Study Desk

They read the Book of the Law of God. They made it easy to understand, and explained what it meant. They did this so that the people could understand what was being read.

The harvest is big in this land. But we sinned, so that harvest goes to the kings you put over us. They control us and our cattle. They do anything they want. We are in a lot of trouble.

On that day the Book of Moses was read out loud, so that all the people could hear. They found this law written there: No Ammonite and no Moabite would be permitted to join in the meetings with God.

You know that your ancestors did the same things. That is why our God brought all the troubles and disaster to us and to this city. Now you people are making it so that more of these bad things will happen to Israel. They are doing this because you are breaking the Sabbath by treating it just as if it were any other day."

On the seventh day of the party, King Xerxes was in high spirits from drinking wine. He gave a command to the seven eunuchs who served him. The eunuchs were Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas. He commanded them to bring Queen Vashti to him wearing her royal crown. She was to come so that she could show her beauty to the leaders and important people. She was very beautiful.

Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly so that we may do what Esther asks." So the king and Haman went to the party Esther had prepared for them.

One of the eunuchs who served the king was named Harbona. He said, "A hanging post 75 feet tall has been built near Haman's house. Haman had it made so that he could hang Mordecai on it. Mordecai is the man who helped you when he told about the evil plans to kill you." The king said, "Hang Haman on that post!"

A copy of the letter with the king's command was to be sent out. It became a law in every province. They announced it to all the people of every nation living in the kingdom. They did this so that the Jews would be ready for that special day. They would be allowed to pay their enemies back.

The Jews met together in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes so that they would be strong enough to attack the people who wanted to destroy them. No one was strong enough to stand against them. They were afraid of the Jews.

At the same time, the Jews living in the other provinces also met together. They met together so that they would be strong enough to protect themselves. And so they got rid of their enemies. They killed 75,000 of their enemies. But the Jews didn't take anything that belonged to them.

The day after each of these parties, Job got up early in the morning, sent for his children, and offered a burnt offering for each of them. He thought, "Maybe my children were careless and sinned against God at their party." Job always did this so that his children would be forgiven of their sins.

He spoils the plans of even the smartest people so that they will not succeed.

If I sinned, you would be watching me so that you could punish me for doing wrong.

I wish they were carved with an iron tool into lead or scratched on a rock so that they would last forever.

But you say, ‘God is saving their punishment for their children.' No! Let God punish the evil people themselves so that they will know what they have done!

They guard the road so that I cannot escape. They succeed in destroying me, without help from anyone.

I always invited strangers into my home so that they would not have to sleep in the streets.

I must speak so that I will feel better. I must answer your arguments.

He wants them to be saved from death so that they can enjoy life.

He keeps the wicked from ruling so that they will not bring harm to the people.