Esther, Day 2 Readings

A Grave Threat to the Jews and Esther's Response  

Today's reading describes the plot conceived by one of the king's most valued advisers, which would have exterminated all of the Jews living in the Persian empire.  Haman, whose name now inspires contempt among Jews, took offense when Mordacai would not bow to him outside of the king's palace.  So Haman devised a way for all Jews to be executed on a certain day, and he carefully got the king to approve the plan, which was then announced throughout the kingdom.

In terror, Mordacai began wearing sackcloth, and word of this reached Esther, who evidently was either unaware or unconcerned by the king's decree against the Jews.  Mordacai convinced her that she would not be spared death, even by living in the king's palace.  So Esther agreed to speak to the king to try to get the decree reversed.

Read Esther 3:1-4:17  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Esther 3-4 today.