son of Satan and A Lie Within A Lie I claim that believing in the Catholic and Orthodox church can lead people to end up doing this. The Jesus we see at Church is what the blasphemous name of the Beast is. It is the sun god Tammuz/Lucifer/Apollo/Nimrod/Assyrian/anointed cherub that the whole world is deceived to think is the actually Messiah. Like Haman, the world of the false Kingdom of God (Mystery Babylon the Great) will run to a fro to assemble themselves as one force, to wipe out the nation of God who keep the commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ (the Yeshua of the Bible).
Now speaking of God's judgement on this world in the current COVID 19 crisis, check out the next verses.
7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan (the time we are in right now as I write this), in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
Wow, don't you think from what is happening right now, that this scenario could unfold in the future very soon? This crisis is God's judgment on the sinful nations! He hates our religious duties! He detests our Easter and Christmas holidays and Sunday churches and masses! The enemy will not come at us with fire and weapons. He will use his most powerful tatic: persuasion. This is what Haman deploys to officially convince the nice king to kill the Jews. Does this mean that Satan can dictate what He wants to control God? Absolutely not. But as we see in the Book of Job chapter 1, God can allow Satan to do what he pleases to fulfill a favorable consequence. Remember, this is an earthy picture with very deep spiritually principles that do not just have one meaning. Xerxes is in no way necessarily a Messianic figure that we should emulate, but he suits the social role of divine kingship for this story imparticular. Xerxes was human and made mistakes. Rather, it would be a more appropriate picture of how Satan can persuade our earthly governments and authorities to be lead to embark on quests for many things that will lead to the debauchery of rebelling against the Most High. Whether that is through rights, genetic breakthroughs, space exploration you name it, anything that sucks people away from God is the spirit of Haman, working right now in our world: plotting and playing with his chess pieces like a villainous machiavel joker. This type of Iagoism is always conducted through the use of dirty bargaining, backstabbing and the rolling of the Pur. It reminds me the quote from Julius Cesar when he crossed the Rubicon "let the dice fly high" indicating that once it is rolled, the chances of the persecution is inevitable, but only fate will decide how long it would take to happen.
It is the twelfth year of Xerxes' reign which is year nine form the events of Queen Vashti (most Christians) being cast out to the palace. Nine is the number for judgment and finality. It is the number for the letter Tet which means the temptation, the crossroads of decision making. In this current time of national judgement, which path are you going to chose? Man's or God's? So in the ninth year of our story, the parable of judgement, and governmental perfection in God's kingdom (12) is set up. He is just when He send pestilences like COVID 19.
So the king is casting lots now. In reality, the king would have gone to the occult magicians to divine from demons to know the best day to get Haman. But for the sake of allegory, this represents God with His Heavenly council of angels, planning the day of Wrath to rid of Satan and his goons. The number that came up to judge Haman was the 13th day of the 12th month (Purim) one year latter.
Now Haman (Satan) comes before God and accuses the brethren scattered abroad over the four corners of the earth. He says that His people have different laws, which are breaking God's law and that they need to be killed, just as the Torah proscribed. Rightly so. God is just but He has a more complex plan and that is Jesus Christ. Satan is the accuser (the Satan), and just like in verse 8 and 9, Haman is imitating this in earth. The giving of the signet ring is a biblical motif of the transmission of power, just like God giving Satan authority to go and vex Job. Now Haman's bribes has granted him. He manipulated Xerxes as he had no idea what he agreed to; he probably believed that he merely agreed to the execution of a handful of dangerous revolutionaries to the Persian empire.
12 Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
The calling of the king's scribes on the thirteenth day of the first month is one of the most prophetic and powerful dates in all of the Bible. Way is it so important? It is the Lord's Passover, the time Yeshua was glorified during His first coming. This means therefore that Haman/Satan's plans to kill the Jews (Messiah) will be paralleling the Passover Sacrifice - God's ultimate plan to destroy the enemy that he did not see coming.
13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
I cannot stress it enough how timely this ethnic cleansing of God's people will be in the near future. Because this quarantine is not only slowly boiling away, it will possibly be prepping Christian for the slaughter. I would not be surprised if the prophetic day of Purim (around the middle of March) will be the day for persecution for American and western believers.
"Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:" Psalm 83: 1-5
Read Esther 4:1-17
Chapter 4
It is time to see the Bride of Christ shine. She is strong and courageous, humble and wise in the tribulation around her. God is always active in Esther, even though it is behind the scenes.
"When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;"
Mordecai was anguished at all this, we remember also that his integrity was the cause of it. This was not only because of the personal integrity of Mordecai, but also because he knew the character of the laws of the Persians could not be changed once decreed. This here is an allegory for the Two Witnesses, who are two people representing two houses (Israel and Judah) that will be coming to repentance and crying out and grieved by the abominations, shedding of innocent that are done all around us everyday.
" And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." Rev 11:3-4"The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." Rev 1:20"And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." Eze 9:4
If interested, please watch this documentary on the true identity of the Two Witnesses. It is the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna. They are armies of believers empowered by God!
We must have the attitude of Mordecai when trouble and tribulation falls upon us to be counted worthy. He is so good and merciful. He will deliver us like in Psalm 91. Next, we will see how God will miraculous work through Esther (His bride, the set apart ones) to save His whole nation. The bride will save the believers that are the wedding quests, who are not as high up in the Kingdom as she is.
Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.
6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate.
After giving a copy of the decree to Esther through a courier, Mordecai challenged her to intercede on behalf of her people before the king. The word getting out to Esther, who the king is not aware that she is Jewish, to save her people from the wrath of the Nephilim blooded Haman. First things first, the bride sought out Hatach (Why wilt thou smite). The Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon states that Hatach, though of foreign origin, can also mean truth. We know what the truth is.
"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law (Torah) is the truth." Psalm 119:142
You see this here is a picture of the Bride of Christ in tribulation, consulting the word of her husband for guidance and protection. Are we doing this?
11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
Esther (just like the bride) is willing to move beyond her comfort zone, even if doing God's will might breach some of the commandments and she that could die as a consequence. She is showing how her selfless attitude is what saves the Jewish people. Here, she is going against the decree in order to turn it around. Such an action is punishable by death, by justify herself rightly: her true identity. How does this relate to our lives today? If we accept Christ and covered by His blood, our identities and new creations as Israel justifies us from the wrath of the King's sceptre when we come before the throne, from the curse of sin and death. We will look at the mercy of Xerxes in the next chapter, because if you read between the lines, this story is so deep and brilliant! We cannot enter into the king's presence without a prescribed invitation. That invitation is His son Jesus Christ who is representative of the eunuch here that allows Esther to come in.
What is the intricate hidden interpretation here? Why is Esther not allowed to go into the King's chamber? As an allegory does this find a meaning within the Bible? Xerxes is playing the High Priest role in this moment and the king's chamber is the Holy of Holies. On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) the High Priests is only allowed to go into the Holy of Holies to put incense onto the Ark where the manifest glory presence of God resides. It is forbidden to go in there."17 And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel." Lev 16If this is breached, there will be lives taken away when death comes into contact with pure life.
"And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.It appears we have a conundrum upon us. We already know that only Yeshua (High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek) can have access to the real Holy of Hollies, and we cannot unless He invites us in. This is the same for Esther, but she is clearly justifying her sinful urges it seems. What is this really telling us? Are there exceptions to God's perfect Torah? Read closely. The only way to not die in the manifest presence of God is unless the sceptre (metaphor for grace) is held out to us. As the mercy seat of the Ark triumphs over the ark containing the Law, so will mercy compensate for our transgressions. So yes, Esther is not sinning her by doing this deed, but she is covered by the blood of Yeshua because we see that the wrath of God does not affect her. She gets grace.
2 And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord."
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
We have another instance of the number three being used in connection with a fast. The famous lines in verse 14 and 16 sums up the whole character of the Bride and us as His remnant, so amazingly. Esther knows this undertaking will be monumental, so she prayers and fasts with the whole nation for THREE days! Jesus reminded us that special spiritual battles sometimes require special preparation with prayer and fasting. Regarding a stubborn case of demonic possession, He said this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:20). Note how the dates add up to a Messianic significance. Here, the decree was established on the 13th of Aviv (Nisan) to kill the Jews just as on the 13th of Aviv, Yeshua was decreed to be crucified but on that night He had a Passover meal. Esther demands a fast for three days which will finish on the Sunday of Firstfruits which is when Messiah was resurrected and the enemy was bound for one thousand years (Haman hung the next day). Haman representing Ha'Satan, who for four or five thousands years has been running the show in earth was bound up in chains for thousands years. On that day (Firstfruits), Esther will boldly go before the throne of God, and is justified by the blood of the Lamb made possible by the death and resurrection of Christ on the exact same day in the future! On this same day, Yeshua went before His father and pleaded, just like Esther, to saved His people via His blood ransom. Like Esther was willing to die for intersession, so was Yeshua willing.
God brings us on journeys of learning and experience in life. “You have been wishing for another position where you could do something for Jesus: do not wish anything of the kind, but serve him where you are.” (Spurgeon). The variety of people we meet, the places we go, the impacts we make, the aspirations we have all of them have a significance. He can take us anywhere. They may be so many lucky chances won and 'coincidences' that happen at random. But have you stopped to think and look back from where you are at to contemplate on how God is working in your life as an individual so He can use you right now, for His universal cosmic plan of redemption? Wow... It's mind blogging I think about this. He brought us out of darkness and He new you and your whole life even before you were conceived. But mediate about that. It can be a bit overwhelming at how big YHWH is. He works in the most personal microcosmic levels and the cosmic macrocosmic levels simultaneously. Now realize that you too, were born at such a time this, living at the most amazing point in history: the end of the age. You were born for such a time as this. He gave you the precious knowledge of the Scriptures for such a time at this. During this global pandemic, you ever think that whatever happens to you, now that you come to know this realization that God is the master creator, you will be confident to know that no matter what happens, you are trusting in your daddy's words. For such a time as this,even if you perish in these, you will rejoice at such a province. Esther was contempt because she KNEW all this! That's right. At this point in our tale, Esther has probably reflected on her life and how much she has changed: from a orphan to a queen. It perhaps made her so moved within her soul that she give all alms to the Lord every single day. Perhaps she recalled the beautiful story of Joseph and was thrilled at how God is using her in very similar and mysterious ways. Now she gets it. It is exhilarating! She at first was worried why she had become the queen of the pagan Persian empire, but now she sees the bigger picture. Her purpose on earth is to make a stand for her people, which was made possible by her powerful position. For the seed of the Messiah to be preserved, she needs to make a sacrifice, yet she is happy to do it anyway. This, my friends, is the psychology of the bride. This is Esther's moment! This is her promotion! Now lets watch this unfold and feel the touch of destiny!
God brings us on journeys of learning and experience in life. “You have been wishing for another position where you could do something for Jesus: do not wish anything of the kind, but serve him where you are.” (Spurgeon). The variety of people we meet, the places we go, the impacts we make, the aspirations we have all of them have a significance. He can take us anywhere. They may be so many lucky chances won and 'coincidences' that happen at random. But have you stopped to think and look back from where you are at to contemplate on how God is working in your life as an individual so He can use you right now, for His universal cosmic plan of redemption? Wow... It's mind blogging I think about this. He brought us out of darkness and He new you and your whole life even before you were conceived. But mediate about that. It can be a bit overwhelming at how big YHWH is. He works in the most personal microcosmic levels and the cosmic macrocosmic levels simultaneously. Now realize that you too, were born at such a time this, living at the most amazing point in history: the end of the age. You were born for such a time as this. He gave you the precious knowledge of the Scriptures for such a time at this. During this global pandemic, you ever think that whatever happens to you, now that you come to know this realization that God is the master creator, you will be confident to know that no matter what happens, you are trusting in your daddy's words. For such a time as this,even if you perish in these, you will rejoice at such a province. Esther was contempt because she KNEW all this! That's right. At this point in our tale, Esther has probably reflected on her life and how much she has changed: from a orphan to a queen. It perhaps made her so moved within her soul that she give all alms to the Lord every single day. Perhaps she recalled the beautiful story of Joseph and was thrilled at how God is using her in very similar and mysterious ways. Now she gets it. It is exhilarating! She at first was worried why she had become the queen of the pagan Persian empire, but now she sees the bigger picture. Her purpose on earth is to make a stand for her people, which was made possible by her powerful position. For the seed of the Messiah to be preserved, she needs to make a sacrifice, yet she is happy to do it anyway. This, my friends, is the psychology of the bride. This is Esther's moment! This is her promotion! Now lets watch this unfold and feel the touch of destiny!
Read Esther 5:1-14
Chapter 5
The stakes are high: the Jews are now waiting as the days go by, each one etching closer to their doom that awaits them. God is now going to work through Esther and move His chess piece in such a way the enemy will be forced into checkmate.
In the Persian society (most ancients civilizations in that matter) the queen is not allowed to come into the king's presence without His permission of being summoned. We know this is symbolic of the Holy Place inside the Temple/Tabernacle. Waltzing inside is rebellious and punishable by death. We begin this chapter with a reassurance that these series of events are extremely pregnant with Messianic meaning.
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house."
This is quite profound as it confirms that the palace of Xerxes is similar to the layout of the Temple of God. It speaks of one entrance (the eastern gate) and it is divided into sections (the inner court or the Holy Place) and the royal house (Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant sits as a throne, the mercy seat for YHWH). The king here sits on his throne facing over the gate of the house (the house of God is what a Tabernacle is). On the Sunday of First Fruits, Esther is filled with the power of the Resurrection to come before the king, to hold back his judgment and to expose the begulment of the enemy.
We know Christ died to undo the works of the devil right? (Col 2:15) Well from this moment on in our story, Esther's bravery will slowly undo and ironically reverse all the evil agendas of Haman onto himself. It's a splendorous work of art! She 'girds up her loins' per say, by garbing her royal Persian identity (perhaps an allegory for the Blood of Christ of justification) before entering the throne room of Xerxes (Most High El.) Esther is willing to sin in order to do what is right. There is no greater faith than this demonstrated here by Esther. It reminds me of the powerful gut wrenching ending in the film Silence (SPOILERS), where Andrew Garfield's character Fr. Sebastião Rodrigues begins by holding the belief to emulate Messiah and not be like Judas. However, in order to save persecuted Christians, God allows his Catholic pride to be subdued when he apostasies selflessly over an icon of Jesus. He reflected Christ her by sacrificing something he held dear (his Catholicism) in order to end the suffering of others - thus saving them. In order to end the suffering of the Jews, Esther must make this unexpected sacrifice to her flesh/ego, just like Rodrigues who was pridefully holding to his faith like a lifeboat while others drowned and died all around. To live for Christ is to not live for the pride in faith and bask in the false notion of eternal security, but to sacrifice it, so we can be a light to show the love of Christ. Compassion and life trumps over the obedience of keeping the sabbath for example. It is an exception to the rule. This is what Esther was doing here, slewing her pride to do what is noble and impactful - to persevere the life of the Jews by infringing a command for compassion's sake. The most painful act of love that has ever been performed, as Liam Neeson would say in the film. There is no greater love than this, than Esther laying down her queenhold, her will and emotions, for her people - her family. It is from the purging of narcissistic pride in one's walk with Christ, that ultimately kills the enemy (Haman) that frees the Jews (God's people). Because it is when Jesus sacrificed everything, that we are free from Satan, giving us a chance to repent. Yeshua, on the third day when He resurrected, went before His father garbed in glory to declare for us to be free from the wiles of the enemy. YHWH is so good.
2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
This reminds me of something (I think the spirit is saying something here).
"Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord God.37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the Lord." Eze 20: 36-38
The Hebrew word Peqad from Pekudei is that of a visitation for a specific purpose. It is when someone or something passes under the rod and is closely inspected, examined and judged. We consider a shepherd (Yeshua) inspecting His sheep, each as they pass the narrow gate. It is intimate accountability, it is a moment of truth. It is a vivid experience of YHWH's most intimate gaze.
Now Esther has to obtain the favor of the king by 'passing under the rod' in the same way, by touching it. Notice what happens next in Eze 20:38, as a result of this happening, the enemies of God will be destroyed! Ha, what do you know! Following this amazing 'happenstance', Haman's plan will backfire and he will be having a taste of his own medicine! God's justice is so sweet. Vengeance is His. He conducts justice perfectly when the King inspects us to see if we have spot or wrinkle. He is coming for a bride that is clean, like Esther who passed and was blessed by the intimate gaze of the King. What do you think YHWH sees when He makes you pass under the rod? Do you need promotion like Esther or correction?
3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
Here, this shows Esther got a bit of a fright. She wanted to make sure everything is civil a private banquet - with Esther, Xerxes and Haman alone - to civilly debate the messy situation. Esther is going to have to cut around the bush the first time so her cunning plan can work swiftly.
In verse 4 in the Hebrew, it reveals what Yeshua did right after the resurrection. When He rose, Satan (Haman) was about to be judged, because the work had been finished. Satan (Haman) is to stand before YHWH in the third heaven and accuses God's people because they have broken the Torah, to love God is to keep His commandments and those that break them are to be cut off. Haman this whole time was right. But, it was when Esther took the initiative to boldly come forth and go beyond what was expected of her, to the throne of grace in her regal robes, is alegorgical of when Yeshua puts on His regal robes before the king. Jesus (Esther) requests for Gadreel (Haman) to stand exposed before the king (God). You thought God's name was not in Esther? It is, but it is hidden. In the Hebrew, when Esther declares to have Haman to come before the king in verse 4, the first letters in the phrase "let the king and Haman come this day" are enlarged. The first letter of these Hebrew words spell the tetragrammaton - the name of God!
YHWH is the king. Haman is Gadreel and let them come today because vengeance is mine saith the Lord God! So was YHWH really absent from all this? No. Sometimes is he blatant with the appearance of LORD in the Bible. But sometimes He is the hidden hand. When Esther sacrificed her pride, YHWH took full authority over these prophetic events and made Himself known to the seed of the serpent, that the war is over, and Yeshua the king reigns supreme forever and ever! AMEN! When Haman comes to see the king, he will have no clue on who had just put on the royal robes. His greatest enemy: Adam - mankind (Mordecai)!
8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
If we walk with Him and we are chosen, we will be granted the desires of our hearts and He is so close to us like a best friend. Do not be afraid to make a petition to God, as we can come into the throne room with boldness like Esther because we have granted His favor through the blood sacrifice of Yeshua.
"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" Mat 7:7
9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
Why is this man so miserable? One minute he is thrilled to join the posh private dinner with the king and queen and the next second, he is spewing. Honored by both the King and Queen of Persia, the disapproval of one seemingly low status man, makes him feel worthless. This is an accurate description of how empty the rewards of this world are. Every-time he leaves the palace to the gate, Mordecai will never submit to the lord of darkness' puppet. Haman’s deep-seated insecurities and the need to be honored by everybody, means that he can never be happy; God meant this hunger for acceptance in each of us to be ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Haman’s problem wasn’t Mordecai, it was the emptiness in his own heart. Even if he solved the “Mordecai problem,” it would not fill the emptiness in his heart. “The soul was made for God, and nothing but God can fill it and make it happy.” (Clarke)
And yet, in verse 13, God would not allow the fury of Haman to take action until all the proper pieces were set in place to ultimately dismantle his plan.
10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.
14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
Ooh, looks like we have a spirit of Jezebel operating here inside Zeresh and the friends! Haman is emotionally unstable while, his wife is the one spurring him on. This parallels the account with King Ahab's idleness and the dictatorship of Jezebel, where she used her own husband as a tool to fulfill her wicked needs.
"5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?... 7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth." 1 Kings 21
Now the gallows mentioned are overtly exaggerated by the infused wrath of these Agagaites. Fifty cubits high is about 75 to 100 feet! The reason why it was so big is because the Agagaites wanted to make a public statement to the Jews and the people that they ought to not act this 'rebellious' like Mordecai. It seems now that Mordecai and the Jews have no chance at all. He is about to die the next day. But not until God makes His amazing moves through the next night.
Read Esther 6:1-14
Chapter 6
Now we reach the center point of our story. On a chiasm, this part of the tale would be the center axis and thus the main theme of the story. I have laid one simple one out here:
A) Disqualification of Vashti
B) Esther is made queen - her personal victory
C) Haman's decree for Jewish extermination
D) Mordecai warns Esther
E) Esther requests the king resisting Haman (name of God hidden at axis)
F) Mordecai exalted
G) Haman's decree backfires
H) King's Edict and Jewish victory
I) Qualification of Mordecai
So we see that this chapter is at the center point of the conflict between the two powerful forces of good and evil. Everything seems to be getting worse, until the story pivots when the king cannot sleep. God starts to step in now, and He intervenes be speaking through the book of the Chronicles, as He always loves doing things is mysterious ways!
On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
Now how many have fallen asleep when reading the very stilted and listings of the Book of Chronicles? I know I have. Not claiming he was reading the same thing here, but it is relatable. Even as king Ahasuerus had a book of the records of the chronicles (literally a book of remembrance), so God also has a book of remembrance for us and records our deed for Him inside.
Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. Mal 3:16YHWH will reward us when we do good for His Kingdom. This chapter is an allegory of how we as ambassadors of Christ, when doing His will, will be promoted and exulted in eternity. But unfortunately, good works and acts of dignity and compassion are heavily disregarded in our world today. More people seem to be interested in the negative and hearing about crimes, gossip and glorifying what evil and worthless things celebrities have done.
However, the wicked Haman who wants to hang Mordecai has no idea how 'chance' or 'coincidence' come in favor of the king and God's people. It's amazing and is evidence of how God works in our lives. You never know, you might get blessed for helping a homeless man or something.
6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
It was no coincidence that Haman entered the king’s court at just that moment. It was no coincidence that Haman came at that moment to ask for the execution of Mordecai. It was no coincidence that king Ahasuerus wanted to honor Mordecai at just that moment. If this Book of Esther shows us anything, it shows us that God manages the affairs of men, even without their knowledge. God knows what He is doing and in the courts of heaven there are no coincidences or surprises. Esther wasn’t lucky to be queen. Mordecai wasn’t lucky to have overheard the assassination plot. It wasn’t luck or chance that made Haman enter the royal courts at this time of night. All of these events were orchestrated by God and not by luck. But what about the bad? Even then, we must trust God’s total plan, realizing that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We understand that Paul says all things work together; any one event God arranges all things, so that not only will all the Jews ultimately be protected, but also so that both Mordecai and Haman would justly get what was coming to them. We will come before the throne of the king and reap what we sow. This is how God's kingdom operates which is captured through the court politics of Xerxes' kingdom. Haman is being set up. His own pride and hubris was his downfall as he self deceived himself by it. Haman's pride blinded him to his own demise. It's rather amusing as to what happens next. Haman was a tragic man who can only believe he has done well when he hears an applause. It is a good and sometimes appropriate thing to have an applause here on earth, but it is tragic to live your life seeking for it. We should instead seek and be satisfied with the applause from heaven.
10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
Oh boy, I cannot imagine the utter mortification here. I wish I was a fly on the wall just to see the dude's face. He probably went purple and nearly threw up. Haman must have been SO grudged and steaming with fury when he proclaimed that honor in public, groaning as he proclaimed Mordecai's greatness, but deep down, he wanted him ruined, but in doing so, he would ruin his own reputation in the kingdom! GRRRRR! DOH! His corned! I am sure the horse ride with Mordecai must have been VERY awkward indeed... God knows how to humiliate and He knows how to humiliate well. Haman is a picture of a pharisee or a 'holier than thou' Torah warrior, that expects God to bless Him thinking he is doing His will yet, he hating others in his heart that are not on the same page as he. Be very careful, because hate and resentment towards Christians that do not yet understand, can put you in a position worse off than you were in, back when you were ignorant. As it is said, the sin virus leads to death. But the silly man retreats back to his wife and his enchanters of the underworld. He is mentioned mourning with his head covered. This means that Haman acted as if someone dear to him had died. In fact, his pride had been dealt by a deathly-blow.
And after all this, Mordecai returned to the king's gate. This is because he understood blessing. He understood that he couldn't come into the king's courtroom but the only way that he could possibly get in, is to wait at the king's gate. Mordecai is standing at the gate of Yeshua, waiting for the king's blessing, even after all the craziness that just happened he gets stuck right in back to his post at the gate. He gets applauses, but unlike Haman, he refocuses back on High and humbled himself.
13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.
Haman’s wife and his advisors could see the future well enough. Even though they are pagans contacting demons, the inevitable fate of Haman was unavoidable. Even the demons knew this. His own support in time of crisis has now turned against him. Haman would not prevail against Mordecai, but Mordecai would prevail over Haman. God is now judging the wicked and when we don't take matters in our own hands, God conducts the revenge in much better ways than we could even think of. So now Haman is in big trouble now, as the eunuchs escort him to the dinner and Esther is now ready to hand over Haman to grim fate.
To be continued...In Part 2!
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