Esther 8:5-6 And said, If it please the king, and if I have favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king… Patriotism among the Jews was not a mere beautiful sunflower that flourished end expanded in days of prosperity, but a strong and powerful principle that displayed itself as much, if not more, in days of adversity. Our text breathes the spirit of the truest patriotism. I. THE SCENE THAT PRESENTED ITSELF TO ESTHER'S FEELING HEART. What patriotic Christian can contemplate the condition of large masses of our people without being moved to sympathy and confession? 1. Their poverty and privations. 2. Their want of moral and religious influence. 3. Their spiritual wants. II. THE EFFORT SHE USED UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SHE WAS PLACED. 1. She addressed herself in earnest prayer to the king in behalf of her countrymen. Let us arise and plead their cause with the King of kings who are the willing captives of sin and Satan. 2. She was active in the use of proper and legitimate means to accomplish her heart's desire. "Prayer without works is enthusiasm, and works without prayer presumption." 3. She did all in deep humility (ver. 5). III. ENCOURAGEMENTS TO CHRISTIAN EXERTION. 1. The times are favourable. 2. The gospel is admirably adapted to meet the wants of people everywhere. 3. The example of pious characters in all ages from the time of Christ down to our own time, who have felt it their duty and privilege to propagate the gospel. 4. "The value of the soul." (C. Hyatt.) Parallel Verses KJV: And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: |
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