Lessons from Esther: Feasting and gladness

16 But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey, 17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another. Ether 9:16-19

The battles are ended and victory belongs to the Jews. The death toll outside of the king’s city is high, very high at 75,000. Again it is mentioned that the Jews did not take any spoil.

The goal was to defend their lives. They fought so they could live. When the conflict ended they gathered together to rest and rejoice by feasting. The Jews in the king’s provinces fought on the 13^th and celebrated on the 14^th day. The Jews in Shushan fought on the 13^th and 14^th days and celebrated on the 15^th day. Remember, Esther asked for another day of battle in the palace city.

The scriptures say it was “a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another” verse 19. The Jews had so much, so very much to be glad about. How about you? Can you celebrate today as a “gladness” day? Take a few minutes to name things you are glad about.

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:2

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; Psalm 31:7

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalm 32:11

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. Psalm 40:6

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. Psalm 104:34

The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3

Have a blessed day,
Donna