Mordecai informs Esther about the decree to slaughter the Jews; however, at first, she is nervous about intervening on behalf of her people, the Jews. The Persian law said that no one could appear before the king without his having invited him or her, the punishment for such an act could have been the death penalty. Mordecai has faith in Jehovah that, even if Esther chooses not to reach out to the king, she will not avoid death, because “relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.” In addition, it seems that Esther’s becoming queen is just too timely, for one not to conclude she has “come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” (4:14) Understanding the severity of the situation, she chooses to risk her life, asking that the Jews of Susa fast in her behalf.

Mordecai Tells Esther of Haman’s Plot

Esther 4:1-2 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹ When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. ² He went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one was to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth.

Mordecai, a royal official of some sort, had access to information from the citadel. He became aware of the secret plot to murder the entire Jewish people; he tears his clothes apart and puts on sackcloth and ashes (symbol of grief, see Job 2:7–8), which is a visual aid to others that he was in mourning (deep distress, Gen. 37:34; 2 Sam. 1:11; Isa. 3:24; Dan. 9:3), making “a loud and bitter cry.”[1] Even today, the Western part of the world tends to conceal their emotions in the time of crisis, while the Eastern part of the world[2] tends to let their emotions out.

Mordecai was not in distress over the fact that he had refused worshipfully to bow before Haman, as his actions had been motivated by his obedience to the Mosaic Law. Rather, his mourning was because of what seemed like an imminent destruction of his people.

“No one was to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth.” It would appear that Persian law did not allow one to enter the city while in clothes of a mourner, which is not attested anywhere outside of Esther. Nevertheless, it sounds like something that would be in Persian law. The Persian kings were concerned primarily about their own pleasure, and one can see them not desiring to be regularly depressed by those mourning in front of the palace. Mordecai’s obeying this prohibition was out of respect for the law of the land, as long as that law did not go against the Mosaic Law, which it did not. Moreover, his remaining at the gate, where people gathered, meant that his actions would likely get the attention of Esther. (4:4)

Esther 4:3 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

³ And in every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

The process of what took place that led to the Jews being saved takes place within this chapter. Like Mordecai, the nearness of the coming disastrous situation generates boundless mourning among the Jews in every province, who turn to God through ‘fasting, weeping, and wailing, with many lying in sackcloth and ashes.’ It seemed as though the Jewish people faced a horrible death if God did not intervene.

Esther 4:4 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁴ When Esther’s young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. And she sent garments to clothe Mordecai that he might take off his sackcloth from off him, but he did not accept them.

As news of the events at the city gate traveled, so Esther hears of Mordecai’s actions by way of “her young women and her eunuchs.” She would be well aware of the outward displays of what Mordecai was doing, knowing what they meant (Mordecai was in mourning (deep distress), but she would not have known the specifics (i.e., the decree), which would have been even more distressing for her. Esther responded by trying to ease the stress of Mordecai, sending him garments, so that he might change out of the sackcloth, at which time he could enter the palace, and give the details of what was wrong to Esther, but he refused. We should note too that; it seems the young women and eunuchs that served Esther, were aware of some sort of relationship between Esther and Mordecai (likely not that they were related). However, it does not seem likely that they knew that she was a Jew.

Esther 4:5-6 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁵ Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, whom the king had appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. ⁶ So Hathach went out to Mordecai to the city square in front of the king’s gate.

Esther could not meet with Mordecai directly, while he was in his mourning clothes, as it might have disclosed that she was a Jewess. Therefore, she sent for Hathach, “one of the king’s eunuchs.” He must have been assigned to her after she was made a queen. Nevertheless, she had to bring him into her inner circle, trusting him with her very life, as she sent him to investigate what was going on with Mordecai.

Esther 4:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁷ And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.

Mordecai held nothing back from Hathach, from the beginning of his extraordinary events to the present, which would have included his refusal worshipfully to bow before Haman, as Esther needed to appreciate the seriousness of what Haman was plotting against their people. He is not explaining to Esther, as though his refusal to bow means that, in essence, he is at fault for the current situation. Rather, he is simply offering her the background information, to give her context. It seems that Mordecai had access to inside information from within the palace, or his office gave him access to the exact amount of money, ten thousand talents (375 tons) of silver, “that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.”

Esther 4:8-9 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁸ He also gave him a copy of the written decree which had been issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people. ⁹ And Hathach came back and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

Mordecai not only knew the “exact amount of money that Haman had promised,” but he had a copy of the decree that was available all throughout Susa, which he gave to Hathach, to give to Esther. This way she would see the gravity of the situation. While Mordecai’s words carried weight with Esther, this official decree would have penetrated even deeper into the mind of Esther; the entire Israelite people were in jeopardy! What Mordecai had shared with Hathach, as well as what he had asked him to share with Esther, and the pleading before the king revealed that Esther was, in fact, a Jewess. Therefore, some have surmised that Hathach himself might have been Jewish.[3]

Esther had been a liaison between Mordecai and the king on one other occasion when she informed Ahasuerus that Mordecai was the one who discovered a plot to kill him. (2:22) This time, things were far more dangerous for all involved. Mordecai made Esther aware of what she needed to do next, to use her God-given position, in an attempt to save their people, to go before the king, to make a case for mercy toward the Jews. If she went before the king, it would no longer be just her inner circle, which would be aware that she too was a Jew. Before, Mordecai had commanded Esther to conceal the fact that she was Jewish (2:10), but now he was doing just the opposite, he was ordering “her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people.

Esther 4:10-11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁰ Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a message to Mordecai saying: ¹¹ “All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come to the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law for him, that he be put to death, except those to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live. But I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.”

Esther must have been truly distressed as she heard the message from Mordecai. Her faith was going to be put to the test. She was afraid, as she had every right to be, as is evidenced in her message back to Mordecai through Hathach, “All the king’s servants … whether man or woman, shall come to the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law for him, that he be put to death.”[4] The only exception to this was if the king extended his golden scepter, would the uninvited offender be spared their life. Should Esther somehow believe that she was the exception to this law, especially when she had replaced the earlier Queen Vashti, who had refused to see the king? Then, there was the fact that Esther had “not been called to come in to the king these thirty days,”[5] which could mean he had lost interest, or she had fallen in disfavor for some reason with this impulsive ruler, making her situation even more dangerous.[6]

Xerxes I was known for his unpredictable, violent temper. The Greek historian Herodotus chronicled some instances from Xerxes’ war against Greece. He tells us that about 482 B.C.E.,[7] Xerxes had two pontoon bridges of ships be built across the strait of Hellespont at Abydos, so his huge military force could cross over from Persia into Greece. Herodotus informs us that these bridges were destroyed by a storm, yet Xerxes still beheaded the engineers, punishing his men as well, having them punish the strait of Hellespont by whipping the water while an abusive proclamation was read aloud, Xerxes also threw fetters into the strait, branded it with red-hot irons as his soldiers shouted at the water.[8] During this same campaign against Greece, a wealthy man begged Xerxes that his son be excused from serving in the army. Xerxes response was to have his son cut in half, laying out his body for all to see, which served as a warning.

Esther 4:12-14 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹² And they told Mordecai the words of Esther.

¹³ Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. ¹⁴ For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Mordecai’s response to Esther was firm for her own good, with the hope of reinforcing her faith. He made clear to her, even if she did not act on their behalf; God was still going to save the Jews, just from another source. However, does she really feel that God would spare her in the day of persecution if she lacked the faith to intervene? We must keep in mind too; God’s salvation of the Jews was not dependent on any one person. (2 Chron. 20:1–30; Isa. 59:15–20; Hos. 11:8–9) Mordecai had absolute faith that God was not going to allow the Jews to be subject to genocide, which would mean his promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would have gone unfulfilled. (Josh. 23:14) Thus, Mordecai asked Esther, “Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Yes, it would seem that Esther’s becoming the queen at this time was more than just a coincidence, but rather for a special purpose, to be used in the deliverance of God’s people. However, she will have to have steadfast faith, selflessness, and great courage.

Esther Plans to Intercede

Esther 4:15-17 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁵ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ¹⁶ “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” ¹⁷ So Mordecai went away and did just as Esther had commanded him.

Esther now realized it was time to be all in on the effort to be used as a tool for the salvation of the Jews. However, she did not go off showing a lack of preparation or without careful thought, i.e., being foolish. She wanted God’s backing in behalf of her evidencing faith in this plan. Therefore, she asked Mordecai to gather her fellow Jews together for a three-day fast, closing her message with a statement that forces us to understand something unpleasant in having to evidence their faith through actions in the face of life and death, “if I perish, I perish.”

BIBLE DIFFICULTIES Chapter 4

ESTHER 3:2 Didn’t Esther disobey a governmental authority that had been allowed by God.

Persian law said that no one was to go into the king uninvited, with the penalty being the possibility of the death penalty. On this point, Freedman and Chadwick write, “Etiquette in the Persian court was very strict. Except for the ‘seven nobles’ (see Esther 1:4), no one could approach the king unless they were summoned by him. The punishment for entering without being summoned was death, the same punishment given for murder or rebellion. The intruder was instantly put to death by the court attendants unless the king extended his golden scepter to the person to show approval, or at least acceptance, of the act. It was well understood, therefore, that whoever so appeared before the king risked his life. The fact that Ahasuerus extended his scepter to Esther when she entered the court uninvited shows the influence she had gained with him.”[9]

Romans 13:1-2 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

13 Let every soul^[10] be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God, and those that exist have been placed^[11] by God. ² Therefore the one setting himself against authority has taken a stand against the ordinance of God; and those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment against themselves.

God’s servants are to be obedient and subject “to the governing authorities,” which have been left in place by God, to serve human protection against chaos and anarchy. In fact, to be disobedient, such as breaking laws, or refusing to pay taxes, resists what God has allowed, “and those who resist will incur judgment.” However, there has always been an exception to this rule, which Peter addressed nicely when the governments asked Christians to stop do something; God had commanded them to do. Peter said, “We must obey God rather than men.”

In other words, if the government, any kind of authority asks us to do something that is against God’s Word, we obey God, nor some man-made rule. For example, if the government made a law that it was illegal to evangelize, Christians would still evangelize. They would have to obey Jesus’ command to proclaim the Word of God, to teach and make disciples. – Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; Acts 1:8.

Review Questions/Assignments

(4:1-3) What is the reaction of Mordecai and the other Jews once they learn of the scheme to commit genocide on them?

(4:4-11) What does Mordecai command Esther to do; however, what could happen if she carried it out? What are some of the reasons that Esther would have to worry about in her part of the plan, of going before the king? What was Xerxes like?

(4:12-14) What faith does Mordecai express as to the fact that came to kingdom power as the queen, just at this time?

(4:15-17) By fasting, what is Mordecai, the Jews of Susa and Esther doing?

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APOLOGETICS: Reaching Hearts with the Art of Persuasion by Edward D. Andrews, author of seventy-two books, covers information that proves that the Bible is accurate, trustworthy, fully inerrant, and inspired by God for the benefit of humankind. The reader will be introduced to Christan …

REVIEWING 2013 New World Translation of Jehovah’s Witnesses: Examining the History of the Watchtower Translation and the Latest Revision

REVIEWING 2013 New World Translation of Jehovah’s Witnesses is going to challenge your objectivity. Being objective means that personal feelings or opinions do not influence you in considering and representing facts. Being subjective means that your understanding is based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or ideas. If the reader finds these insights offense, it might be a little mind control at work from years of being told the same misinformation repeatedly, so ponder things objectively …

REASONING FROM THE SCRIPTURES: Sharing CHRIST as You Help Others to Learn about the Mighty works of God

Use of REASONING FROM THE SCRIPTURES should help you to cultivate the ability to reason from the Scriptures and to use them effectively in assisting others to learn about “the mighty works of God.” – Acts 2:11. If Christians are going to be capable, powerful, efficient teachers of God’s Word, we must not only pay attention to what we tell those who are interested but also how we tell them. Yes, we must focus our attention on…

REASONING WITH THE WORLD’S VARIOUS RELIGIONS: Examining and Evangelizing Other Faiths

God’s will is that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) God has assigned all Christians the task of proclaiming the Word of God, teaching, to make disciples. (Matt. 24:15; 28:19-20: Ac 1;8 That includes men and women who profess a non-Christian religion, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam to mention just a few. If there are Hindus, Buddhist or Muslims are in your community, why not initiate a conversation with them? Christians who take the Great Commission seriously cannot afford to ignore these religions…

CONVERSATIONAL EVANGELISM, [Second Edition]

Evangelism is the work of a Christian evangelist, of which all true Christians are obligated to partake to some extent, which seeks to persuade other people to become Christian, especially by sharing the basics of the Gospel, but also the deeper message of biblical truths. Today the …

THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST: Always Being Prepared to Make a Defense [Second Edition]

MOST Christian apologetic books help the reader know WHAT to say; THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST is HOW to communicate it effectively. The Christian apologist words should always be seasoned with salt as we share the unadulterated truths of Scripture with gentleness and respect. Our example …

THE EVANGELISM HANDBOOK: How All Christians Can Effectively Share God’s Word in Their Community, [SECOND EDITION]

…THE EVANGELISM HANDBOOK is a practical guide (for real-life application) in aiding all Christians in sharing biblical beliefs, the Good News of the kingdom, how to deal with Bible critics, overturning false beliefs, so as to make disciples, as commanded by Christ. Matthew 24:14; …

YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE: Self-Education of the Bible Made Easy [Third Edition]

The reader will receive eight small introductory books in this one publication. Andrews’ intention is to offer his reader several chapters on eight of the most critical subject areas of understanding and defending the Word of God. This will enable the reader to lay a solid foundation for …

THE CULTURE WAR: How the West Lost Its Greatness & Was Weakened From Within 

…The Culture War. How the West lost its greatness and was weakened from within outlines how the West lost its values, causing its current decline. It is a forceful attack on the extreme liberal, anti-religious ideology which since the1960’s has permeated the Western culture and …

EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE FIRST CENTURY Jesus’ Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth

EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE FIRST CENTURY will give its readers a thrilling account of first-century Christianity. When and how did they come to be called Christians? Who are all obligated to be Christian evangelists? In what way did Jesus set the example for our evangelism? What is the …

CRISIS OF FAITH Saving Those Who Doubt 

Inside of some Christians unbeknownst to their family, friends or congregation, they are screaming, “I doubt, I doubt, I have very grave doubts!” OURS is an age of doubt. Skepticism has become fashionable. We are urged to question everything: especially the existence of God and the …

INVESTIGATING JEHOVAH?S WITNESSES: Why 1914 Is Important to Jehovah?s Witnesses

The intention of this book is to investigate the biblical chronology behind Jehovah’s Witnesses most controversial doctrinal position that Jesus began to rule invisibly from heaven in October 1914. This biblical chronology of the Witnesses hinges upon their belief that the destruction of …

FLEECING THE FLOCK: Setting the People of God Free From the Lies of Tithing

Evangelist Norman Robertson claims that “Tithing is God’s way of financing His kingdom on the earth.” He asserts that “It is His system of economics which enables the Gospel to be preached.” Not bashful about telling his followers of their duty to give, he flatly states: ‘Tithing isn’t something you do because you can afford it. It is an act of obedience. Not tithing is a clear violation of God’s commandments. It is embezzlement.’ Most likely you accept that giving should be part of Christian worship. However, …

DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH: Does It Matter How You Worship?

DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH by Fred DeRuvo asks Does It Matter How You Worship? There are 41,000 different denominations that call themselves “Christian” and all would claim that they are the truth. Can just any Christian denomination please God? Can all be true or genuine Christianity if they all have different views on the same Bible doctrines? DeRuvo will answer. He will focus on the largest part of Christianity that has many different denominations, the charismatic, ecstatic Signs and Wonders Movements. These ecstatic worshipers claim … DeRuvo will answer all these questions and more according to the truth of God’s Word.—John 8:31-32; 17:17.

Translation and Textual Criticism

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BIBLE TRANSLATION: Bible Translation Choices and Translation Principles [Second Edition] 

…THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BIBLE TRANSLATION (CGBT) is for all individuals interested in how the Bible came down to us, as well as having an insight into the Bible translation process. CGBT is also for those who are interested in which translation(s) would be the most beneficial to use.

CHOOSING YOUR BIBLE: Bible Translation Differences

There are more than 150 different Bible translations in the English language alone. Some are what we call literal translations, which seeks to give the reader the exact English equivalent of what was written in the original language text, thus allowing the reader access to the actual Word …

THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: The Science and Art of Textual Criticism

…THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT was copied and recopied by hand for 1,500 years. Regardless of those scribes who had worked very hard to be faithful in their copying, errors crept into the text. How can we be confident that what we have today is the Word of God? Wilkins and Andrews …

MISREPRESENTING JESUS: Debunking Bart D. Ehrman’s “Misquoting Jesus” [Third Edition]

Edward D. Andrews boldly answers the challenges Bart D. Ehrman alleges against the fully inerrant, Spirit-inspired, authoritative Word of God. By glimpsing into the life of Bart D. Ehrman and following along his course of academic studies, Andrews helps the reader to understand the …

Biblical Studies

HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE: Rightly Handling the Word of God

A comprehensive book on HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE by observing, interpreting, and applying, which will focus on the most basic Bible study tools, principles, and processes for moving from an in-depth reading of the Scriptures to application. What, though, if you have long felt that you are …

THE NEW TESTAMENT: Its Background, Setting & Content

…the author’s intended meaning to his original readers and how that meaning can then apply to us. Marshall gives you what you need for deeper and richer Bible study. Dr. Lee M. Fields writes, “‘Deep’ study is no guarantee that mature faith will result, but shallow study guarantees …

THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST: What Do You Know About Jesus? [Updated and Expanded] 

The life of Christ is an exhaustless theme. It reveals a character of greater massiveness than the hills, of a more serene beauty than the stars, of sweeter fragrance than the flowers, higher than the heavens in sublimity and deeper than the seas in mystery. As good Jean Paul has …

THE LIFE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL: The Apostle to the Nations [Updated and Expanded] 

Stalker’s Life of St. Paul became one of the most widely read and respected biographies of the Apostle to the Gentiles. As an insightful compendium on the life of Paul, this work is of particular interest to pastors and teachers who desire to add realism and vividness to their account of …

INTERPRETING THE BIBLE: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics

Delving into the basics of biblical interpretation, Edward D. Andrews has provided a complete hands-on guide to understanding what the author meant by the words that he used from the conservative grammatical-historical perspective. He teaches how to study the Bible on a deep, scholarly …

HOW TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE: An Introduction to Hermeneutics

…Linguistic and literary factors are analyzed so that the various genres of Scripture are examined for their true meaning. The importance of having sound principles of interpretation cannot be overstated as to ignore them will result in all manner of erroneous assumptions. Beville presents …

THE CHURCH COMMUNITY IN CONTEMPORARY CULTURE: Evangelism and Engagement with Postmodern People

Once upon a time, Postmodernism was a buzz word. It pronounced Modernism dead or at least in the throes of death. It was a wave that swept over Christendom, promising to wash away sterile, dogmatic and outmoded forms of church. But whatever happened to postmodernism? It was regarded …

DEVELOPING HEALTHY CHURCHES: A Case-Study in Revelation

…church. It offers an appointment with the Great Physician that no Christian can afford to ignore. Developing Healthy Churches: A Case-Study in Revelationbegins with a well-researched outline of the origins and development of the church health movement. With that background in mind the …

DYING TO KILL: A Christian Perspective on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

…liberties in a multi-cultural society that is becoming increasingly secular. This work provides an ethical framework in which euthanasia and assisted suicide can be evaluated. These issues are on the radar indicating a collision course with Christian values. It is time for Christians to be …

JOURNEY WITH JESUS THROUGH THE MESSAGE OF MARK

…Journey with Jesus through the Message of Mark is an insightful and engaging survey of Mark‘s Gospel, exploring each major section of the text along with key themes. It is a work that can be enjoyed by laypersons as well as pastors and teachers. Pastors will find the abundant use …

ANGELS & DEMONS The Bible Answers

What are angels & demons? Can angels help us? What does the Bible say about angels? What is the truth about angels? Can Angels affect your life? Who were the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2? Who were the Nephilim in Genesis 6:2? Who is Michael the archangel? Can Satan the Devil control …

AN ENCOURAGING THOUGHT The Christian Worldview

An Encouraging Thought elucidates the ways in which Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are informed by and communicate a biblical worldview. This book will help readers appreciate the ways in which a biblical worldview informs Tolkien’s work, to the end that their own faith may be confirmed in strength, focused in understanding, deepened in joy, and honed in its ability to communicate the Gospel.

Bible Doctrines

WHERE ARE THE DEAD? Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

What is the Bible’s viewpoint? Without delving into an endless stream of what man has said, Andrews looks at what the Bible says about death and the like. Why do we grow old and die? What happens at death? Is there life after death, or is this all there is? Do we have an immortal soul? …

IDENTIFYING THE ANTICHRIST: The Man of Lawlessness and the Mark of the Beast Revealed

Herein Andrews will give the reader exactly what the Bible offers on exposing who the Antichrist and the Man of Lawlessness are. If we look at the texts that refer to the antichrist and the man of lawlessness, we will have lines of evidence that will enable us to identify them. Why is it …

UNDERSTANDING THE CREATION ACCOUNT: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Throughout the Scriptures, God is identified as the Creator. He is the One “who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it.” [Isa 45:18] He is the One “who forms mountains and creates the wind” (Am 4:13) and is the One “who made the heaven and …

The SECOND COMING of CHRIST: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

The information herein is based on the disciples coming to Jesus privately, saying, “Tell us, (1) when will these things be, and (2) what will be the sign of your coming, and (3) of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) What will end? When will the end come? What comes after the end? Who …

WHAT IS HELL? Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

What Really Is Hell? What Kind of Place is Hell? What Really Happens at Death? What Did Jesus Teach About Hell? How Does Learning the Truth About Hell Affect You? Who Goes to Hell? What Is Hell? Is It a Place of Eternal Torment? Does God Punish People in Hellfire? Do the Wicked Suffer in …

MIRACLES – DO THEY STILL HAPPEN TODAY? God Miraculously Saving People’s Lives, Apparitions, Speaking In Tongues, Faith Healing 

Miracles were certainly a part of certain periods in Bible times. What about today? Are miracles still taking place. There are some very important subjects that surround this area of discussion that are often misunderstood. Andrews will answer such questions as does God step in and solve …

HOMOSEXUALITY – The BIBLE and the CHRISTIAN: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Today there are many questions about homosexuality as it relates to the Bible and Christians. What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Does genetics, environment, or traumatic life experiences justify homosexuality? What is God’s will for people with same-sex attractions? Does the …

Daily Devotionals

DEVOTIONAL FOR YOUTHS: Growing Up In Christ

Young ones and teens, you are exposed to complex problems that your parents may not understand. Young Christians, you are bombarded with multiple options for solving everyday problems through social media. Where do you turn to find answers? Where can you look to find guidance from Scripture? In order to provide a Christian perspective to problem-solving, the author of this devotional book decided to take a different approach.

DEVOTIONAL FOR THOSE COPING WITH TRAGEDY: A Journey Back to God

This devotional book follows the author’s own faith journey back to God. Significant life events can shake our world and distort our faith. Following life’s tragedies, a common reaction is to become angry with God or to reject Him altogether. Examples of tragedies or traumas include life-changing events such as physical or sexual assault, destruction of one’s home, the tragic death of a loved one, diagnoses of terminal diseases, divorce, miscarriages, or being a victim of a crime. Tragedies or traumas can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, shame, and guilt.

DEVOTIONAL FOR CAREGIVERS: Finding Strength Through Faith 

Throughout the book, common themes emerge to support caregivers. The reader will find interesting Bible Scriptures, offering a Christian perspective, for handling issues that may arise. These inspiring passages will assist the caregiver in finding peace and faith as they travel their journey as a caregiver. Although caregivers may not know how long they will play this role, they take on the responsibility without any question. Taking care of others is often mentioned in the Bible and, as noted in this devotional, this self-sacrificing, highly valued, and often challenging service will ultimately be rewarded.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL Daily Musings From the Old Testament

Humans must breathe in the air of our atmosphere to survive. Many cities because of pollution face a dangerous level of contamination in their air. However, an even more deadly air affects both Christians and nonChristians. Ordinary methods or devices cannot detect this poisonous air.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL: Daily Musing From the New Testament

Paul counseled, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Col. 3:2) It is, for this reason, Marshall has penned the DAILY DEVOTIONAL: Daily Musings From the New Testament, which can help us be protected against Satan’s efforts at controlling our mind and heart.  For each day of the year, DAILY DEVOTIONAL provides a Daily Bible Reading and comments for consideration.

BREAD OF HEAVEN: Daily Meditations on Scripture

BREAD OF HEAVEN helps the reader to have a greater understanding of the timeless truths of Scripture and a deeper appreciation of the grandeur of God. It offers meditations on selected Scriptures which will draw the reader’s attention upwards to the Savior.

Christian Fiction

THE DIARY OF JUDAS ISCARIOT: How to Keep Jesus at Arm’s Length

…desert but none of such significance as a handful of scrolls retrieved from a buried Roman satchel (presumed stolen) at this site. The discovery has since come to be known as ‘The Diary of Judas Iscariot.’ In The Diary of JudasIscariot Owen Batstone relates the observations and feelings …

THE SECRET HIDEAWAY ON BRIDGETON HILL

Rachael Garrison knows all the shrewd ways to successfully close multi-million-dollar real estate deals with her father’s famous New York real estate enterprise. But beyond her savvy to rake in huge deals is her premonition that an impending global takeover of the world’s financial wealth is on the horizon by evil leaders of The Great Ten Nations. From New York City to the Irish Hills of Michigan, and into the streets of Detroit her life takes on enormous purpose as

THE RAPTURE: God’s Unwelcomed Wrath

Kevin Trill struggles with the notion that he may have missed the Rapture. With nothing but the clothes on his back and a solid gold pocket watch, he sets off towards Garbor, a safe haven for those who haven’t yet taken the mark of thebeast. While on his way to Garbor, he meets up …

SEEKERS AND DECEIVERS: Which One are You? It Is Time to Join the Fight!

There grew an element in the valley that did not want to be ruled by the Light of the Word. Over time, they convinced the people to reject it. As they started to reject this Light, the valley grew dim and the fog rolled in. The people craved the darkness rather than the Light because they were evil. They did not want to  …

The Shadow Flames of Uluru: Book ONE in the CHAOS DOWN UNDER 

When an ancestor saddles them with the responsibility to purge Australia of a demon threatening to wipe our humanity with black flames, fraternal siblings Amber and Michael Hauksby lay their lives on the line. As the world crumbles around them into chaos, and ancient marsupials wreak havoc in their hometown, they must journey into …

WRITE PLACE, RIGHT TIME: The Pre-Apocalyptic Misadventure of a Freelance Journalist 

“Write Place, Right Time” follows the pre-apocalyptic misadventures of freelance journalist Don Lamplighter. While on what he expects to be a routine Monday night trip to a village board meeting, Lamplighter’s good nature compels him to help a stranded vehicle. Little does he know that by saving one of the car’s occupants, he sets forth a chain of what to him seem to be unrelated events where he must use his physical and social skills to save himself and others from precarious situations.

[1] First, they would tear their garments, likely grabbing at the upper part of the shirt with both hands, and ripping it down the center. Then, they would replace it with a garment of camel or goat hair. Lastly, they would spread ashes over their head.

[2] The Eastern portion of the world relating or belonging to the countries of Asia as viewed from Europe or North America.

[3] Mark Mangano, Esther & Daniel, The College Press NIV Commentary (Joplin, MO: College Press Pub., 2001), 73.

[4] Herodotus, History, 3.118, 140.

[5] L.B. Paton, The Book of Esther, ICC (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1951), p. 221.^[5]

[6] Jobes writes, “Apparently five years into her marriage, the king’s desire for her has cooled. Or given her mission, perhaps she does not wish to arouse the suspicions of the court by requesting an audience. Whatever her fears, it seems likely that the ruthless King Xerxes will not extend the golden scepter if the queen’s death would be somehow expedient to his other interests” (Esther, p. 132).

[7] Herodotus, History, 7.33–37. 54–58

[8] Green, Peter The Greco-Persian Wars (Oakland 1998) 75.

[9] James M. Freeman and Harold J. Chadwick, Manners & Customs of the Bible (North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1998), 297.

[10] Or person

[11] Or established, instituted