Colin Adams brings this series on the story of Esther to a close as the counter-edict shows its effectiveness in damage limitation. As a result, the brief fighting gives way to an explosion of joy.
The reasons for the Jews’ joy were clear. First, the turning of the tables – the massive power of their enemies defeated. Then the providence of God – no one could stand against them. Finally, knowing someone in high places speaking for them.
But they didn’t just feel joyful – they expressed it in a recurring feast designed to prevent them forgetting.
Colin draws parallels showing how we in a different context have the same three reasons to be joyful. We also have a feast instituted to prevent us forgetting that whatever our circumstances we have something to be joyful about.