Scripture: "This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces, stretching from India to Cush."
Observation: The author is giving us the historical background and time for the story of Esther.
Application: At first, I wasn't sure what to get out of this scripture. It's kind of like when I read through a genealogy portion of scripture. So, I went to my trusty Matthew Henry commentary for further explanation. Henry shares that verse one shows the vast extent of Xerxes' dominion. He writes: "If such vast power be put into a bad hand, it is able to do so much more the mischief; but if into a good hand, it is able to do so much the more good. Christ's kingdom is, or shall be, far larger than this, when the kingdoms of the world shall all become his; and it shall be everlasting."
Prayer: Lord, help me not to seek my own agenda or advance my own personal goals but, rather, to advance Your kingdom. May all I do glorify You.
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I'm participating in an online Bible study on the book of Esther alongside many Facebook friends I met through a Good Morning Girl's Bible study.
