May 31
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XERXES: WISE AND LOVING HUSBAND TO ESTHER
A poem by ILMA
When King Xerxes discovered Haman’s plot to kill the Jews including Esther
He immediately confronted him and protected his beloved queen
He respected and loved Esther despite the discovery she was a Jew
He had the wisdom to evaluate the deeds of Mordecai and Esther.
Though deceived by Haman’s seeming manipulation of his position
Xerxes read the report how he was saved from being killed by Mordecai
He realized how he needed to honor this man who protected his life
At the realization of the evil scheme of Haman, he was able to reverse it.
The king honored his queen by protecting her and saving the Jews
It wasn’t hard to treat Esther kindly and respectfully as she exampled it
He showed much love and reverence for her that anything she asked was given
He took back a decree for the Jews to be annihilated issued by his official Haman.
It was out of love and respect that Xerxes took action to correct wrong decree
He had such a desire to please his wife by humbly complying to her request
He saved the people his wife loved by allowing them to have equal rights
Xerxes is an epitome of a man who would do anything for his wife.
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MEMORY VERSE
Then Esther went again before the king, falling down at his feet and begging him with tears to stop the evil plot devised by Haman the Agagite against the Jews. – Esther 7:3
Read: Esther 5-8
How interesting it is to see King Xerxes treat his former Queen Vashti very differently from Queen Esther. If we closely look at how the king asked counsel from elders about Vashti and how he evaluated the book of records showing Mordecai’s heroic deed to save his life, we will clearly see a very wise and fair person. He knows how to treat people according to their behavior. Since Esther sowed love and respect, that’s what she reaped.
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REFLECTION
• How can integrity of character purge an evil plot and bring about justice?