Esther, Day 5 Readings

Jewish Enemies Defeated and the Feast of Purim Begun  

Today's reading describes the aftermath of King Ahasuerus' revoking his decree to have the Jews killed.  Instead, Jews were allowed to kill their tormentors on that day, and some 75,000 people died, including all of Haman's sons.

In subsequent years, Jews would mark the anniversary of this day with a feast, known as Purim (and still celebrated today, usually in March).  Evidently, it was a recognized festival in the kingdom, based on Queen Esther's authority and influence, and that of Mordacai, who seemed to rise to the position of influence previously held by the evil Haman.

Read Esther 9:1-10:3  (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 9-10 today.