Esther 9:18-10:3

9:18-19 | The final feast described in the book is that of Purim (sometimes called the Feast of Esther) and is still celebrated by Jews today to commemorate the deliverance of God’s people at the hands of Esther and Mordecai. At last the Jews knew rest and gladness (Deut. 25:19).

9:26 | The Book of Esther (also called the Megillah) is still read aloud during Purim and the congregation shouts and boos whenever Haman is mentioned in order to drown out his name. Feasting and gift-giving are part of the ceremony, as is dressing in masks or costumes. Purim is preceded by the fast of Esther, a one-day fast to commemorate the three-day fast recorded in 4:16.

9:29-32 | Even in their new positions of authority, Esther and Mordecai continued to work together to bring words of peace and truth to the Jews. They never forgot where they came from or God’s purpose in bringing them into power (Rom. 8:28).

10:1-3 | In this apparent postscript, we learn that Mordecai became second in the kingdom, much like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon. Not only did his obedience gain him the favor of God and man, but he spent his years doing what every leader should do: seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen (Ps. 122:8-9).