READ Esther 9
With the king´s permission, the Jews are allowed to protect themselves.

INSIGHT
National salvation is culminated for the Jews. When the fateful day arrives, the Jews throughout the empire stand on the defense. In the provinces, 75,000 of their assailants fall—500 of them in the capital of Susa alone. Among these are the 10 sons of Haman. A divine purpose runs through all human governments and events; and as God exalted Mordecai to honor and glory, so will He work for those who love Him. And so, ultimately, will He put all enemies under His feet.

PRAYER
God is far more powerful than any earthly leader. Thank Him that His power is tempered with righteousness and compassion:
The Lord is King forever and ever;  
The nations will perish from his land.  
Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble;
You will strengthen their hearts. You will listen carefully,  
Doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed
So that mere humans from the earth
May terrify them no more (Psalm 10:16-18).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:
May the Lord cut off all flattering lips
And the tongue that speaks boastfully.  
They say, “Through our tongues we have power;
Our lips are our own — who can be our master?”
(Psalm 12:3-4).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
The words of the Lord are pure words,
Like silver refined in an earthen furnace,
Purified seven times. You, Lord, will guard us;  
You will protect us from this generation forever
(Psalm 12:6-7).

Our heavenly Father loves to communicate with His children. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Wisdom for your church leaders
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The Lord will rescue me from every evil work
And will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.  
To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
(2 Timothy 4:18).