King Ahasuerus promotes the wicked Haman to a position of great authority, demanding that all his servants bow down and pay homage to him. However, Mordecai, a faithful Jewish man and Esther's cousin, refuses to bow to Haman, infuriating the vengeful advisor. Learning of Mordecai's Jewish identity, Haman devises a plot to exterminate all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He casts lots (purim) to determine the day for their destruction.
When Mordecai hears of Haman's sinister plan, he mourns and pleads with Esther, now Queen of Persia, to intercede with the king on behalf of their people. Esther is initially hesitant due to the law that anyone approaching the king without invitation risks death, but Mordecai reminds her that she too will not be spared from Haman's wrath.
Esther bravely resolves to approach the king and calls for a three-day fast among the Jews to seek divine guidance and courage.
The Gospel of Mark introduces John the Baptist, a prophet preaching repentance and baptism in the Judean wilderness. His compelling message draws crowds from...
We wrap up our series 50 Books of the Bible in 50 Weeks with some final reflections on the Book of Revelation. In Revelation...
King David writes in Psalm 144:9, “I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music...
