Esther 8: A Prayer for Peace and Rest

Esther 8: A Prayer for Peace and Rest

Esther 8:11-13

The edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed forces of any nationality or province that might attack them, and to plunder the property of their enemies.

This was to be carried out throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.

A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews was foiled. His wickedness exposed, his house destroyed, he himself hanged. One might think the story would end there, but it did not. A new wave of violence was unleashed across the empire.

Esther pleaded with the king to revoke the decree calling for the annihilation of her people. He granted her request, issuing a new decree granting the Jews the right to defend themselves and to take revenge on their enemies on a designated day. This new edict sanctioned bloodshed, allowing the Jews to repay violence with violence.

The tears of the Jewish people were now mirrored in the tears of their enemies. “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” was the prevailing law of the land, and a cycle of vengeance was perpetuated.

But Jesus ushered in a new era. He taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). The Apostle Paul echoed this, urging us to bless our persecutors and leave vengeance to God.

God, who is rich in mercy and abounding in love, does not delight in bloodshed. He desires peace and reconciliation for all people, Jew and Gentile, Christian and non-Christian.

Prayer

God, we see bloodshed and violence erupting across the world. Innocent lives are lost, and fear reigns in the hearts of many. We pray for your intervention. Stop the violence and bring peace and rest to our troubled world. Holy Spirit, guide us in your truth. Amen.