(ch 30 verse 6) And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.(ESV)
(verse 10) I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (ESV)
Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
(chapter 6 verse 13) And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” (ESV)
(ch 28 verse 17) The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbour, David.(ESV)
(verse 14) For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (ESV)
(verse 14) For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (ESV)
Divine providence – can be bitter; faith testing; not fatalistic; comprehensive; for the good of the people of God.
A powerful challenge – Mordecai reminds Esther – she is one of God’s people, she will be under God’s judgement, she may be part of God’s providence.
Sincere responses – Esther respects and loves Mordecai, she puts her own life in danger, she is earnest.
A different king – no one is allowed to disturb this king; how different our King – He is approachable; this king has no concern for his people; our King came among us and lived with us; this king was unpredictable; our King is unchangeable.
Nabal – ‘the fool’; does not recognise the Lord’s anointed, David, as king; Jesus is the anointed one, it is the foolish who reject Him, they will perish
David – is alone, provides for his men lawfully, has extreme reactions, listens to advice.
Abigail – a beautiful and wise woman; she recognises David as king; she stops David doing something bad that will mar his kingship; results in marrying the king; receiving Jesus as Lord and saviour we become his bride.
God – One who rules; One who vindicates; One who preserves from doing wrong.