“Deborah’s Drash”
“Sitting at the feet of
Yeshua”
A Daily Devotional/Bible Study
based on the Hebraic/Jewish Roots of Christianity
Today’s Date: February 25
This Months Theme – The Faith
Walk/HaEmunah Halakhah (The Way One
Walks or Goes)
A Study in
Messianic Jews/Hebrews 11 –The Faith Chapter
Click
below for Blank Devotional Journal to use with your Studies
Weekly Torah Portion[1]
for the week- New Torah Cycle Begins!
Click
Here For Current Torah Reading Schedule
Daily Bible Reading
Schedule:
Tenach/Old Testament
Reading:
1 Samuel 18:5-19:24
Tehillim/Psalms
Reading:
Psalm 112:1-10
Mishlei/Proverbs
Reading:
Proverbs 15:12-14
Brit Hadasha/New
Covenant:
John 8:31-10
Hebrew Daily Word:
Eternal Fire “Eysh Olam”
Meditation
Verse
Galatians
3:9 Amplified Translation
9 So then, those who are people of faith are
blessed and made happy and favored by God [as partners in
fellowship] with the believing and trusting Abraham.[2]
Quote Of The Day:
Rick Joyner
“Are your
cultivating seeds that have been planted in your own heart? There is a seed in you that can move
mountains. Right now, start cultivating it by moving what obstacles are in your
life that are hindering your spiritual walk.
Like the stone that Daniel saw that struck the feet of the statue of
man’s kingdom, but itself grew into a mountain that filled the earth, determine
that it will be the first mountain that you move to your own home so that it
can bring down any idols that are in it, and grow itself until if fills your
whole life. Then we will be a part of it
as if fills the earth.”
Deborah’s Drash Commentary:
Esther and Mordekhay – Faith that saved a Nation
The Feast of Purim
Yom Tov
The
book of Esther is a wonderful book of faith and deliverance in the face of
annihilation. Since the Feast of Purim is Adar 13-15 (Adar 13, The Fast of
Esther, Adar 14, Purim and Adar 15 Shushan Purim)I thought it would be
appropriate to study about one of the most expressive feasts in the Bible. What I am sharing below is from the Hay’Did
Learning Center and I thought it was so well put together I am passing it along
to you with their permission below. It
is a little lengthy, but well worth
studying!
HaY’Did –“The Friend” Learning Center
According to the
definition of what is able to be copyrighted, "a work must be the product
of your own mind." Since this Purim celebration invitation and instruction
compilation is a result of His guidance, revelation and inspiration,
this work is not eligible for copyright. Please feel free to copy it and share
it with His children. There is a copyright on the song "Abba-My
Father" which I have license to print the words to a specified numerical
limit. If you copy this instruction compilation with the words of that song
included, please request permission to print the words directly from The
Copyright Company, 40 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203. 615-244-5588.
Remember Matthew 10:8:
"...Freely ye have received, freely give."
(The invitation information is supplied for you here.
You may like to include some of the following, too, in your invitation
to your friends and family.)
You Are Invited To Celebrate
The Most Expressive Feast In The Biblical Calendar
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PURIM: |
The 14th of Adar |
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There
will be a brief study of G-d's Truth and then a time of joyous celebration in
reading the Megillah (the Book of Esther) as a melodrama, eating, drinking
and making merry in the victory of the L-rd. |
It
is highly recommended that you read the Book of Esther before the festival to
get the most out of the teachings and the melodrama. But, since G-d's Word
does not return to Him void, there is much to be gleaned by newcomers to the
story. In any case, |
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Each Participant Must Bring: |
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(1) Two Portions,
Mishloah Manot: (A portion is what is edible or drinkable without further
preparation, e.g.: cooked meats, fish, pastry goods, fruit, sweets, wine and
other beverages. Money, clothing, etc. is NOT acceptable.) The Mishloah
Manot, gifts sent to friends, are a reflection of love and gratitude. When
the Jews reflected on their salvation they said "By whose merit were we
saved? And each said not by my merit but by that of my friend." [The
'picture': the prayers and intercession of the saints.] This display of love
and friendship demonstrates the way all brethren should feel about one
another. The Hebrew words 'man' and 'to his fellow' each have the gematria
(numerical value) of 3 1 1, indicating that a Jew should feel that he and his
friend (his blood covenant partner) are equal |
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(2) Two Portions for the Poor, Matianot
Le-evvonim: ('a portion' equals three 'halves' of the basis of our
currency, or $1.50) which are given to at least two poor individuals to do
with as they please. This contribution is made in memory of the 1/2 shekel
given by each Yisraelite when the Beit HaMikdash, The Temple, still stood.
Three 1/2's are given because 'Trumah,' 'contribution', is mentioned three times
in the mitzvah, commandment, of the half-shekel. [The 'picture': we are all
responsible for building/supporting the Temple.] The Rabbis say, "There
is no greater joy than to rejoice the hearts of the poor, orphaned, widowed
and strangers (uncircumcised G-d Fearers). One who rejoices the hearts of
these unfortunates is likened to the Divine Presence: 'He (G-d) enlivens the
spirit of the lowly, and restores the heart of the down trodden.'" |
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Having done the above we will have
fulfilled the four Mitzvot (commandments) for the Festival of
Purim: |
(1) The Reading of the Megillah,
the Hallel (song of praise) of the day. |
Why does G-d have
us celebrate the Festivals? They are a means of promoting nationalistic sentiments
and bolstering resistance to the world. [Remember, we are just sojourners on
earth; we belong to His Kingdom!] In the case of Purim, the resistance was to
the Romans...today 'Rome' is known as the European Community/New Age/One World
Government and all the 'Hellenistic' ramifications thereof. [cf. Rom. 12.2,
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect will of G-d."]. The 'renewing of your mind'
was so strongly emphasized in Yisrael that the Priests serving in the Second
Temple were instructed to stop their work and go listen to the recitation of
the Megillah.
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Disguises? |
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|
It is customary to wear
disguises (costumes) on Purim. This custom is related to Ya'akov's/Jacob's
wearing Esav's/Esau's clothes when he received the blessing of Yitzchak/Isaac.
It is to say that just as Ya'akov had the outer appearance of Esav but was
inwardly pure and holy so are the appearances of evil in Yisrael only
external: At Purim, Yisrael's heart was loyal to G-d and only pretended
(externally) to worship Nebuchadnezzar's idols. [Feel free to wear a
disguise, if you like.] Come,
rejoicing in the spirit of unity into the presence of our L-rd, with your Two
Portions for Each Other, Three Halves ($1.50) Portion for the Poor, and your
heart turned toward praising El Shaddai, G-d Almighty. |
R.S.V.P. is appreciated!
About The Format Of This Presentation*
The Book of
Ester is a letter to G-d's chosen people. Hence, this book is bound at the top
so that with the turning of each page the reader will reflect that the entire
Word of G-d is His love letter of remembrance, instruction and promise to us,
His people.
The rainbow
colors upon which this letter is printed are to remind us that G-d keeps His promises
from generation to generation. (Beautifully
presented when you order a printed copy from HaY'Did's catalog)
The 'fence'
protecting the Mitzvot, commandment, not to blaspheme the Name of G-d has been
built to the extent that in Rabbinic circles hashem, The Name, is rarely said
and not completely written in reverential respect. In this book, hashem, The
Name, is written thus with the hopes that It will awaken and instill in the
reader a more reverential fear for the Almighty Creator and Sustainer of life
with Whom we have to do.
The emphasis on
the Hebrew names is an endeavor to remove us from our western world view and
help set us in the proper culture and time.
In studying the festivals,
it is becoming more apparent how Hellenism has turned things upside down. It is
my heart's desire that G-d will enable us to read just our priorities and,
instead of trying to squeeze G-d into our life, that we come to the place where
we have to squeeze our 'life' into our relationship with G-d.
The Order For The Day
The central
focus of the synagogue service is 'joy.' Normal decorum and seriousness are
waived in order to enter into unrestrained joy In commemoration of the
redemption of the Jews from death and extinction. Purim is considered a 'minor
festival' in that work on this day is permitted, although it is not considered
proper. The Torah reading for Purim morning is Exodus 17:8-16.
The Fast Of Ester
On the 13th* of
Adar (fasting is not permitted during Nisan), the Fast of Ester is observed in
remembrance of the 3 day/3 night fast of Mordekhay, Ester and all Yisrael on
the 14th (day), 15th (night & day), 16th (night & day) and 17th (night)
of Nisan.1 The practice of fasting by Yisrael is observed whenever they are
faced with war. The aim of the fast is to affirm that "not by might,
nor by power" [Zech. 4:6b] but by the power of the L-rd alone does
Yisrael prevail in battle. During this fast we are to recall that G-d accepts
each person's penitence and prayer in the hour of his trouble. On the 13th of
Nisan, Haman (descendent of Amalek) wrote his decree to destroy and annihilate
the Jews on the 13th of Adar.
Special selihot
(penitential prayers) are recited in addition to those of a regular fast-day,
and the fast-day portion of the Torah is read [Ex 32:11-14, 34:1-10].
*If the 13th of
Adar falls on Shabbat, the fast is observed the preceding Thursday, the l1th of
Adar, since the fast must precede the festival.
Purim Katan
Minor Purim,
Purim Katan, is the name given to the 14th and 15th days of the first month of
Adar in a leap year. Purim is celebrated during the second Adar because that is
the date of the original Purim (which occurred in a leap year) and because the
Rabbis want to keep the period of the redemption of Ester as close as possible
to the redemption of the Yisraelites from Egypt which is celebrated in the
following month, Nisan.
Purim Katan has
few of the features of Purim: the Megillah is not read, no gifts are sent to
the poor, the Al ha-Nissim prayer is not said, and Tahanun is not recited on
these days. It is considered a minor occasion of rejoicing, however, and
fasting and funeral eulogies are prohibited as with Purim.
Overview Of The Book of Ester
We open the
story at a time of peace and prosperity as witnessed by the Persian king's,
Ahashverosh's, 180 day feast and the fact that the Princes of Paras/Persia and
Maday/Media were enjoying the mild winter climate with the king in the capital
city of Shushan.
According to the
Rabbis, the 180 day banquet of Ahashverosh was concluded on the 8th of Nisan.
That means it began on the 8th of Tishri, 482/3 BCE, in the third year of the
reign of Ahashverosh, Xerxes 1. The 8th of Tishri is the anniversary of
Solomon's feast of dedication of the First Temple. The feast of Ahashverosh was
deliberately scheduled for the same day to signify the assumption that he had
become heir to Solomon's throne and glory.
When
Ahashverosh's royal banquet ended, Ahashverosh proclaimed a local banquet for
the people of Shushan which was to last for 7 days: from the 9th of Nisan to
the 15th, the first day of Passover. The chief instigator of this banquet was
Haman who (as a vessel of haSatan) schemed to trap the Jews into sin [Drash
L'Purim]. For, you see, G-d's chosen separated-people, had specific duties
with which they were to be involved prior to and in preparation for the
Passover...and to know to do something and not do it, is sin [James 4:17].
G-d's chosen
people forsook the commandments and love of their G-d and, aspiring
assimilation (remember the gymnasium and the prelude to Chanukah?), joined
themselves to the world, eating and drinking at Ahashverosh's banquet. All of
G-d's people, except for the household of Mordekhay, who, as a member of the
Sanhedrin and a leader of the Jews (who, as we will see, often lead no one),
proclaimed that no good would come from such actions.
At the banquet,
on the seventh day, the king desired to have his Queen present. He sent for
Vashti, a descendent of the Babylonian dynasty (Belshazzar's daughter,
Nebuchadnezzar's granddaughter), who despised Ahashverosh and, consequently,
was not only holding her own banquet but demeaned the king publicly by refusing
to come at his command.
At the counsel
of his wise men, Ahashverosh has Vashti banished from the kingdom and four
years later, on the 10th month, Tevet, year 479/8 BCE, (which, 314/3 years
later, becomes Chanukah, the purification and rededication of the Second Temple
by the Maccabees, 25th of Kislev to the 3rd of Tevet) there appears before him,
the Jewish virgin, Hadassa whom he makes his Queen. Hadassa whose name is
changed to Ester, is a descendent of King Saul--whose assignment it was to
annihilate all the Amalekites.
In the interim,
Haman (descendent of King Agag, king of the Amalekites, whom G-d told King Saul
to slay and he disobeyed) has been appointed the number two man in the kingdom,
second only to Ahashverosh. Mordekhay once again leads his people (and no one
follows) in refusing to bow before Haman as has been royally decreed.
Consequently, Haman (once again led by the power of haSatan), secures the
king's permission and issues an annihilation proclamation on the 13th of Nisan [Ester
3:12]. (As an aside, the Chief Priests and captains made covenant with
another of haSatan's representatives, Judas Iscariot, on the 13th of Nisan to
kill Yeshua.2 But back to Ester.... The Rabbis believe that Haman's decree was
a 'judgment' for the transgression of the Jews, who the year before had joined
in the Shushan festivities in that very same week forsaking the commandments of
G-d. G-d has commanded His believers in 2 Cor. 6:1 7 to "...come
out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the L-rd, and touch not
the unclean [thing]: and I will receive you."
Queen Ester, led
by Mordekhay, calls for a 3 day/3 night fast from the 'day' of the 14th to the
'night' of the 17th of Nisan--remember G-d's time sequence: the evening and the
morning were the first day [Gen. l:5]. Tradition says the fast was an
atonement for the Jewish transgression during the week of the festivities. G-d
says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name,
shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin,
and will heal their land. " At the risk of her life, Queen Ester
appears of her own volition before the king's throne. Holding out his golden
scepter, Ahashverosh accepted Queen Ester into his presence and under his
protection. The date: the 16th of Nisan. He also accepted her invitation to the
banquet which she had prepared for him and Haman to be held that day.
The Jew's
transgression is now to be erased through a reversal of situations. In place of
the Shushan feast, where the Jews ate defiled food as the guests of Ahashverosh
and Haman, the king and Haman were now to be the guests of Ester at a feast
which she was to prepare in accordance with G-d's dietary commandments. (Ester
was a vegetarian in the palace so as not to eat defiled foods. Sound familiar?
Remember Daniel and his three friends?!)
Ester's first
banquet of wine was given on the day she extended her invitation--this was done
to indicate the urgency of her unrequested presence before the king. However,
Ester was still fasting the day of the 16th, and, consequently, could not break
her vow to partake of her own meal. She therefore requested that Ahashverosh
and Haman come dine again the next day, the 17th of Nisan. This time Ester was
able to join in the festivities, "So the king and Haman came to
drink with Ester the queen. " [Ester 7.-ll]
The kingdom
changed quickly as the evil which Haman had plotted was brought to light before
the king who, consequently, was enraged and had Haman hanged on the 17th of
Nisan on the gallows Haman had built for Mordekhay. Ahashverosh appointed
Mordekhay (in place of Haman) second in command over the kingdom with the
authority to issue decrees of his choosing for self-defense and the defense of
his brethren. This immediate reversal of Ahashverosh's policies and the
proclaimed salvation of G-d's chosen people came on the anniversary of King
Hezekiah's rededication of Solomon's Temple [2 Chron. 29:l7-20]:
* 17 Now they began on the first [day] of the
first month [Nisan] to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came
they to the porch of the L-RD: so they sanctified the house of the L-RD
in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the
first month they made an end.
× 18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and
said, We have cleansed all the house of the L-RD, and the altar of burnt
offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread table, with
all the vessels thereof
× 19 Moreover all the vessels, which king Ahaz
in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and
sanctified, and, behold, they [are] before the altar of the L-RD.
× 20 Then Hezekiah the king rose early
[the 17th of Nisan], and gathered the rulers of the
city, and went up to the house of the L-RD [to
dedicate the Temple, consecrate the Jewish nation and uphold the keeping of the
Passover.
Remember, 'coincidence' is NOT a kosher word!
and What?
We sound noise makers (raashanim, in Hebrew;
gregger, in Yiddish) upon hearing Haman's name as a 'play on words.' In the
Hebrew, 'erasing' and 'beating' are phonetically alike. Remember that Haman is
the descendent of Amalek. When the children of Yisrael came out of Egypt "and
tested the L-rd, saying Is the L-rd among us, or not? Then came Amalek,
and fought with Yisrael in Rephidim" (which means 'supports'
like the props of a litter--Amalek trying to destroy Yisrael's foundation) [Ex.
17:7b-81. Here it is interesting to note 'who' had war with Amalek: "And
Moses said unto Yehoshua/Joshua (a 'type' of Christ) choose us
out men, and go out, fight with Amalek..." [Ex. 17:9a]. "And
the L-rd said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book and
rehearse it in the ears of Yehoshua/Joshua: for I will utterly put out (erase)
the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar,
and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi (the L-rd is my miracle): For he
said, Because the L-rd hath sworn that the L-rd will have war
with Amalek from generation to generation." [Ex.17:14-16]
The miracle of Purim brought Yisrael to a 'second'
acceptance of the Torah, a word derived from the root word 'yarah' which means
"to shoot straight." (It is interesting that the definition of
"sin" is "to miss the mark.") The result of wiping out
Amalek (haSatan, the adversary) always leads to the acceptance of the Torah,
G-d's direction, guidance and instruction.
Why is Mordekhay cheered?
There are two ways in which holiness is revealed in
the world: either through the victory of the just or through the downfall of
the wicked. G-d desires the phrase of the just. When Yisrael (or any of G-d's
chosen) acts justly, the righteous are exalted, and G-d's praise rises from
them. When Yisrael (or any of G-d's chosen) lacks merit, salvation comes
through the downfall of those more wicked than they. But then there is lack of
joy in the world. The rejoicing which comes from 'blessed is Mordekhay' is
greater than that which is a result of 'cursed is Haman' even though whenever
Amalek (haSatan, the adversary) is wiped out, it is as if the Divine Presence,
the Shechinah, were revealed in the world, and that is a great occasion for
perfect joy!
Why do we give
gifts on Purim?
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The mitzvot,
commandments, of Misloah Manot and Matianot Le-evyonim (The Giving of Gifts to
One Another and the Giving of Gifts to The Poor) commemorate the brotherly
love and unity which Mordekhay and Ester awoke among all Jews (and,
hopefully, will stir among us). For Amalek's (haSatan's) strength rests on
those brethren who become weakened for lack of obedience to Torah,
instruction, and the Mitzvot, commandments of G-d, (cf. Hosea 4:6).
Just as the Jews (the brethren) who gathered in defense of their lives in
response to Haman's decree and were thereby saved from calamity, we are
bidden in every generation to strengthen our inner unity so that our enemies
might not achieve dominion over us. |
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Why is wine an important part of Purim? The miracle of Purim comes through wine: The Jews reaped the retributive Haman Decree because
they participated in the wine feast of Ahashverosh where they ate defiled
food and did not keep the mitzvot, commandments of G-d. This transgression
gave place to Amalek (a 'type' of haSatan, the adversary) and the possible
total annihilation of the Jews, the only lineage through which the Messiah
could come. Vashti (a 'type' of pride) was removed from the
throne (the kingdom) the last day of the wine feast of Ahashverosh, and Ester
(a 'type' of 'humble heart submitted to the will of G-d') replaced her. The downfall of Haman (a 'type' of haSatan, the
adversary) was brought about at the 'communion' banquet of wine with
Ahashverosh (a 'type' of G-d) and Ester (a 'type' of believer). All
redemption comes through the Blood. |
Why is Ester included in the Tenach, the
Bible?
Looking at all the 'types' and 'pictures'
represented in and by the Book of Ester, Yeshua answered this question in Heb.
10:7 when He said, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is
@written of me,)..." See "More Pictures and Food for
Thought" included in this study.
The Rabbis say that by leading her people to
repent, Ester led them on the road to perfection. She showed them the way to
return to their Creator. She taught them and all future generations, that trust
in G-d is the beacon for the Jewish nation (and for any nation/people who
believe in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Yisrael/Jacob), which leads them on
their long journey into safety. For so doing, she earned inclusion in the
Tenach, the very essence of eternity.
The scroll of Purim is the continuation of a book
which will come to an end at the Great White Throne of judgment when Amalek
(haSatan) will be completely erased and G-d's sovereignty will be fully
manifest.
Jewish tradition holds that the Feast of Purim will
be the only festival that survives throughout all eternity. As a 'type' of 'the
reign' of the spirit, that is true: the walk in the spirit will be 'normal' and
the only walk throughout eternity.
What have we learned?
1) G-d is faithful to His promises to all
generations [Gen. 12:31 which gives all believers hope and security.
2) G-d places us where we are for such a time as this.
3) We have a responsibility to act, if G-d's will is to be carried out.
4) The power in unity.
5) The call to humbling prayer and fasting.
6) The call to action.
7) G-d desires to use people who are available to serve His Will.
More Pictures And Food
For Thought
The First Adam and the Last Adam
Vashti being caught up in pride and self-will, represents
a 'type' of Adam/Eve who is banished from the kingdom, here a 'type' of Gan
Eden/Garden of Eden, for refusal to obey Ahashverosh's (here a 'type' of G-d's)
commandments. Ester's appearance on the scene in Tevet, 4 years after Vashti's
banishment represents the highlight in G-d's plan of redemption: here Ester is
a 'type' of Last Adam/Yeshua who, 4000 years after the First Adam was banished
from Gan Eden, is sent to reign in his stead. Note that Ester, the 'Last Adam,'
begins her reign at Chanukah, the time of the conception of Yeshua in Mary's
womb.
Yisrael and Amalek are both 'first':"Yisrael was holiness unto the L-rd, and the
first fruits of his increase... " [Jer. 2.,3]. "Amalek was the
first of the nations..." [Num. 24:20]; not the 'first' of the nations
to come into existence, but the 'first' of the nations to come against Yisrael.
Yisrael is, therefore, the 'root of holiness' and Amalek is 'root of
defilement.' (Remember, it isn't enough to kill the 'fruit' of defilement, the
'root' must die.)
Jacob went into Egypt for 430 years: a bill of debt Isaac's
descendants were required to pay because G-d said "the iniquity of the
Amorites [is] not yet full." [Gen.15:13,16; Ex 12:40] (Amorites means
'mouth'/'blatant pride,' the root of all sin.) Esau did NOT go; his mouthy
pride was not destroyed. When Jacob's/Yisrael's debt was paid and they emerged
from bondage free men, "Then came Amalek..." [Ex 17:8] Amalek
is the grandson of Esau. [Gen. 36:12] Haman, the Agagite, is the
descendent of Amalek. [Ester 3:1] The 'picture' here: pride must be
destroyed before salvation can be received. When salvation (Yeshua, in Hebrew)
is manifest, Amalek/haSatan comes. [Matt. 4:11 When the Jews were
released from the Babylonian captivity, "then came Amalek" who
thwarted the rebuilding of the Second Temple, the wall and the city of
Yerushalayim, and eventually manifest as Haman's total annihilation decree
(remember, the Persian Empire included all of Yisrael).
There is an interesting prophetic thread woven
here: Amorite means 'mouth/blatant pride.' Haman is a 'type' of the False
Messiah. In Rev. 13:5-6, the False Messiah is depicted by 'the mouth.' As soon
as "the iniquity of the Amorites [is]...full," the False
Messiah will be slain just as were his prototypes, Pharaoh and Haman.
Another parallel is our being in "Egypt"
for 4030 years and Yeshua's paying our debt that year so that any who believe
on Him can be free men. But let us take heed and remember "then came
Amalek:" When Israel came out of Egypt, G-d had them wander in the
wilderness to humble them, to prove them, to know what was in their heart,
whether they would keep His commandments, or not. [Deu. 8:2] How many
came out of Egypt?: 600,000 men plus women, children, and the mixed
multitude--or approximately 3-4 million people. Because of their unbelief and
refusal to wholly follow the L-rd, a number of them died in the wilderness. [Heb.
3:19 & Num. 32:11] How many men that came out of Egypt over the age of
20 entered the promised land? Two: Joshua and Caleb, the only two men who
walked by faith refusing to be moved by what they saw.
The opposing agendas
On the 13th of Nisan, in preparation for
deliverance/the Passover, G-d issued the annihilation decree of Bedikat
Chametz: "out with leaven/out with sin."
On the 13th of Nisan, in preparation for
destruction, Haman (haSatan) issues an annihilation decree: "out with the
Jews (The Messiah)/out with righteousness."
The Persian Empire was vast but no details are lost
It took 3 months for news to travel to all the ends
of the Persian Empire. The annihilation proclamation was issued on the 13th of
Nisan. 336 days later, on the 13th and 14th of Adar, the battle was fought.
What do G-d's numbers mean? Here we have a pair of
opposites: 13 is the scriptural number representing 'sin & depravity,' 14
is the scriptural number representing 'salvation & deliverance.' 336: 3 is
the scriptural number representing 'resurrection,' 36 is the scriptural number
representing 'enemy.' If we add 3,3,6 together we get 12 which is the scriptural
number representing 'divine power, rule and authority.' All of the details add
to G-d's pictures; He wastes no words!
Ester is also a picture of 'the inner man.' the inner self, who
takes his cues from the Holy Spirit (Mordekhay).
Ester died the 'day' she committed to go before the
king
Ester fasted for 3 days = she was dead for three
days.
On the 3rd day she arose to go in to the king who
holds out his golden scepter whereby Ester by faith obtains his favor/grace and
deliverance from the law of death.
That's why Ester went in to the king on the 3rd day
even though she was still fasting and could not partake of her own banquet and,
consequently, had to hold a 2nd banquet to eat and drink (have communion) with
the king the next day at which time evil is destroyed and righteousness reigns
in the kingdom.
(See the 'picture' here: Resurrection happens on
the 3rd day. Remember Isaac 'died' the day G-d called Abraham to sacrifice his
son. Three days later Abraham and Isaac climbed Mt. Moriah, the same mountain
on which Yeshua was to be sacrificed, and Isaac was resurrected--given back to
Abraham--when G-d provided "Himself a lamb" Gen. 22:8.)
But lets go one step further and look at another
picture, remembering when Yeshua said "Lo, I come (in the volume of the
book it is written of me,) " [Heb. 10:7] He was speaking of
the Tenach, the Older Testament (the Newer Testament having not been written
yet). So let's look at Ester in light of Jonah: Yeshua said in Matt. 12:40,
"For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly,
so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the
heart of the earth." Yeshua was crucified on the 14th of Nisan;
Ester's fast, 'death to self,' began on the 14th of Nisan. Three days and three
nights later, on the 17th of Nisan, in communion with the Father G-d, Yeshua
triumphs over haSatan and is restored to life by the Spirit having purchased
eternal life for all those that believe on Him. Three days and three nights
later, on the 17th of Nisan, in communion with Ahashverosh, Ester triumphs over
Haman and is granted her life and the life of her people.
Ahashverosh is a 'picture' of the conscious life: When Ahashverosh cleaned
out the ruling house in his kingdom (Haman's house, 'the flesh,' which gives
place to haSatan, the adversary), he immediately filled it with and gave
unlimited power to Mordekhay ('the Holy Spirit'). (cf. Luke 11:16, the
warning of the swept house.)
Notice the king did not change: ('We' do not change
when we become submitted to the Spirit: we are still 'us.') What changes is the
kingdom. As long as Haman ('the flesh') is in power the whole kingdom (sphere
of influence) is affected. Notice there is no peace in the kingdom as long as
Haman is ruling from the throne. Haman's decree was a decree of death while
Mordekhay's decree was a decree of life. (cf. Rom. 8:6: "For to
be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and
peace.") Also notice the king is unaware of Haman's evil intentions
(cf. Jer. 17:9. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and
desperately wicked: who can know it?") until they are revealed to him
by Mordekhay ('the Holy Spirit') through Ester ('a yielded vessel,' cf. Prov.
27:l7). Notice also that 'the flesh' (Haman) is in power until it is put to
death (Gal. 5:17: "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the
Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other..."
Rom. 8:7: "Because the carnal mind is enmity against G-d..." When
Haman ('the flesh') is out of the house and Mordekhay ('the Holy Spirit') is
in, the result, " the work of righteousness, shall be peace: and
the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." [Is.
32:17]
The Book of Ester is the Older Testament version of
the Book of Romans teaching us about the law of the flesh and the law of the
Spirit. G-d brought us out of Egypt and into the wilderness where the evil of
the flesh is revealed, and the battle of the flesh and the Spirit to rule takes
place ("And thou shalt remember all the way which the L-rd thy
G-d led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to
prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest
keep His commandments , or no." Deut. 8:2) Moving into the promised
land requires a resolution to walk in the Spirit (trust in the instruction and
promises of G-d; cf. Caleb and Yehoshua/Joshua) and not be moved by the flesh
(cf. the 'other ten spies' who, by the way, were condemned to die in the
wilderness because they chose to walk by physical sight!).
The flesh must be crucified:
Haman's name meant "the root of
defilement" (as a descendent of Amalek), and his seed, the fruit of
defilement as witnessed by the names of his ten sons, are
hanged/impaled on a tree:
Parshandata (his name meant
curious self, busy body, meddler)
Dalfon (his name meant self
pity)
Aspata (his name meant self
sufficient)
Portata (his name meant spend
thrift, self indulgent)
Adalya (his name meant
inferiority, self-conscious)
Aridata (his name meant strong
self, assertive self)
Parmashta (his name meant
preeminent self, competitive)
Arisay (his name meant bold
self, imprudent)
Ariday (his name meant proud,
haughty, superior)
Vayzata (his name meant self
righteous)
The death of the self life is the first evidence
that one has discovered the secret of victory. (Rom. 8:13b: "...but if
ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. ")
The death of the self life is visible to all: Haman and his ten sons were hanged/impaled
for all to see. (Remember this lesson; G-d will emphasize it again during the
festival of Pesach.)
Question for further exploration: What is the
parallel between Haman's ten sons and the ten nations that follow the False
Messiah in Rev. 13?
The Book of Ester is a 'picture' of how to walk in the Spirit:
1) Expose Haman (the flesh'). (1 Cor. 1:29:
"...no flesh should glory in His presence.")
2) Acknowledge the new decree of Mordekhay has been
set in place over (not replacing) the old decree of Haman. (The law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus--revelation over reason--supersedes the law of
sin and death--reason over revelation.) [cf. Rom. 8:2.]
3) Crucify Haman and his seed ('the flesh') on the
cross.
Salvation Is of the Jews: It is interesting to
note that Mordekhay wrote letters to all 127 provinces in the empire: 100 is
the number for the 'elect' (G-d's chosen) and 27 is the number representing the
proclamation of the gospel (cf "Ye worship ye know not what: we
know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. " John 4:22).
Remember, coincidence is not a kosher
word!
Rejoicing before the fact is an act and sign of
faith:
Upon receiving Mordekhay's decree, "The Jews had light, and
gladness, and joy, and honor,... a
feast and a holiday" [vs. 8:16-17]. G-d's presence had manifested: "Glory
- -light/Yeshua--and honor are in His presence; strength--"the
joy of the L-rd is your strength," Neh. 8:1Oc--and gladness
are in His place." [1 Chr.16:27.] The physical battle was y
e t to be fought, but in the spirit realm, the battle was already won. (Sound
like Jericho?) Notice the very next verse says: "And many of the people
of the land became Jews..." Their witness was effective: "Be
careful [worried] for nothing,- -but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto G-d
and "the power of G-d revealed "a peace that passeth
all understanding." (Phil: 4:6- 7)
The road from self to salvation:
Vashti ('pride, self') is banished from the king.
The king seeks to fill the void in his life.
The king fills the void with Ester
('humility and submission').
Ester brings Mordekhay, a Jew, ("salvation')
to the king. ("Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship:
for salvation is of the Jews,..." John 4:22).
Mordekhay is a 'type' of the Holy Spirit. The Holy
Spirit's job is to restore fellowship with G-d. (cf. Rom. 8:15: "...ye
have received the Spirit of adoption.") Mordekhay adopted
Ester. Mordekhay guided the king.
Ester's Feast [vs. 2:18]:
A) Held by Ahashverosh, the 'venerable father,' the
king
1. For his princes and
servants
2. Proclaimed release from
taxes (bondage)
3. Giving of gifts
Do you see any parallel
to
the
Marriage Supper of the Lamb?
Mordekhay is a 'Picture' of the future: The last verse of the Book
of Ester, vs. 10:3, states "For Mordekhay the Jew [was] next
unto king Ahashverosh, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the
multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth [good] of his people, and
speaking peace to all his seed." Here Mordekhay is a 'picture' of
Yeshua but this time during The Millennial Reign: Second only to G-d the
Father, Yeshua, now crowned King of kings and L-rd of lords, will be accepted
by His brethren at His 1000 year reign on earth when He brings peace and good
to His seed. (See the parallel 'picture' with Joseph, Pharaoh and Joseph's
brethren?)
G-d's name is encrypted in the plot line five times (5 is the
number for grace) in the Hebrew as acrostics although His Name is never
mentioned verbatim in the Book of Ester: The acrostics appear in vs. 1:25,
5:4, 5:13, 7:7, 7:5. When the words are spoken by a Jew, the acrostic reads
from right to left (as does Hebrew). When the words are spoken by a gentile,
the acrostic reads from left to right. The first four acrostics are Jehovah."
The last acrostic is "I am."
Two's:
* Ahashverosh ruled over the power of
two empires: Persia/Paras and Media/Maday
* Ahashverosh's 2 feasts: nobles and great & small
* Two queens: Vashti & Ester
* Virgins gathered a second time [vs. 2:19]
* Ester appears before Ahashverosh two times without being called
[vs.5:1-2, 8:3-4]
* Ester's two banquets of wine [vs. 5:6, 7:2]
* Two people invited to Ester's banquets of wine
* Two chamberlain/keepers of the door sought to lay hand on
Ahashverosh: Bigtana & Teresh
* Two decrees for retaliation [vs. 8:5, 9:14]
* Two days of fighting in Shushan [vs. 9:13,15]
* Haman's sons killed twice: killed and hung [vs. 9:12-13]
* Two "second in command" to Ahashverosh: Haman & Mordekhay
* Two letters of Purim [vs. 9:29]
Sevens:
Seven chamberlain sent for
Vashti, a 'type' of pride.
Seven Princes: knew law and judgement of Persia and Media and saw the king's
face who sat first in the kingdom and were called to execute the law over
Vashti.
Seven maids given to Ester.
Seven spirits:
'Of the World' Ahashverosh I Cor. 2:11
'Anti-Christ' Haman I John 4:3
'Holy Spirit' Mordekhay John 16:13
'Pride' Vashti Prov. 16:18
'Humble' Ester Prov. 29:23
'Contrite' Jews Ps. 34:18
'Fear of the L-rd' Zeresh Is. 11:2
Seven feasts:
Ahashverosh's 180 day feast
Ahashverosh's 7 day Shushan feast
Ester's Feast held by Ahashverosh
Ester's first feast for Ahashverosh and Haman
Ester's second feast for Ahashverosh and Haman
The Feast of Rejoicing (by Jews 'before' battle)
The Feast of Purim
Other sevens:
Seven day feast of Ahashverosh for great
and small.
Seventh day, Ahashverosh's heart was merry with wine.
Seventh day, Vashti summoned, disobeyed, and banished.
Seventh year of king's reign, he takes a bride/queen.
Scripture summaries of the Book of Ester:
Psalm 30: " 1 If <<A Psalm [and] Song [at] the
dedication of the house of David.>> I will extol thee, 0
L-RD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to
rejoice over me. 2 0 L-RD my G-d, I cried unto thee, and thou hast
healed me. 3 0 L-RD, thou hast brought up my soul from
the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down
to the pit. 4 Sing unto the L-RD, 0 ye saints of his, and give thanks at
the remembrance of his holiness. 5 For his anger [endureth but] a
moment: in his favor [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy
[cometh] in the morning. 6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be
moved. 7 L-RD, by thy favor thou hast made my mountain to stand strong:
thou didst hide thy face, [and] I was troubled. 8 I cried to
thee, 0 L-RD; and unto the L-RD I made supplication).
9 What profit [is there] in my blood, when I go down to the pit?
Shall the dust praise thee? 10 Hear, 0 L-RD, and have mercy upon me:
L-RD, be thou my helper. 11 Thou hast turned for me my
mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me
with gladness; 12 To the end that [my] glory may sing
praise to thee, and not be silent. 0 L-RD my G-d, I will
give thanks unto thee for ever.
2 Cor. 2:14: "Now thanks be unto
G-d which always causeth us to triumph in Christ and maketh manifest the
savor of His knowledge by us in every place."
Gal.2:20. "I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now
live in the
flesh I live by the faith of the Son of G-d, who gave Himself for me."
Bonus: Prayers of The Bible – Prayers From The Life
of Yeshua
Mark 8:1-9
Torah Nuggets:[i]
Click
link for
Torah Portion Teaching:
Messianic
Israel Ministries Torah Study
Halacha – The Way One Walks or Goes- Derived from
the Hebrew word “Halakh” which means “To Walk”. The Way to follow the Torah/Word of God.
In this weeks Torah Portion, what is God
saying to me today about my walk with Him?
How can I apply this Torah Portion with
my walk with Yeshua this week?
Bible Study Nuggets From Daily Bible Reading:
Golden Nuggets From Gods Word: (Write
the Revelations and Insights you have received from Him today)
Word to Hide in my Heart:
(Write memory Verse of your choosing)
Word from the Lord (Write out verse,
quote or anything that was spoken to you by the Ruach HaKodesh/The Holy Spirit.
Today I
will…. (write down how you will apply what the Lord has spoken to your heart
through His Holy Word to your daily walk with Him in your Journal.)
Daily Prayer Guide For Your Prayer/Tefillah
Journal
Worship Time - Psalm
100:4 “I will adore you Adonai” Put in your favorite Worship CD or Tape and Praise
Adonai-See Amidah #1-4 Below and Shema
Waiting Time - Psalm
62:5 – I will wait in Your presence and surrender my thoughts to you! Clear
your mind of the clutter and focus on Ha Shem.
Confession
& Repentance /Tishuvah Time -1 John 1:9 – I will ask and receive forgiveness for my
sins –Write down what you need forgiveness or deliverance from so you may walk
in Holiness. –See Amidah #5-6 Below
See below for Personal Word Confessions to build up your Faith and
Spirit and to plant the Word in Your Heart
Intercession Time –Ezekial
22:30-31 I will stand in the Gap for
the world and for others as Yeshua is doing for us as our High Priest at the
right hand of The Father
31 Day Cycle of Prayer for the World…(Use a
World Atlas to help you pray for the World)
Today’s Countries to Pray for are:
Click Here For Map of World and Countries
Israel – Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem Daily
*Daily Prayer Reminders: See
Amidah #11-12, 14-17 Below
1 Timothy 2:1 1 First
of all, then, I counsel that petitions, prayers, intercessions and
thanksgivings be made for all human beings, 2 Including kings and
all in positions of prominence; so that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives,
being godly and upright in everything. 3 This is what God, our
deliverer, regards as good; this is what meets his approval.[3]
President,
Government Leaders, Family, Friends, Church, Ministers, Spouse, Children,
Ministries, Schools, Salvation, Missions, World Revival – See 40 Day Prayer
Focus Below
Petition Time – My Abba
Father hears me when I pray and answers when I pray in faith/trust and
according to His Word. Write down personal petitions for today. See Amidah #7-8 Below
Watching
Time – Colossians 4:2a – I will
keep watch in the spirit and be alert to what & who I need to pray
for. See
Amdiah #13
Prayer Alert: Today Adonai
has specifically laid these people upon my heart to pray for: Write it down in
your Prayer Journal
Listening Time: Psalm
85:8 Write down what Ruach HaKodesh/The Holy Spirit has revealed to you today
in Prayer.
List 5 Things your are
thankful to G-d for today in your Prayer Journal (You can print one out below)
In
Tefillah/Prayer: Always Pray the Word and Pray in the Ruach and Pray
Always with ALL Prayer…..
Praise, Waiting, Confession, Singing,
Watching, Intercession, Petition, Thanksgiving, Devotions, Meditation,
Listening and Praise
Suggested Prayer
Books: Prayer’s That Avail Much Volumes
1,2 and 3 by Germain Copeland[ii] and The Artscroll Seder Series[iii].
The Prayers of
a Righteous Person are Powerful and Effective –James 5:16
Click on
the Links for Daily Prayer and Bible Study helps
Torah/Bible
Study Helps
Lots and Lots of Study Helps, Concordances,
Commentaries, Various Translations Etc.
First
Century Judaism/Christianity
Eddie Chumney’s Hebrew Roots Website
The Sabbath and
Biblical Festivals
Learn about the Sabbath and Feasts of YHWH
Eddie Chumney’s Hebrew Roots Website
Learn about the Tabernacle
Eddie Chumney’s Hebrew Roots Website
Recommended Reading For Further Study
Messiah Volume 1, 2 and 3 Avi Ben Mordachi
http://www.millennium7000.com/
Restoring the Two Houses of Israel- Eddie Chumney
The Feasts of Messiah – Eddie Chumney
Who is The Bride of Christ-Eddie Chumney
Who is Israel – Angus and Batya Wooten
Restoring Israels Kingdom – Angus and Batya Wooten
First Fruits of Zion – Torah Club Volume 1,2,3, 4
and 5
Prayer Helps
Shemoneh
Esreh-Amidah and Ha Adonai Tefillah/The Lords Prayer
Traditional
Jewish Prayers and Blessings
(Jewish Website
by D’vorah, Click here for more insights into Jewish Prayer)
(Daily
Petitions to Yahweh)
(to
build up your faith)
Who I am In Messiah
Scriptures
(What
Yeshua did for you)
Click Here
to Return to Index Page
Lots more to See and Read !
Baruch HaShem Adonai –
Shalom B’Shem Yeshua Ha Mashiach
Deborah
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Ministries/Debra E. Brandt