Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings, dear ones.
I need to run away…back to the dental chair. Bye. Blessings.
Love, Dad/Ray.
Don’t try to put God in a box! That is, don’t try to obligate Him to be and act a certain way this time because He was and acted that way last time. God is much bigger than boxes—bigger than containers of theological affirmations. This story of Esther does not allow us to avoid balancing the record of the recent “ethnic cleansing” revivals (that forced Jews to abandon and alienate their Gentile spouses and families) with this account of a beautiful young Jewish woman who is required to submit to a program designed to make her as sexy as possible for the purpose of becoming a bedroom partner for a sensuous Gentile king—and beyond that, become the favorite wife/concubine within a huge harem which led to her to be crowned as queen—then used in that position to become a virtual savior of the entire Jewish people group—clearly by God’s orchestrated design. Go figure. As you do, be careful with an over-load of dogma—with shouting where God only whispers.
I rarely consult commentaries, but I had a look at what Adam Clarke had to say in regards to the FOCUS VERSE. I was curious to see what he had to say in regards to why “Susa was bewildered.” What he suggested only makes sense. Jewish exiles had been made members of the society and culture of Babylon for a long time and a measure of intermarriage would be expected. Since the social structure was so composed, the populace had to be shocked and horrified at the decree to have all the Jews massacred on this particular day. They had to wonder why this would be ordered and what good it would accomplish. This had to pose a threat to families and relationships—to long-standing bonds of love and respect. They had to wonder where this despotism would end. When the acting thugs commence the murders and get the taste of blood and booty, it would not likely end with only Jews. Please process this quote by Adam Clarke: “Despotism and tyranny in the state are the most direct curses which insulted justice can well inflict upon a sinful nation” (from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved). I regard that statement as being very relevant to our own day. To be sure, the same *#%*+?!!!&?! that messed up ancient history is the same *#%*+?!!!&?! that will mess up modern history. History is indeed repetitious—for reasons you and I with Biblical orientation understand.
It only stands to reason that the next step from anti-Semitism is anti-Christianity—those who revere the Jewish Messiah—along with a general rejection of those who represent the God of the Bible and accountability to Him. You can be sure that the tidal movement in America will not stop at removing prayer from schools or the Ten Commandments from public view. Please keep a seatbelt on your HEART AFTER GOD.