ESTA: Gate 3

“May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of all life, be glorified.”

Welcome to the study of God’s Word, where we grow from glory to glory until we reach the pinnacle of knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, as we continue with chapter 3 of the Book of Esther, it is recommended that you first read the chapter privately in your Bible, then we can discuss it together.

Overview and Theological Insight
This book describes prophecies of future events. Though we often read it as a simple story, it carries deeper meanings essential for every Christian, especially in our current times. For example, the story of Jonah is more than the tale of his disobedience; it prophetically points to Jesus Christ, who would spend three days in the grave, just as Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of the great fish (Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:40). Likewise, the events in Esther’s story foreshadow future spiritual battles and God’s sovereignty.

The Story of Haman (Esther 3:1-2)
In chapter 3, we read about Haman, who was elevated by King Ahasuerus above all other officials in the Persian Empire. He commanded that everyone bow to him. Yet Mordecai, a Jew, refused to bow or give him honor. When Haman learned of this, he was enraged and plotted not just against Mordecai but against all Jews (Esther 3:2-6).

“All the king’s officials at the king’s gate bowed down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded it. But Mordecai would not bow or pay him honor.” — Esther 3:2-3

Theological Insight: Mordecai’s refusal was not rebellion against the king but discernment of evil. The Bible clarifies that “bowing” here is a form of political homage, not worship of God. Mordecai respected authority (Romans 13:1-2) but rejected honoring someone whose intentions were malicious. Haman represented deception and pride, much like Satan’s work in the world (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Mordecai’s Wisdom and the Foreshadowing of End-Time Events
Earlier, in Esther 2:21-23, Mordecai uncovered a plot to kill the king, demonstrating his vigilance and loyalty. His discernment highlights the spiritual principle of recognizing evil even when it is politically or socially endorsed. This foreshadows the coming Antichrist, who will deceive the world, demanding homage and trying to destroy God’s people (Revelation 13:5-7).

“He was given authority to act for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and dwellers in heaven. He was given power to make war on the saints and to conquer them; and authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.” — Revelation 13:5-7

Just as Haman tried to annihilate the Jews, the Antichrist will persecute believers, including the two witnesses (Revelation 11) and the 144,000 sealed Jews (Revelation 7 & 14). Those who refuse to worship the Antichrist will face great tribulation, similar to the suffering of God’s faithful throughout history.

Modern Application: End-Time Spiritual Awareness
The narrative of Haman repeating the work of Satan through history—from Babylon to Persia, Greece, and Rome—teaches vigilance. The Antichrist will appear as a peacemaker and impose a global system (Revelation 13:16-17), which may include forced identification and control over buying, selling, or employment, paralleling Haman’s decree against the Jews. Only those sealed by God or faithful to Him will resist successfully.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” — 1 John 2:15

Call to Preparation
Believers today are urged to prepare spiritually:

Repent from sin, immorality, idolatry, and drunkenness.

Seek baptism for forgiveness and cleansing (Acts 2:38).

Commit your life fully to God, ensuring your eternal salvation.

Just as Esther had to act wisely to save her people, we must live in obedience and discernment, ready for Christ’s return (1 Peter 1:13).

Prayer/Contact Info:
For guidance, prayer, or Bible study schedules, you can reach out via WhatsApp: +255693036618 / +255789001312

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