Gods411 : But They Took No Plunder

But They Took No Plunder

But They Took No Plunder: A Lesson In Staying Close To God

Did you notice that this phrase appears 3 times in chapter 9 (Verses 10, 15, 16)? When you are reading the Bible and something appears once, you might take note of it. If it appears twice, there might be something there, if it appears three times or more, GOD really wants you to understand this point.

So, when I read this phrase I started asking myself, what is GOD trying to tell us? Here is what I believe HE is speaking to us. As we have read in the Old Testament, when an army would conquer another army, they usually had the right to plunder that conquered army. Unless directed not to by GOD, as we saw with king Saul. But, in this case they were even GIVEN the right to plunder by the king (8:11). So why did they not plunder?

I believe they were not greedy and did not want greed to cause them to sin,

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they wanted to keep their hearts in the right place with GOD. Try and put yourself in their shoes and imagine if you would have had the same attitude? They had a decree that it was open season on all Jews, I can imagine that they were in fear for their lives and maybe went into hiding. Then the decree came, to protect themselves, the Bible tells us it was a time of celebration (8:15-17).

So what lesson can we pull from this? There are going to be bad times, good times, and great times in life. It is easy to stay close to GOD and keep all HIS commands when things are not going good. We are trying to get back into HIS protection and blessing. But, when things are going well it is easy to forget to stay connected, or maybe it is not that important. I know that I have done this in the past.

We need to strive to stay close to GOD when things are going well. This means keeping HIS commands, praying, reading HIS word. Challenge yourself, see how long you can stay in the LORD's blessings!

Yesterday, we left off with the hanging of Haman, but, even though he was dead, his evil scheme to destroy the Jews was still in place. Queen Esther knew that she had to stop the destruction of her people. Queen Esther, being as tactful as she was, worked the king to stop the evil scheme, the Jews were saved.But, that was not the end of the story. Through Queen Esther's efforts a new Jewish Holiday; Purim was created, and Mordecai was exalted to greatness.

Related Blog Post: Is Our Earth Suffering From Our Greed?

Bringing the Bible Alive

The month of Sivan 23 fell in the month of June 474BC. (8:9)

Since the first decree to destory the Jews could not be revoked. The second decree allowed the Jews to form their own militia group. (8:11)

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Did you notice while you were reading the humility of Queen Esther? Even though she was Queen, she was extemely humble and servant hearted towards the king. When she was given Haman's estate, she passed it on to Mordecai. When asked what she wanted by the king, she wanted the safety of her people. Even in the end of the story it tells the greatness of Mordecai while Queen Esther remians quietly in the background.

Scripture Reading

Meanwhile, the remainder of the Jews who were in the king's provinces also assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of them but they took no the plunder. - Esther 9:16

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Thank You Father for Your great word. Father I pray that I can apply this to my life everyday and continue to connect and seek You in good and bad times. I pray for those that are struggling Lord and I pray that they will come to know the AWESOME love You give, and ONLY You can give.

I love You and I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.