Podcast appearances and mentions of king xerxes

   How many times have you applied for a job? Probably several in your lifetime. Some were simple 1-page applications and a brief interview, maybe even over the phone. Others were many pages, background checks, reference checks and multiple interviews with various levels of management. But have you ever been hired simply on the basis of your appearance?  Come with me back to the city of Susa in about 482bc. I left you yesterday standing in the royal throne room of his majesty King Xerxes, emperor over all 127 provinces of the vast Persian kingdom. He had thrown a week-long extravagant banquet for his officials from all provinces. Near the end of those festivities, in a rage, this temperamental King had declared the kingdom’s Queen Vashti was banished from ever coming into his presence again! Her crime? She had refused to come to his banquet and allow the king to parade her beauty before hundreds of the kingdom’s officials who had way too much to drink. This story is found in the Bible book of Esther. (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

In a culture that often distorts or diminishes manhood, Esther 1 offers a powerful contrast between worldly masculinity and the servant-hearted leadership God calls men to embody. As we witness King Xerxes use his power for selfish gain, we'll explore what happens when leadership crumbles and identity is built on ego instead of character. Most importantly, we'll see how God's providence is at work—even through broken people—to prepare the way for redemption.

Years ago, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of impulsive decisions fueled by anger and excess. This personal journey has inspired today's episode, where we explore the timeless story of Queen Vashti and King Xerxes. Through their narrative, we reflect on how unchecked indulgence, particularly in the context of excessive partying, can lead to poor leadership and decisions with far-reaching effects. Riley Clemmons joins us to share the personal story behind her song "Fighting for Me," a testament to overcoming anxiety and embracing love and support. We delve into the power of scripture, sharing life verses that have been pivotal in facing life's challenges. Through these stories and testimonies, we encourage you to nurture your faith and find strength in the sacred words that can guide and anchor your life. Learn more about the host, Jennifer Jackson. Support the show today with a financial gift. Invite Jennifer to speak at your event. Additional resources from Jennifer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a teaser of the bonus episode, "Salamis, A Turning Point?" found over on Patreon.The tiny island of Salamis witnessed a clash that would change the course of human history. When the Persian Empire's massive fleet sailed into the narrow straits between mainland Greece and Salamis in 480 BCE, few could have predicted the outcome that followed – a decisive Greek victory that permanently altered the trajectory of Western civilization.Standing amidst the ruins of Athens, which had been sacked and burned by Persian forces, the Greek alliance faced an existential crisis. King Xerxes commanded the largest invasion force the ancient world had ever seen, with estimates suggesting over a thousand ships and hundreds of thousands of troops. Against this overwhelming might stood the fractious Greek city-states, traditionally rivals now united by necessity against a common threat. At the heart of Greek resistance was Themistocles, the Athenian general whose strategic vision would transform disaster into triumph.What unfolded in the confined waters of Salamis wasn't merely a battle but a masterclass in strategic thinking. The Greeks deliberately lured the Persian fleet into the narrow straits where their numerical advantage became a liability. The Greek triremes, primarily from Athens, outflanked and crushed their opponents in the restricted space. This naval victory fundamentally changed the war's momentum, shattering Persian confidence and forcing Xerxes to retreat with much of his army. More significantly, it preserved Greek independence and with it the nascent democratic institutions, philosophical traditions, and cultural innovations that would form the foundations of Western thought. The battle reminds us that history's course often hinges on singular moments where courage, strategy, and unity transform apparent defeat into world-changing victory.Ready to discover more pivotal moments that shaped our world? Subscribe to our channel and join us next time as we explore the Battle of Plataea, where the Greek alliance delivered the final blow to Persian ambitions of conquest.If you would like to hear more and support the series click on the Patreon link at the bottom of the page or you can head to my website to discover other ways to support the series, HereSupport the show

Alan Radecki leads our celebration of Purim. The worship will lift our hearts before the Lord. We have a special worship-in-dance presentation, we read through portions of the book of Esther in a special “Reader's Theater” format, and use our "groggers."One of the peculiarities of the book of Esther is that there is no explicit mention of the name of God, nor of God himself. While at the outset this might strike us as odd, upon further reflection it serves to reinforce one of the book's major points, the veracity or trustworthiness of God and his word.The omission of God's name and reference to God himself in the book of Esther underscores what God had foretold Moses would come upon His people: He would hide his presence from them as judgment for their sin.The events of Purim reveal that while Israel may forget their God, God will not forget Israel. In the book of Esther, he acts behind the scenes unseen through his providence and sovereignty to demonstrate his love for and faithfulness to his Chosen People.YouTube: https://youtu.be/QIBbNqjDstoSend us a text

This week, we continue our series through the Book of Esther with Esther 6:1-14.In a moment of divine timing, King Xerxes' sleepless night leads him to discover Mordecai's past loyalty—setting off an unexpected reversal

In 486 BC, King Xerxes ascended the Persian throne, inheriting its vast and glittering world empire. But his ambition didn't stop there - he sought revenge on Greece.In this episode of The Ancients, the culmination of our two-part series on the Persian Wars, Tristan Hughes is joined once again by Dr. Roel Konijnendijk and Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones to explore Xerxes' massive invasion. From the assembling of his colossal army to the legendary battles of Thermopylae and Salamis featured in the accounts of Herodotus, discover the earth-shattering conclusion to the largest invasion ancient Greece had ever faced.Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Daily Dose of Hope February 26, 2025 Day 4 of Week 48   Scripture:  Esther 1-3; Psalm 139; Revelation 1   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope!  This is the devotional and podcast that goes along with the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.   Let's start with our Old Testament reading in Esther.  It was in 539BC that King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon. A year later, he allowed the Jewish people to end their exile and return to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36). But not all of them went. They had lives and livelihoods and the journey to Jerusalem would mean picking up and moving after generations in Babylon/Persia. Esther and her family, who this book is about, for whatever reason decide to stay put. They give us a picture of what it looks like to be a faithful Jew in a foreign land.   In the first chapter, we meet King Xerxes, who ruled Persia from 485 to 465BC. It was a very large kingdom and Xerxes expanded its borders quite a bit, all the way to what it now Pakistan to the east and Ethiopia to the south. While he may have been a good military commander and strategist, he struggled in the “don't get drunk and mess up your marriage” area, as we can see in today's text. Xerxes had thrown a huge banquet with many diplomats and important people from all over the region. He flaunts his wealth and then wants to flaunt his wife.   Most Jewish scholars think that when Xerxes asked Vashti to display her royal crown, it meant that he wanted her to appear naked in front of this large group of inebriated men. Vashti, his wife, isn't having it. Women in those days had almost no say so in marriage, particularly if one was married to the king. And yet, something gave Vashti courage to say I'm not going to be paraded around like property before this group of drunk men. Maybe this had happened before. Regardless, it was a recipe for disaster and it would have been against custom of staying covered.   But Xerxes had unilateral power. To refuse a command of the king, especially in front of others, would most certainly have consequences. Vashti was willing to subject herself to them. She would rather lose her position in society than lose her dignity. She was brave, and while she knew it would mean something harsh, it was worth it to her. Sure enough, the king, probably under the influence of alcohol and without giving it much thought, decrees that Vashti is never to be in his presence again. Vashti has courageously served and now exited. God is making a way for someone else who will serve for a very specific purpose.   In chapter two, the search is on for a new queen. It's quite the process as well. Beautiful virgins from far and wide are brought into the palace for all kinds of exceptional beauty treatments. Esther is one of those women. Esther was a Jew. She didn't reveal her identity to anyone but she was part of the Jewish diaspora, the Jews who were spread outside of Jerusalem, trying to live faithfully in pagan lands.   She had been raised by her cousin, Mordecai, who we also meet in this chapter. He loves Esther like his own daughter and is filled with much advice for her. Esther is exceptionally beautiful and she catches the eye of the king more than any other woman. We also know that God is ensuring that she is chosen to be queen because there is something important that Esther will need to do for her people.   While God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, it is certainly a book that demonstrates the sovereignty of God. What does it mean that God is sovereign? It means that God is all-powerful and authoritative. He is ruler of the universe and is in all and over all. No matter the situation, God is present and God is at work. But unlike Xerxes, who uses his power selfishly, God uses his power in a moral, righteous way. He seeks what is best for his creation.   There is an interesting subplot at the end of the second chapter, in which Mordecai saves the king's life. This is a small but important piece to remember and tuck away for later in the book.   In chapter three, we meet Haman.  Haman is a real piece of work. He hears that Mordecai won't kneel down before him and he is enraged. Of course, we know that Mordecai is a Jew. He is only supposed to bow down before God. I'm thinking this plays in to Mordecai's refusal but it could be that Mordecai knows Haman is a royal jerk and he simply won't give him the pleasure. One can't help noticing the similarity between Mordecai and Vashti in this story. Both refuse to honor men who do not deserve to be honored and they do so knowing there will be consequences.   And there are consequences. Haman, who seems to be evil inside and out, decides he doesn't just want to punish Mordecai but his whole people group. He wants to ensure that all the Jewish people are killed. Let's think about the absurdity of this: Haman wants to kill all the Jews in the kingdom because one Jew, Mordecai, refused to kneel before him. Haman senses that Mordecai is a threat to his power and he wants to punish that threat mercilessly. Thus, Haman devises a plan. He presents this idea to King Xerxes. There is a “certain group” of people who contaminate his empire and it is not in his best interest to tolerate them. Haman has a ready-made plan for elimination and it even involves a monetary bribe. Xerxes either doesn't want to be bothered or is incredibly gullible. He basically passes his authority to Haman and says “do what you will” with an entire group of people.   Most of us will read this with a certain amount of horror. How appalling it is that a whole people group could be eliminated with nothing more than a flip of the hand. And yet, this scene, with different characters, has been repeated throughout human history over and over again. What is it about us as humans that we demonize whole groups of people? That we fail to value human life?   For our New Testament reading, we begin Revelation, one of the most difficult and misunderstood books of the Bible. It's going to be a great journey! The book was written by the apostle John, much later in his life, while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. Revelation was sent as a circular letter to the seven churches of Asia Minor, to be passed from church to church and read aloud. It was intended to address the real needs of real people. For some churches, it was a word of encouragement in the midst of terrible persecution to give them a bigger perspective; there was more going on in the world than they could see or imagine. To other churches, it was a word of conviction. But most of all, it was prophecy.   Let's be careful to not mix up prophecy with prediction. Prophecy is a divine message. Thus, Revelation is a word from God by his angel to John. It is God revealing that which was previously unknown. The beginning of today's chapter, verses 1-8, serves as a kind of prologue. It introduces the author and general theme of the book. Then, the book goes right into four visions that John received from the risen Lord.   In our culture and reading style, we tend to be very concerned with words. Revelation is really more about images. My encouragement would be to not get caught up in taking the words literally but focus more on the images that your mind sees as you read the passage. Remember, this was intended to provide a broadened perspective, a more eternal one, for people who were being harshly persecuted and even tortured for their faith. This book demonstrates that while evil may feel overwhelming, it will NOT have the final word. There is more to the world than that which we see with our human eyes. There is a battle going on. And in the end, Jesus wins.   One additional note for today. The Scripture says that those who read it will be blessed, as are those who hear it and take it to heart. First, try to imagine how those words must have resonated with the first hearers of this message. It was the end of the first century and Christians were very much harassed and oppressed in many of these areas. How encouraging it would have been for them to hear this word of promise and blessing. While we live in a different time and culture, the Scripture also applies to us. I trust that we will also be blessed by reading this book and blessed as we try to understand it and take it to heart. I ask that we all pray for open hearts and minds as we begin this journey into this exciting and complex book of the Bible!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

This week we continue with week 3 of our series through the Book of Esther. Pastor Raven Howard takes us through Esther 2:19-23, where the newly selected queen's cousin Mordecai saves King Xerxes from a conspiracy to kill him, from two of his own officersWe are reminded that even though the Lord is not named specifically here in this book, He is at work even so, setting up for salvation within this story with Esther, for future generations with Jesus' life, and in our current day circumstances, as we look forward to his triumphant return.

Basic Bible Study | Esther (Part 6) This is part 6 of 6 In today's podcast, join Chris and Robyn as they continue their discussion in Esther. Here is a breakdown of what was discussed: - King Xerxes approved of Jewish people defending themselves against those who wanted to harm them - Haman's dead sons joined their father on the pole - The Festival of Purim - whatever your place in life, God can use you - what to read for next time “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ABOUT Opening a Bible for the first time can be intimidating. Join Amy & Robyn in an easy-to-follow discussion. This Basic Bible Study is perfect for beginners & those who have never read the Bible. Look for new podcasts every Tuesday & Friday! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BIBLE RESOURCES https://biblehub.com/ https://www.bible.com/ http://betterdaysarecoming.com/bible/pronunciation.html https://biblespeak.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/mybasicbiblestudy WEBSITE http://www.mybasicbiblestudy.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can contact us through e-mail or regular old snail-mail: Basic Bible Study 7797 N. 1st St. #34 Fresno, CA 93720 basicbiblestudy19@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scripture:  Esther 4:14-16,Esther 6:6-10, Esther 9:20-22, Galatians 3:13, Philippians 2:6-11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon focuses on the story of Esther and how God's providence works even when He seems silent. It highlights the key characters—King Xerxes, Esther, Mordecai, and Haman—and the unfolding drama of Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, which is ultimately overturned through Esther's courage and divine intervention. Scott emphasizes three key takeaways: God's silence does not mean His absence, the importance of having wise counsel like Mordecai, and the danger of settling for a "shadow mission" rather than God's true purpose. Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people mirrors Christ's sacrifice, as Jesus stepped down from glory to save humanity. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own divine opportunities and to use them for God's purpose rather than personal comfort.

Basic Bible Study | Esther (Part 4) This is part 4 of 6 In today's podcast, join Chris and Robyn as they continue their discussion in Esther. Here is a breakdown of what was discussed: - Haman's plot against the Jews - Mordecai refused to kneel before Haman - the king approved of Haman's plan to kill all of the Jewish people in King Xerxes kingdom - both Mordecai & Esther seized the moment & acted “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ABOUT Opening a Bible for the first time can be intimidating. Join Amy & Robyn in an easy-to-follow discussion. This Basic Bible Study is perfect for beginners & those who have never read the Bible. Look for new podcasts every Tuesday & Friday! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BIBLE RESOURCES https://biblehub.com/ https://www.bible.com/ http://betterdaysarecoming.com/bible/pronunciation.html https://biblespeak.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/mybasicbiblestudy WEBSITE http://www.mybasicbiblestudy.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can contact us through e-mail or regular old snail-mail: Basic Bible Study 7797 N. 1st St. #34 Fresno, CA 93720 basicbiblestudy19@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not every story in the Bible is given so that we know what to do sometimes; they are given to us so that we know what not to do. We see King Xerxes today, and we see how powerful he is. He is throwing grand and great festivals. He is showing his power and wealth for all to see. The last thing that he wants to show off is his wife. And she refuses to be treated as such, so he banishes her. We are called, as people and as husbands and wives, to show respect to each other. Xerxes has much, yes. But he is not living in a way that we should see to imitate as Christians. Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%201&version=NIVYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are reunited to intro Aeschylus, the Father of Greek Tragedy.Aeschylus (b. 525 BC) was a warrior, statesman, and the father of Greek tragedy. Born into nobility, he grew up in Athens during its pivotal transition from tyranny to democracy. Furthermore, he famously fought in the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), defending a nascent Western civilization against Persian invasion. Aeschylus died in 456 BC, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the foundation of Greek drama.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.From our guide on the Oresteia:1. What is the Ionian Revolt?To understand Aeschylus, we must first understand the Greco-Persian War (c. 499 BC to 429). In sum, what is called the “First Persian Empire,” founded by Cyrus the Great around 550 BC, stretched from modern-day Iran, Asia Minor, modern day Israel, and Egypt. In Asia Minor, this Persian empire ruled over Hellenistic city-states. One may recall that Troy, a polis with both Hellenistic and eastern traits, was also located in Asia Minor. In 499 BC, the city-states rebelled against their Persian overlords with the support of Athens in what is known as the “Ionian Revolt.” The revolt failed and the Persians retained control of Asia Minor; however, King Darius of the Persian Empire believed Athens should be punished and elected to invade Greece. 2. What was the first invasion in the Greco-Persian Wars?The Ionian Revolt sparked the larger Greco-Persian Wars and led to King Darius' invasion of ancient Greece in 492 BC. Athens led the federation of city-states against the Persians, and Aeschylus fought for the Athenian army. Notably, Aeschylus and his brother both fought at the famous Battle of Marathon in 490 BC at which the first Persian invasion was defeated.[1] Aeschylus' brother, however, died in the conflict.[2] The Battle of Marathon is often held as a watershed moment in the birth of Western culture. The battle is also the namesake of running a marathon, as the legend has it that an Athenian runner ran the twenty-six miles from Marathon to Athens to tell them of the Athenian victory. 3. What was the second Persian invasion in the Greco-Persian Wars?Ten years later, a second Persian invasion was headed by King Darius' son, King Xerxes. This is the setting for the famous Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC), in which the smaller Spartan force of approximately 7000 men under King Leonidas held off 120,000-300,000 Persian invaders. The word Thermopylae means “hot gates” and takes its name from the hot springs in that area—it is also fittingly one of the mythological entrances to Hades. After Thermopylae, the Athenians won a great naval battle against the Persians at Salamis in 480 BC. Notably, Aeschylus is said to have fought in this battle as well and wrote his play The Persians about the conflict. The Greeks, led by the Athenians and Spartans, would eventually expel the Persians and bring peace in 449 BC. 4. What do we know about Aeschylus' writings?Aeschylus is...

This week, Pastor Kevin continues our Journey through the book of Ester, a story of Remarkable courage in the Face of Impossible odds. Chosen as Queen of Persia through an unholy process, Esther now confronts her greatest Challenge: risking her lige to save her people. In Chapter 5 she boldly steps into her calling, approaching King Xerxes with wisdom, Faith and a daring plan. Pastor Kevin will unpack how Esther's trust in God and steadfast resolve reveal His sovereignty and inspire us to trust Him in our own moments of challenge and decision. Passage Esther 5

IN THIS EPISODE: Queen Vashti says no to King Xerxes, with dire consequences!

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

audio: https://erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/How-to-get-rich.m4a Rich goals pdf: https://erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/How-to-Get-Rich-7.pdf # How to Get Rich I think I might be the richest millennial I know, or at least anybody who is born in 1988, besides Mark Zuckerberg. ## How and why? First, I think I am the only millennial I know with literally zero debt. Like zero mortgage, which is debt, zero car payments, zero college loans etc. Actually if I think about this in retrospect, growing up poor might have been the most beneficial things: seeing the evils of gambling via my dad, and crushing debt bankruptcy through my mom… Was probably the best indicator or learner that I had in terms of real life experience, in terms of how terrible the evils of debt is. And also, even going to college… Essentially being able to go for “free”, because my family was poor, I got all these scholarships and grants, and work-study loans, which essentially means that I still have to work, but at least, I had to take on zero debt to pay for my dorm apartment etc. ## Voluntary loans The Only money I borrowed was about $10,000, more for fun; I used that money to backpack through Europe, travel the world in between my junior and senior year etc. But that was optional. And also, I think the really really big thing; never spending more than $2500 USD on a car? I think that was the sticker price for the last car I purchased which was a 1990 Miata, when I was 21 years old, it might've been $3000 USD, getting it used on craigslist, ironically enough because the man selling it had a child on the way, and sold it because it was no longer useful to him having to raise a kid. Funny that I am in similar shoes now, now that Seneca is 3 1/2 years old. ## Mindset I think the number one critical thing is to just change your mindset. One thing which I have learned after the almost 15 years of being self-employed, ever since I was 21 until 36… Is truth be told, **nothing in the world is really worth it**. No amount of money eating out at a restaurant is ever worth it; purchasing beef ribs at Costco and baking it at home is at least a 100X superior yield than any restaurant, or even all all you can eat Korean barbecue; currently, my favorite spot is *Chubby Cattle*, but even though they issue there is they have a 90 minute time limit, I think my current record is about **70 plates of beef tongue**. I just went to the recent little Tokyo branch which just opened, and the servers, their jaws dropped; asking me whether I was a bodybuilder, given how much I ate, even on the last call I asked for 20 plates of beef tongue, they were skeptical, but I finished it all quite easily. ## Spartan is sexy. True insights ,,, take real risks: > Y'all niggas still taking advances huh? Me and my niggas were taking real chances huh! - Jay Z The ultimate mindset I suggest is going spartan. Just watch the movie 300, think about King Leonidas. Would King Leonidas blow his money on a Tesla, cybertruck, Lamborghini or Porsche? No! He would know that these things were just for the Persian slaves, those giving fellatio to King Xerxes. > Do you want to be one of the 300 Spartan elite, or do you be one of the million Persian slaves? There is a motto in the US military, freedom is not free. I would refine this saying; **freedom is expensive, very expensive**. ## The price is sacrifice True freedom is what you decide to give up, forgo, or sacrifice. This is embodied via the fact that you never eat out, you don't drink alcohol, you don't smoke weed or do drugs, you don't go on trips to Vegas, you don't watch pornography, you don't watch any media, you don't listen to music, podcasts, etc. You don't watch YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.

One of the unique aspects of World War I was simply the huge scale of the battles, with numbers of soldiers, sailors, and even airmen that the world had not seen in a long time.  Some of the Roman battles back in the day involved over 100,000 men on each side. Way back in episode 8, on the Persian Wars, I mentioned that the Persian army under King Xerxes might have had as many as a million men.   But World War I dwarfed even this.  There were more than 5 million men on each side over the course of the war, and that was only on the western front, not counting the several million more involved on the eastern front and in other parts of the world.  We're going to look at several of these big battles today, including the bloodiest one of the war, the Battle of the Somme, which is going to feature the single bloodiest day of the war, and is one of the deadliest battles in human history.  In fact, if it wasn't for a couple of battles between Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II, the Battle of the Somme would be the deadliest, bloodiest battle in all of human history.  Website:  shortwalkthroughhistory.comemail:  shortwalkthroughhistory@gmail.com

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

In Part 3, David Armstrong unpacks Esther's courageous and strategic actions to save her people. After fasting, Esther risks her life by approaching King Xerxes and carefully revealing Haman's plot against the Jews. Her wisdom and patience lead to a powerful reversal, with Haman's plans backfiring and resulting in his downfall. Esther's transformation into a bold and discerning leader serves as an inspiration, encouraging us to step into our own power, speak up for ourselves and those without a voice, and trust that hope and change are possible.

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

Amidst our current culture that still struggles to say “no” and find our “best yes,” we meet a king who is the ultimate people pleaser - always saying “yes” at any cost in order to gain favor and maintain his ego. He seems to beg others to find their favor in him, as he estimates his own worth based on their impressions of him. But finding favor from others demands scorekeeping, and the seduction of idolatry - of oneself.=============================Reflection:=============================✅ Whose favor are you seeking more than that of God? What about them causes you to desire their favor and acceptance more than God?✅ In what subtle ways do you petition others to seek your approval and favor?✅ Earlier I said the line: “I don't have favorites, but if I did, it would be you.” Favor is the Latin root of the word favorite and means “preferred before all others of the same kind.”Can you believe you are God's favorite and preferred before all others of the same kind? Why or why not?=============================Scripture Reading:=============================

David Armstrong begins our exploration of the Book of Esther, a captivating narrative from the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament. We journey into the Persian Empire under King Xerxes and delve into themes of fear, identity, and resilience looking at how the hidden parts of ourselves can provide strength in times of limitation and hardship. We also reflect on God's unseen presence in Esther's story, reminding us that even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, His hand is always at work behind the scenes.

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

At Esther's second banquet, the queen makes her request to King Xerxes – to save herself and the Jewish people from death. She also reveals Haman as the enemy, and Haman is hanged on the gallows that he had made for Mordecai.

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

Step back into the Ancient Persian Empire to discover what led to the Jewish people living under King Xerxes' reign. Walk alongside them as they question whether they still remained in a covenant relationship with God despite not returning to their homeland. Did that choice change things between them and their God? Did it impact his love and his favor? Join me as we live in the tension, as these characters did, of finding favor in the eyes of people and ourselves versus receiving favor from God.=============================Reflection:=============================✅ How do I measure my value in this world? Whose favor must I gain?✅ Where do I seek approval? In who will I seek approval from?=============================Scripture Reading:=============================

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

We continue our project of reading ALL of God's Word for our listeners. The post-exilic Book of Esther is set in the time between the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (520-518 BC) and that of Malachi (450-430? BC). The Jerusalem temple had already been rebuilt (c. 515 BC) some 35 years prior to the events narrated in Esther. However, neither Ezra nor Nehemiah had yet returned to Jerusalem. Ezra would lead the return of the second wave of exiles in about twenty years, and Nehemiah the third wave in another fifteen years after that. The historical timeline of Persia's King Xerxes is a perfect match to Esther's story. The events of chapter 1 would have been in the years of military planning leading up to Xerxes' famous attack on Greece. Queen Vashti was likely his queen Amestris, whom Xerxes married on his ascent to the Persian throne in 486 BC. It was in 480 that Xerxes and his army defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae and burned Athens, but then losing decisively in the naval battle of Salamis. Xerxes with the remainder of his fleet and much of his army, returned home, fearing that the military defeat at the hands of the Greeks would inspire rebellion within the empire. Thus, he would have been present at the palace in Susa, as it says in the second chapter of Esther, in the 7th year of his reign (479-8 BC) to choose Esther as queen in Vashti's place. It is important to remember this, as Queen Esther in the palace at Susa may be the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6 as sitting beside Xerxes son, Artaxerxes (though it might also be Vashti/Amestris, mother of Artaxerxes, who was still alive at this time). It is possible that Queen Esther continued to influence Persian politics for quite some time. The historical accuracy of Esther is confirmed, as related here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_13K4O3EA   This BRILLIANT summary of the Book of Esther is highly recommended. I suggest watching it both before and after listening to/reading it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs   If you enjoy our content, consider donating through PayPal via https://ko-fi.com/thechristianatheist Take a moment to enjoy our weekly Photos of the Day videos here - short slideshows with relaxing music ...https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9GPi4HTqoZ8xFgTldbBaA   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron

Esther served as a mediator between her people and Xerxes, but Jesus serves as a mediator between God and His people. Esther had to come to King Xerxes on his throne, but our King Jesus got off His throne to come to us. Esther was willing to die for her people, but Jesus actually died for His people. And He's alive and seated on the throne of heaven where He always welcomes us into His presence.

Despite the way people are often characterized, people are not good or morally upright by nature. In this portion of Esther, everyone seems to have their own best interests in mind. First, Esther was hiding that she was Jewish. Next, two of King Xerxes' servants plot to assassinate him. Then the king's nobleman, Haman, wants to kill all of the Jews because Mordecai is a Jew and refused to bow to Haman. Finally, Xerxes gives Haman the power to murder the Jews because Haman is going to pay the king a percentage of the Jews' belongings. Only be God's grace are we kept from being consumed by self-interests, greedy, praise-seeking, or angry when we don't get our way.

Holy Shift – Week #1 4 Steps to a Holy Shift – Part 1 Esther 1:1-22 4 Steps to a Holy Shift: 1. Refuse to settle for your shadow mission Shadow Mission = a derailment of your true mission These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching […]

Today Pastor James Leads us from Esther 7:1-10In todays passage, King Xerxes and Haman finally attend Queen Esther's banquet.  She is finally able to give her proposal to the king, and his reaction goes just as planned. Pastor James helps us delve into the works of Queen Esther's mindset going into the banquet, and what to do during God's quiet times.Youtube Link:https://youtu.be/O6-UGGXR88EThank you so much for joining us today!  Please connect with us by filling out a communication card:www.lakewoodgrace.com/connect

Throughout the book of Esther it is evident that King Xerxes lived for himself. He wanted the glory and recognition of being a great king. As Esther enters the story, we can see her as a symbol pointing us to Jesus. While one can find many similarities between Esther and Jesus, only Jesus is the one, true Savior. Just as He did with Esther, God walks with us even when we don't walk with Him. Jesus is a much better king than Xerxes, and Jesus' kingdom is much better than the one Xerxes, Esther, or any other earthly ruler could offer.

Suspense. Drama. Roses. Well…we lied about the roses.

[Philippians 3:13b] I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. The choices we make are either __________________ or __________________. [Esther 1:8, 10] By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted. [10] On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine... Every __________________ deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. [Esther 1:12] But when they conveyed the king's order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. This made the king furious, and he burned with anger. [Esther 3:5] When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. [Esther 3:8-9 NIV] Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king's laws; it is not in the king's best interest to tolerate them. [9] If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents of silver to the king's administrators for the royal treasury.” Impulsive people __________________ stop to hear other side. [Esther 4:13-14] Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don't think for a moment that because you're in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. [14] If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” “Our lives begin to end the day we become _____________ about things that matter” ~ Martin Luther King Jr. [Esther 4:16] “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” [Esther 7:8b] The king exclaimed, “Will he even assault the queen right here in the palace, before my very eyes?” Notice how many impulsive choices you make rather than __________________. Impulsive decisions will get you into __________________. [James 1:5a] If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. Cultivate __________________ about differentness. Make a commitment to walk __________________ differentness. Refuse to __________________ people. [Matthew 7:12a] “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. God cares about how much we love those that are ____________ from us.

That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. — Esther 6:1 Like many people, I occasionally have trouble falling asleep. When that happens, I often start counting backwards in Chinese from a thousand, hoping to fall asleep before reaching yi (“one”). That usually works, but if it doesn't, I eventually get up and rummage through the fridge for something to eat. King Xerxes of Persia had insomnia one night, so he called to his servants to read to him from the record of his reign. The king discovered that Mordecai, an exiled Jew living under his rule, had saved the king's life without being rewarded. So the king ordered that Mordecai be honored throughout his kingdom. As we read more of this story, we discover that the king's sleepless night plays a key role in the deliverance of the Jews from being annihilated (Esther 2:19-8:14). Here we can see God working behind the scenes to protect his people. Evil forces were arrayed against the Jews, but God used his captive, humble servants to touch the king's heart and turn destruction away from his people. God uses Xerxes, Mordecai, and Esther to keep his promises “for such a time as this” (4:14). Even in our moments of sleeplessness we can be assured that God is always working to keep his promises. We can always be assured of his love and care. In our times of sleeplessness, Lord, help us to turn to you, trusting and resting in your sure and unfailing love. Amen.

The story of Queen Esther is a powerful example of boldness and trust in God. Despite the risks, she approached King Xerxes to intercede for her people, demonstrating faith and courage. We are encouraged to approach God with the same boldness, knowing He hears our prayers. Esther's story inspires us to trust in God's sovereignty and take risks to fulfill His purposes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dailyrowe/support

Isn't it awesome to wake up on a Saturday morning with the whole day before you? Whether you decide to chip away at a big project, get your grocery shopping done, or enjoy a restful day around the house, your time is your own.    When the Lord chooses us for His purposes, the timing of His plans may surprise us, big time. But following Jesus means prayerfully obeying His call, even if it's not part of our personal agenda.    Esther in the Bible was a hesitant leader, but eventually, she understood that God was blessing her with an opportunity to help her people in their time of need.   Esther won the heart of King Xerxes, but hid her Jewish heritage as she stepped into the role of queen. Haman, an advisor to the king, made a plan to exterminate the Jews. As a brand new queen, she was in a tough spot.    In Esther 4:14, Esther's uncle Mordecai says to her, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”     God's timing is no accident. Esther took a risk and went before Xerxes, even though seeking an audience with her husband the king—without permission—could have cost her life. She was able to save her people, because she responded to the Lord's call on His timeline.    Let's pray.    Lord, your timing is not our timing. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and a mind open to your calling, whenever and wherever it happens. May your will be done, as you see fit. In Jesus' name, amen.