Daily Bible Reading - July 2020 God's Life-Giving Word of PromiseMinta

July 18 Introduction The events in the book of Esther take place among the Jewish diaspora community in the Persian Empire during the reign of the Persian emperor Xerxes (486 – 465 B.C.). The story centers around a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and who rescues her people from genocide. The opening chapter describes a banquet hosted by King Xerxes during which Queen Vashti refuses to obey the king when she is summoned to appear before his guests. The king becomes furious and issues a proclamation that Vashti may never again appear before the king. Today’s reading begins with the king searching throughout the kingdom for a new queen. Mordecai, a Jew, has a beautiful younger cousin, Esther, whom he has raised as his daughter. The king falls in love with Esther and makes her queen, but he does not know that she is a Jew. Mordecai becomes a palace official who overhears a plot to kill the king. Scripture Reading Esther 2:1-23 Today’s Key Verse: Esther 2:16b Esther was brought to King Xerxes in the royal palace. Reflect How was Esther treated when she was brought to the palace? What are your thoughts about Esther’s need to keep her identity a secret? How did the king honor Esther after she was crowned as queen? Pray Lord God, I place my trust in you, knowing that you guide me day by day. I thank and praise you for your steadfast love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern Massage therapists. Tomorrow’s Reading Esther 3:1-15: Haman becomes prime minister and plots to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire.