Study Desk

Esther went to King Xerxes and asked him to save her people. Then the king gave written orders for Haman and his sons to be punished in the same terrible way that Haman had in mind for the Jews. So they were hanged.

Mordecai's letter had said that the Jews must celebrate for two days because of what had happened to them. This time of celebration is called Purim, which is the Hebrew word for the lots that were cast.

Now every year the Jews set aside these two days for having parties and celebrating, just as they were told to do.

Next to the king himself, Mordecai was the highest official in the kingdom. He was a popular leader of the Jews, because he helped them in many ways and would even speak to the king for them.

After each feast, Job would send for his children and perform a ceremony, as a way of asking God to forgive them of any wrongs they may have done. He would get up early the next morning and offer a sacrifice for each of them, just in case they had sinned or silently cursed God.

Then the Lord asked, "What do you think of my servant Job? No one on earth is like him—he is a truly good person, who respects me and refuses to do evil. And he hasn't changed, even though you persuaded me to destroy him for no reason."

For seven days and nights, they sat silently on the ground beside him, because they realized what terrible pain he was in.

I keep longing for death more than I would seek a valuable treasure.

Eliphaz Continues Job, call out for help and see if an angel comes!

Job, if I were you, I would ask God for help.

I am like a caravan, lost in the desert while searching for water.

We are slaves in search of shade; we are laborers longing for our wages.

I pray for night to end, but it stretches out while I toss and turn.

I go to bed, hoping for rest,

Won't you look away just long enough for me to swallow?

He made your children pay for their sins.

Even though I am innocent, I can only beg for mercy.

He would strike me with a storm and increase my injuries for no reason at all.

Then I could speak up without fear of him, but for now, I cannot speak.

Your words have silenced others and made them ashamed; now it is only right for you to be put to shame.