The Watchtower, March 15, 1979
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GRAND TESTIMONY TO GOD'S GLORY AND CREATORSHIP
3 Evidence of a Creator
5 Grand Testimony to God's Glory and
Starting from page 12, the thrilling Bible book of Esther is reviewed. What practical application does this book offer to you?
Creatorship
8 Should You Follow the Custom?
24 Life-giving Education in Costa Rica
12 A Discreet Woman Displays Her Unselfishness
28 "Let Us Not Sleep On as the Rest Do"
17 Jehovah Does Not Desert His People
31 Questions from Readers
23 Insight on the News
32 God's Word Reunites a Family
A WATCHTOWER enables a person to look far into the distance and announce to others what is seen. Likewise, this magazine, published by Jehovah's Witnesses, aids the reader to see what the future holds. Since it began publication in 1879, "The Watchtower" has held faithfully to God's Word as its authority. It stays clear of all political involvement. It points to the Bible prophecies showing that Jesus Christ is God's means for restoring peace and harmony to this globe. It shows that this Son of God, on the basis of his shed blood, will release mankind from sin and death to enjoy eternal life in happiness on a paradise earth. Because Jehovah God will accomplish all this soon through his kingdom by Jesus Christ, "The Watchtower" announces that kingdom as the real hope for mankind.
Copyright © 1979 by Watch Tower Bible and Trait Society of Penn-
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TAKE the most powerful telescope, and look into the immensity of the heavens. Peer through a modern microscope into the amazing intricacy of molecules and atoms. And what do we see? This—that in the stupendously large, as well as in the minutely small, yes, in all the physical universe—there is order, beauty and design. And where we see design, what do we conclude? Does not the Bible indicate the answer, at Hebrews 3:4? "Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God."
And what about order? It was the Godfearing scientist Sir Isaac Newton who first noted that things in the universe were moving from order to disorder. This led to the conclusion that, unless there is purposeful intervention by some outside force, every physical transformation in the world about us must be accom- THE WATCHTOWER — MARCH 15, 1979
panied by a loss in design. The original design is breaking down. In the first place, then, Someone must have designed, created and put things in order. Without that Designer's intervention, order will keep on breaking down.
That an intelligent Designer brought forth the universe is in harmony with what some scientists call the "big-bang" theory of creation. In recent years this theory has gained ascendancy over the "steady-state" theory, which claims that the universe has existed eternally, is without beginning. But we do not have to rely on the shifting sands of modern scientific theory to prove that there is a Creator. For the Creator himself makes clear who and what he is: "This is what Jehovah has said, . . . 'I myself have made the earth and have created even man upon it. I—my own hands have stretched out the heavens, and all the army of them I have commanded.'" (Isa. 45:11, 12) The evidence of his creatorship is to be observed and marveled at in so many things that we see around us.
"I... HAVE CREATED EVEN MAN"
No doubt, at some time or another, we have all fondled the tiny fingers of an infant—so delicate, so beautifully formed, so precious—so much more refined than animal claws! And no doubt we have reflected on how that baby's small life got started from a mother's egg the size of a pin point, by union with a father's sperm far too small to be seen by the unaided eye. Yes, we all had a tiny beginning, in an egg cell that divided and divided, and kept on dividing, till finally the more than 10,000,000,000,000 cells that make up the adult human "knew" when to leave off dividing.
The entire process of conception and selective growth is marvelous beyond our comprehension.
But it is not beyond the comprehension of God, for he is its Author. As King David said: "My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret. . . . Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, and in your book all its parts were down in writing." Yes, it is according to the "blueprint" made by a loving Creator that we were formed, given a marvelous body and endowed with moral attributes and qualities designed to keep our lives in balance and to make living a constant delight. So we have every reason to join David in his melodious words uttered 3,000 years ago: "O Jehovah, you have searched through me, and you know me. . . . You kept me screened off in the belly of my mother. I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware."—Ps. 139:1, 13-16.
There is no end to the wonders built into God's creation, man. How can some claim that life started by blind chance, and that man evolved from the amoeba by a series of accidents? In the infinitesimal human cell there are the ladderlike DNA molecules, each programmed for that particular individual, the same messages of life being written in each multiplying cell. These tell which cells must go to make up the eyes, the nose, the tongue, the ears, the teeth, the skin, the organs and all other body parts. They make sure that the "kind" is distinctly human, not ape or dog or any other lower animal. They spell out the inheritable characteristics of the individual. The specialized parts that come out of this growth process do indeed bespeak a brilliant Designer!
MAN'S MIND
Unquestionably the most amazing part of God's earthly creation, man, is the brain, in which is centered the mind. The
brain makes rapid growth, reaching three quarters of its adult weight in the first two years of life. No wonder that our toddlers are full of curiosity and questions: 'Who made the sky? the birds? the cat? the flowers? Who made me?' Why, even at that early age, the youngster has observed that things about him have makers. He concludes, therefore, that all things had a Maker. Why is it that so many adults have strayed from such logical reasoning?
The brain itself is a marvel of living electronics. Literally thousands of scientists may work for years in producing and programming a computer suited to a particular field. Yet they must concede that, if they produced a computer to match the capacity and versatility of the human brain, they would need a multistory skyscraper to house it all. Yet the three-pound human brain, small enough to hold in one hand, is fully equipped to take care of its own programming, and to handle every field essential to human living. Moreover, as it picks up its messages from the senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell, and triggers the speech and actions of its owner, it serves on a plane that no man-made computer will ever be able to attain. And what computer will ever operate from a heart exercising love, human kindness, thankfulness, appreciation? What computer will ever think, reason, explain, or worship its Maker?
In contemplation of man's marvelous makeup, and of all the created world about us, concerning God's visible works, we can say with Job: "Look! These are the fringes of his ways, and what a whisper of a matter has been heard of him!" (Job 26:14) But we do not need to stop at hearing only a whisper concerning our Creator. If we search in his Word, the Bible, we can learn much, not only concerning his creation, but of the grand purpose that lies behind it all.
GRAND TESTIMONY TO GOD'S GLORY AND CREATORSHIP
MANY people who question whether there is a God blind themselves to the evidence that he does exist. Because certain things happen daily, even persons who believe in God may not view these ordinary occurrences as testimony to God's glory and Creatorship. The inspired psalmist, however, stands out in sharp contrast with such persons. He saw in the repetition of very common things a piling up of evidence that unmistakably declared the glory of the Most High.
TESTIMONY OF THE VISIBLE HEAVENS
The psalmist wrote: "The heavens are declaring the glory of God; and of the work of his hands the expanse is telling. One day after another day causes speech to
bubble forth, and one night after another night shows forth knowledge. There is no speech, and there are no words; no voice on their part is being heard. Into all the earth their measuring line has gone out, and to the extremity of the productive land their utterances. In them he has set a tent for the sun, and it is like a bridegroom when coming out of his nuptial chamber; it exults as a mighty man does to run in a path. From one extremity of the heavens is its going forth, and its finished circuit is to their other extremities; and there is nothing concealed from its heat."—Ps. 19:1-6.
In this poetic way, the psalmist David indicated that the visible heavens—sun, moon and stars—declare God's glory. The
THE WATCHTOWER-MARCH 15,1979 great number of heavenly bodies, their orderly, dependable movements and the beneficial purpose that they serve provide grand testimony to a God of wisdom, power and benevolence.
A God who has so well arranged the visible universe must be infinitely wise and powerful. When we consider, for example, how dependent on the sun life on earth is, we must conclude that the Maker of the sun deeply cares about living things. In revealing certain admirable qualities of Jehovah God, the visible heavens are indeed declaring his glory.
The testimony concerning God's glory and Creatorship is not limited to what can be seen in the heavens during the course of one day or one night. One day after another day and one night after another night present the same testimony. Just one 24-hour display of the sun, moon and stars would provide a marvelous witness concerning the Creator. But each day this testimony can be read in the skies above. So it is as if this witness is continually bubbling forth or effervescing by day and, during the night, the visible heavenly bodies are likewise providing knowledge concerning Jehovah's glory and Creatorship.
The witness given is, of course, a silent one. But in no part of the earth has this particular testimony not been provided. It fills the earth, as if measuring lines had been cast in every part of this planet.
The psalmist speaks of the sun's having a tent in the visible heavens. Correspondingly, Job 22:14 speaks of the heavens arching over the earth like a "vault." Also, Isaiah 40:22 speaks of God as "the One who is stretching out the heavens just as a fine gauze, who spreads them out like a tent in which to dwell." Inside this figurative "tent" the sun moves daily like a nomad. Because of its brilliance, the sun is appropriately compared to a bridegroom coming out of his nuptial chamber specially arrayed for the occasion, and, like a mighty
man running a race, it pursues its "circuit" through the heavens. Since the sun sheds its light on every part of the earth from the area of its rising to its setting, everything on earth benefits from its warmth or heat. There are no exceptions to this.
GOD'S LAW BEARS WITNESS
The witness concerning Jehovah's glory and Creatorship is not limited to what can be observed in the visible heavens. According to Genesis 1:14, one of the reasons for the existence of the heavenly luminaries is that they "serve as signs and for seasons and for days and years." So they have provided the means for calculating days and years, have guided men at sea and have been the means for determining the proper time for certain agricultural operations. But the heavenly luminaries are not the means that God has provided to guide men in making vital moral decisions. The Most High has provided his commands, and these, too, testify to his glory.
The psalmist David continued: "The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise. The orders from Jehovah are upright, causing the heart to rejoice; the commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the eyes shine. The fear of Jehovah is pure, standing forever. The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true; they have proved altogether righteous. They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much refined gold; and sweeter than honey and the flowing honey of the combs. Also, your own servant has been warned by them; in the keeping of them there is a large reward."—Ps. 19:7-11.
David was here referring to God's law given through Moses. It was perfect, without flaw, fully measuring up to the purpose for which it had been provided. That law could bring back the soul or the individual in the sense that obedience to it brought a reviving of his being and promoted his welfare.
All the reminders included in God's law were trustworthy. They could safely be followed as a guide for life. Though inexperienced and unsure of himself, the person who heeded God's reminders would act wisely, avoiding a course leading to ruin.
The orders or particularized rules set forth in the Mosaic law were upright, that is, in full harmony with principles of righteousness and justice. By conducting himself in harmony with the conviction that God's orders are upright, a person would gain an inward happiness, a joy of heart.
Being pure, clean, without any undesirable trait, the commandment of Jehovah makes the eyes radiant with clearness of vision. It enables a person to avoid moral error and to follow an upright course.
A wholesome fear or a deep respect toward the Creator is manifest by obeying his commands. Such a fear is pure. It does not debase an individual as did the dread of false deities, whom their worshipers viewed as being angry and demanding to be appeased by human sacrifices. A wholesome fear of God is what the Law taught. Such a fear will continue to be expressed by Jehovah's devoted servants. It is, therefore, a fear that stands forever.
God's law consisted, in part, of judicial decisions. These were true, dependable, stable, being firmly founded on divine procedures of justice. In every respect those judicial decisions were righteous. Since the judicial decisions are from God and wholly beneficial, it is most desirable to have them in one's mind and heart. They are more valuable than material riches—gold. To persons who allow themselves to be guided by them, they are sweeter than
honey. These judicial decisions warn against a person's taking a wrong course, strengthening his determination to resist temptation. Adherence to them is rewarding in that such obedience promotes the highest good of the individual. He shuns a course of life that would be emotionally, physically and mentally injurious.
Truly a law so helpful and beneficial as the one given to the Israelites furnishes eloquent testimony regarding a wise, just and loving God.
HELP PROVIDED FOR GOD'S SERVANTS
Additional testimony concerning the Creator is found in the help that he provides for his imperfect servants. As is evident from Psalm 19, David very much appreciated God's law. However, he also realized that as an imperfect man he needed the aid of his Maker in conducting himself aright. This is clear from the concluding portion of Psalm 19. We read: "Mistakes—who can discern? From concealed sins pronounce me innocent. Also from presumptuous acts hold your servant back; do not let them dominate me. In that case I shall be complete, and I shall have remained innocent from much transgression. Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah my Rock and my Redeemer."—Ps. 19:12-14.
David realized that as an imperfect man he might commit sins of which he was not even aware. So he asked to be forgiven the transgressions that might have been hidden from him. Then, when his imperfect flesh might prod him to take a wrong course, he very much wanted God's help. He desired that Jehovah restrain him from high-handed, presumptuous deeds. He wanted to be held back from having presumptuous acts become the dominant course of action for him. If he had indulged his sinful flesh, he would have come under the control or domination of sin.
He wanted, instead, to be complete in his devotion to the Most High. To the extent possible, he desired to be found "innocent from much transgression." Therefore, he prayed that his appeal for help, stemming from the "meditation" stimulated by the heart, be found pleasurable before his God. In times of danger and distress David relied on Jehovah as on a solid rock. He also regarded Jehovah as his Redeemer, the One who could
save him from the clutches of wicked men as well as from his slipping into sin.
Thus, Psalm 19 forcefully points to the combined witness of creation, the written law contained in the Bible and divine help given to upright ones as something revealing the existence of the Most High. This testimony should move us to want to be found approved by him. Yes, may the 'meditation of our heart' prove pleasurable to him as we continue to look to Jehovah God to direct our steps aright.
SHOULD YOU FOLLOW THE CUSTOM?
A COUPLE from Rhodesia were visiting friends in Austria. While there, they were invited to an informal gathering in the home of some other people. Upon entering that house, they were invited to take off their shoes and were each handed a pair of slippers. At first,
the couple were taken aback. They were not accustomed to taking off their shoes in front of strangers, especially in someone else's home. However, they soon recovered their composure and readily complied with the request. Why? Because it apparently was the custom of that household.
This, of course, was a relatively easy decision to make, since no big issue was at stake. However, not all problems involving custom are that easily resolved, especially when they relate to matters of Christian conscience. A great many customary practices are innocuous and, in fact, add zest and richness to life. Some are very damaging and can seriously impair a person's
relationship with his Creator, whereas others should be earnestly sought after if one is going to walk in the way of life.
WHAT IS CUSTOM?
Custom has been defined as a "long-established practice considered as un
THE WATCHTOWER MARCH 15,1979 written law."
It is also "a usage or practice common to many . . . or habitual with an individual." As a legal term, it applies to "unwritten law established by . . . uniform practice."
To illustrate this, let us turn to the Bible book of Genesis, chapter 29. There we find an account of Jacob's negotiations with his uncle Laban for the hand of his younger daughter, Rachel, in marriage. The agreement was that Jacob should work seven years for Laban in return for Rachel, whom he loved very much. At the end of seven years, Jacob approached Laban, saying: "Give over my wife, because my days are up." However, Laban tricked Jacob by giving him his older daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel. Obviously, Jacob was greatly upset at this deception and protested to his uncle. What was Laban's answer? "It is not customary to do this way in our place, to give the younger woman before the firstborn." In spite of his being thus deceived, Jacob did not dispute this unwritten law but showed his recognition of it by agreeing to wait for another week before receiving Rachel as his wife.—Gen. 29:15-28.
We might also use a modern-day example that demonstrates the meaning of the word "custom." In Rhodesia, marriages must be legally registered by a government agent in order to have official recognition. At one time this was not the case. The marriage celebration had to be carried out according to African custom, an unwritten law, in order to receive recognition in the community. Among other things, this involved the payment of a bride-price, or lobola, as well as the presence of a go-between to establish approval of the marriage by the parents or guardians. Even today many an African woman, although in possession of a marriage registration certificate, does not consider herself really married unless these customary practices have been followed.
These are examples of commonly practiced customs that are not necessarily bad, unless, of course, they are misused. Many, in fact, are very pleasurable and greatly add to the enjoyment of life. For instance, who does not enjoy eating Chinese food or trying to—with a pair of chopsticks? The custom of removing one's shoes on entering a home not only is relaxing but also is a practical way of showing consideration for the hostess and her efforts to keep her house clean and neat. Also, from time immemorial, harvest customs have included rejoicing and merrymaking. (Ps. 126:5, 6) Yes, such customs add much to the joy of living.
Jesus Christ did not condemn all customary practices. In fact, on one occasion he chided a Pharisee named Simon for failing to follow a certain practice associated with hospitality. (Luke 7:44-46) On another occasion, Jesus took advantage of the custom of Scripture reading in a synagogue in order to give a fine witness concerning his Messiahship. (Luke 4:16-21; compare Acts 15:21.) The apostle Paul also made good use of the custom of reading the Scriptures in the synagogue. In fact, doing this, and explaining God's Word, became his personal custom. In Thessalonica, "according to [his] custom," Paul made use of a Jewish synagogue and "for three sabbaths he reasoned with [the Jews] from the Scriptures." The result? "Some of them became believers and associated themselves with Paul and Silas." (Acts 17:2-4) So, in order to give a witness, both Jesus and Paul took advantage of a fine custom.
CUSTOMS TO BE AVOIDED
There are customs, however, that are harmful. By the time that Jesus was on earth the Jews had built up a system of traditions that placed heavy burdens on the people. In fact, many viewed these traditions as having greater value than the written word of God.
Jesus himself scathingly denounced as hypocrites those who imposed such traditions and thus made void God's word. Did the guilty Pharisees benefit from this? No, for the disciples said to Jesus: "Do you know that the Pharisees stumbled at hearing what you said?" Not only were the Pharisees themselves blinded, but so were those on whom these traditions were being imposed. (Matt. 15:1-14) The ignorance fostered by such customs or traditions actually resulted in the Jews' putting to death the very one who proved to be the long-promised Messiah, "the Chief Agent of life."—Acts 3:14-17.
Today we also have customs that can lead to spiritual shipwreck unless we have a strong dependence on God's Word. In Rhodesia, for instance, it is customary for a newly married man to leave his wife in his home village and go to the city for secular work. According to unwritten law, he must do so or be censured by the community. But what generally happens when this custom is followed? Once in the city, the man has to have accommodations. So he finds a room, probably sharing it with one or more other persons. In time, he begins to feel the need for someone to cook his meals and wash his clothes. So he looks for what is called a mapoto wife. Mapoto is simply a term derived from the English word "pot" and transliterated into the Shona language. This woman not only cares for the man's household needs but also satisfies his sexual cravings. So the situation becomes a matter of living in adultery.
But what about the wife back in the village? She cares for the fields, the domestic animals and the children, and she may see her husband only once or twice a year. Without a husband at home most of the time, the woman also is sorely tempted to commit immorality. So here is a case where a customary practice can
lead to a direct violation of God's pure Word of truth. The Bible says that when a man and a woman enter wedlock they become one flesh and should therefore stick together. (Matt. 19:5, 6) Of course, there may be occasions when a husband or a wife finds it necessary to be separated from his or her mate for a time, possibly due to unforeseen circumstances. Or, this may even take place by mutual consent so that some temporary obligation can be fulfilled. But when living separately becomes a practice, as in the example just cited, it can lead to great harm.
Happily, Christian witnesses of Jehovah living where this practice is carried on have courageously borne the reproach that comes with failure to follow the custom. They do so rather than indulging in a course of action that results in Jehovah's disapproval and the possible loss of everlasting life. Some, rather than leaving their wives and going to the city for work, have enterprisingly engaged in raising such crops as coffee and bananas. Jehovah has blessed them for their sincere desire to stick close to their families and to the guidelines that he gives in his Word. Even though this might result in some form of community disapproval, they do it as unto Jehovah and not to men.—Col. 3:23.
Some customs involve practices so gross that they are detestable to Jehovah, and,
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hence, to his people. Among such practices are sodomy, bestiality, homosexuality, incest and other forms of sexual immorality. These were being indulged in by the Canaanite inhabitants of the Promised Land. After citing the practices that were unclean and detestable to him, Jehovah warned the Israelites: "You must keep your obligation to me not to carry on any of the detestable customs that have been carried on before you, that you may not make yourselves unclean by them." He then emphasized the seriousness of the matter by saying, "I am Jehovah your God."—Lev. 18:1-30.
Thus we see Jehovah's viewpoint of such vile practices. But what about today? Are these practices common in your country? What is the situation in your own neighborhood? Is it not true that some nations are even changing their laws so that homosexuality no longer is punishable by law and homosexuals are looked on as respectable in the community? Just as in the days of the ancient Israelites and the early Christian congregation, such practices are repulsive to all those who want to 'become holy in all their conduct.'—1 Pet. 1:15; Rom. 1:24-27.
DESIRABLE CUSTOMS TO FOLLOW
So far we have discussed customs that add pleasure to a person's life, customs that involve the matter of a Bible-trained conscience and those that must be avoided in order for a Christian to remain clean in Jehovah's eyes. Now let us give some attention to customary practices that the Christian would want to follow in order to maintain his separateness from the world. Call to mind that the definition of "custom" carries the thought of a practice that is "common to many," or "habitual with an individual." What are some customs that a Christian should develop?
Do you recall the account in the 17th chapter of the book of Acts, where it is
recorded that Paul and Silas left Thessalonica and went to Beroea? How did the Beroeans respond to Christian teaching? Verse 11 says: "They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so." Is it your custom to make the study of God's Word a daily practice? Do you have periods of deep meditation on the things that you have learned? A person who makes this a regular custom in his life is counted happy.—Ps. 1:1, 2.
What about the matter of associating with fellow Christians in worship? Would you not say that this is a desirable practice to develop? The apostle Paul thought so. In fact, in writing to the Hebrew Christians, he made reference to a custom that apparently had developed among some—that of neglecting to gather together in such worship. Instead of approving this practice, the apostle urged his fellow believers to follow the opposite custom. He said that they should be gathering together in order to stir up one another to love and fine works. No less should we be doing the same thing—in fact, 'all the more so as we behold the day drawing near.'—Heb. 10:24, 25.
Finally, we might ask ourselves: How much concern do I show for others? Do I make it my practice to share the truth with fellow believers and others in their homes? Just examine the attitude of Jesus' apostles as to this practice. In Jerusalem, on one occasion, Peter and John were charged not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus. Before the Jewish Sanhedrin these apostles respectfully, but boldly, declared: "We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard." Then, after being released, these servants of God joined fellow believers, and all together they prayed: "Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness."
(Acts 4:18-30) What a fine attitude! But that was not all. Later, because of their bold activity, the apostles were put in prison. However, during the night they were released by an angel. And where did they go? To the temple to continue declaring the "good news." Soon they found themselves before the Jewish court. After boldly stating that they "must obey God as ruler rather than men," they were flogged and released. But what did they do? "Every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without let-up teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus." (Acts 5:17-42) What fine habits these faithful followers of Jesus Christ had developed! Do you have
the same attitude toward the Christian custom of declaring the "good news"?
So, then, how would you answer the question, Should you follow the custom? Wise decisions will result in warm companionship with fellow believers while at the same time adding variety and richness to your life. Above all, you will thus be building up a close, warm, personal relationship with Jehovah, who provides all things for our enjoyment. Additionally, you will be ensuring for yourself, and perhaps for others to whom you declare the "good news," the privilege of living in God's new order of righteousness, where all customs will reflect the glory of Jehovah.—1 Cor. 10:31.
A DISCREET WOMAN Displays Her Unselfishness
HERE it stood in the city of Shushan (Susa). The structure was a magnificent palace! Its builders? Likely, Persian King Darius I and his son Xerxes I. Decorative materials for the building had been brought from distant places. For instance, an inscription of Darius states that the cedar timber was brought from Lebanon, the gold from Sardis and Bactria, the silver and copper from Egypt, and the ivory from such lands as Ethiopia and India.
2 Today only meager ruins remain of that once-splendid palace. But through the Bible book of Esther, doubtless written by the devout Hebrew Mordecai, we can "visit" that royal residence during the early fifth century before the Common Era. We
can relive the dramatic events of a decade (from about 484 to 474 B.C.E.) when God's people faced probable genocide throughout the Persian Empire. Those were the days of Ahasuerus (evidently Xerxes I). Our venture into the distant past will be very rewarding, for such Biblical accounts were written for the instruction of godly persons, that 'through our endurance and comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.'—Rom. 15:4.
SELFISHNESS LEADS TO HUMILIATION
a Persian King Ahasuerus, whose domain embraces 127 jurisdictional districts from India to Ethiopia, is occupying the throne at his part-time residence Shushan the castle, a complex of royal buildings within a fortified area. It is now the third year of his reign and he has called a conference of his princes, servants, military men and nobles. The gathering spans 180 days,
possibly to accommodate the numerous officials whose duties prevent their presence all at the same time. (A military purpose may have been involved, for the Greek historian Herodotus reported that in the third year of Xerxes' reign the king held an assembly to plan for warfare against Greece.)—Esther 1:1-4.
4 In concluding this notable gathering, the king holds a seven-day banquet for all the people in Shushan the castle. This feast is held in the courtyard of the palace garden. Just look at the surroundings! Why, decorative articles include linen, cotton, blue material held fast in ropes of fine
fabric, and reddish-purple wool in silver rings.
Here are marble pillars and couches of gold and silver on a pavement of porphyry, marble, pearl and black marble. Esther 1:5, 6.
At this banquet wine is being drunk from golden vessels of various kinds. The Persians are renowned for their drinking. But the custom of obligating guests to drink a specific amount is not being followed at this banquet.—Esther 1:7, 8.
Elsewhere in the royal complex, Persian Queen Vashti is holding a banquet for the women. It is now the seventh day of the king's feast and his heart is in a merry mood with wine. He tells seven court officials to bring beautiful Vashti before him and his guests. But, what is this? She keeps refusing to heed the king's word. Enraged, Ahasuerus seeks the advice of seven of his closest princes, a council of wise men well versed in legal matters. "According to law," asks the monarch, "what is to be done with Queen Vashti?" This selfish woman is guilty of insubordination!—Esther 1:9-15.
7 Listen! As chief spokesman of the seven princes, Memucan contends that Vashti has wronged, not only the king, but also the princes and people of the entire empire. Her conduct will become known and all the wives, even princesses, will despise their husbands. So, Memucan suggests, let the king decree that Vashti may not come in before him and that her royal dignity be given to a better woman. Then all the married women will honor their husbands. —Esther 1:16-20.
8 This recommendation pleases Ahasuerus. Soon documents are dispatched to all the jurisdictional districts, to each people in its own language. Now written among the unchangeable laws of the Medes and
the Persians, this decree provides "for every husband to be continually acting as prince in his own house." (Esther 1:21, 22) Vashti's insubordination and selfishness have cost her the royal crown. They have led to her humiliation.
A SUBMISSIVE WOMAN GAINS FAVOR
9 Some time passes before the rage of Ahasuerus subsides. Then, in keeping with the recommendations of the king's ministers, appointed commissioners locate beautiful young virgins in all the jurisdictional districts. These women are brought to Shushan the castle and are placed in the charge of the eunuch Hegai. The selected virgins are to be given massages, and, finally, the young woman most pleasing to Ahasuerus will be made queen instead of Vashti. (About four years elapsed between the deposing of Vashti and the choosing of her replacement, the delay apparently resulting from the king's absence while prosecuting war against the Greeks.) —Esther 2:1-4, 16, 17.
10 Very interested in this search for a new queen is the king's servant Mordecal. This devout Jew of the tribe of Benjamin is a descendant of a certain Kish, whom the Babylonian monarch Nebuchadnezzar took into exile from Jerusalem along with King Jehoiachin (Jeconiah) and others (in 617 B.C.E.). Some time ago, Mordecal became the guardian of the Jewish orphan girl Hadassah, whose name means "myrtle." Otherwise known as Esther (meaning "fresh myrtle"), she is the daughter of Mordecal's deceased uncle Abihail. And what a lovely young woman she has become! Why, she is "pretty in form and beautiful in appearance." It is not surprising that, as a replacement for Vashti is sought, Esther should be among the young women collected together at Shushan the castle and placed in the charge of Hegai.
—Esther 2:5-8, 15.
11 Esther is pleasing to Hegai, who hastens to give her the prescribed massages and appropriate food. In fact, seven young women are chosen to attend her in the best area of the house of the women. Esther does not reveal that she is a Jewess, thus complying with the instructions of her older cousin Mordecai. For six months, the selected virgins receive massages with oil of myrrh, followed by six months of massaging with balsam oil. Then each woman goes in to Ahasuerus, thereafter returning to "the second house of the women" in the charge of Shaashgaz, the guardian of the king's concubines.—Esther 2:9-14.
12 Esther is unselfish, does not rely on showy adornment, and therefore requests nothing that Hegal does not mention. All along, she has been gaining favor in the eyes of everyone seeing her. It is now Tebeth (December-January), the 10th month in Ahasuerus' seventh year. Tension runs high as Esther is taken before the king. Is he pleased with her? Indeed he is! The Persian ruler comes to love Esther more than all the other women and makes her queen instead of Vashti. For all his princes and servants the happy king holds a great feast, "the banquet of Esther." Moreover, he grants an amnesty for the jurisdictional districts (perhaps remission of tribute, a release from military service or prison, or a combination of these). Ahasuerus keeps giving presents that only a monarch's wealth would make possible. What a time of joy!—Esther 2: 15-18.
13 A truly submissive woman has gained
favor. Although Esther now sits as Persian queen, she complies with Mordecai's instructions. (Esther 2:19, 20) Looking back, we may well visualize Esther as a beautiful woman in royal attire. But her principal 'adornment was the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of a quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in God's eyes.' (1 Pet. 3:3, 4) Twentieth-century Christian women have good reason to shun the selfishness of deposed Vashti and imitate the submissive, unselfish qualities of godly Esther.
14 It is also noteworthy that when Esther was made queen, there was great joy, in which Mordecai, her older cousin, surely shared wholeheartedly. He must have felt that this would work out finally for the benefit of all the Jews in the Persian provinces.
LOYAL, BUT UNCOMPROMISING
15 Esther has been keeping in touch with Mordecai and following his instructions. While he sits in the king's gate, court officials Bigthan and Teresh (who seemingly guard the door of the king's private apartment) become indignant and keep seeking to lay hand on Ahasuerus. Learning of the plot, Mordecai immediately tells Esther, who speaks to the king in his name. Her statements launch an investigation. Soon the two traitors are executed and their dead bodies are publicly exposed on a stake or post because their crimes have been offenses against the king. Even though Mordecai then goes unrewarded, his act of loyalty is recorded in the current book of affairs.—Esther 2:21-23.
10 Although Mordecal is loyal and has proper regard for governmental authority, he is uncompromising. Time passes and for some reason Ahasuerus appoints a certain wealthy Haman as prime minister.
Also, by royal command all the monarch's servants at the gateway of the palace grounds are bowing low and prostrating themselves to Haman. But look at Mordecai! He persistently refuses to prostrate himself before the newly appointed prime minister. This fills Haman with rage.—Esther 3:1-5.
17 Why has Mordecai taken such a resolute position? Well, Haman is an Agagite, probably a royal Amalekite. Jehovah had decreed the eventual extermination of the Amalekites because they showed hatred of God and his people by attacking the Israelites in the wilderness. (Ex. 17:8, 14:16; Deut. 25:17-19; 1 Sam. 15:1-33) Hence, godly Mordecai staunchly refuses to prostrate himself before Haman. Bowing would denote, not just respect, but peace and possibly homage toward this Amalekite. Mordecai is unyielding because this is a matter of maintaining integrity to God.
18 Enraged Haman begins seeking to annihilate both Mordecai and his people, the Jews throughout the empire. To that end, during Nisan, the first month in Ahasuerus' 12th year, the unscrupulous Agagite resorts to divination. He has "someone [evidently an astrologer] cast Pur, that is, the Lot." This is done to determine the most favorable day to exterminate Jehovah's people.—Esther 3:6, 7.
19 Speaking now to King Ahasuerus, Haman lyingly paints the Jews as undesirables, as lawbreakers. Adding an economic appeal, the Agagite says: "Let there be a writing that they be destroyed; and ten thousand silver talents [worth millions of dollars] I shall pay into the hands of those doing the work by bringing it into the king's treasury."—Esther 3:8, 9.
20 Does Ahasuerus believe the false charges? He does! Removing his signet ring, used to seal official documents, the king gives it to Haman. "The silver is given to you, also the people, to do with them according to what is good in your own eyes," says the Persian ruler. Soon, under Haman's direction, royal secretaries are penning letters containing a decree for the destruction of the Jews. In turn, the wicked Agagite uses the signet ring bearing the monarch's distinctive symbol. Haman presses the ring into wax or some other soft substance on these documents so as to authenticate them.—Esther 3: 10-12.
21 Soon the letters are in the hands of couriers riding speedy post horses. The decree, published in various languages and carried throughout the empire, authorizes the plundering and annihilation of the Jews. When? On the 13th day of the winter month Adar (February-March). Understandably, then, while Ahasuerus and Haman sit and drink, there is confusion in the city of Shushan, where there are many Jews.—Esther 3:13-15; 9:18.
A TIME FOR COURAGE
22 As Mordecai learns of the genocide scheme, he rips his garments apart, puts on coarse sackcloth and ashes in symbol of mourning, and makes a loud and bitter outcry. Similarly, the imminence of calamity produces great mourning among the Jews in all the jurisdictional districts. However, there also is fasting—and surely many prayers are ascending to Jehovah God.—Esther 4:1-3.
23 Esther, too, is greatly pained. She sends Mordecal garments to replace his sackcloth, but he does not accept them. In answer to an inquiry, he sends the queen a copy of the law just issued and commands her to go before the king to implore favor for her people.
Her response? 'Everyone knows that any man or woman coming in to the king when not called will be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden scepter will a person stay alive. As for me, I have not been called in to him now for thirty days.' (Esther 4:4-11) Yes, Esther would lose her life unless King Ahasuerus specifically approved of her presence by extending to her his scepter, the rod he carries as an emblem of his royal authority. It certainly would take courage and faith in Jehovah to go before the monarch uninvited.
24 Nevertheless, Mordecai replies: "Do not imagine within your own soul that the king's household will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you are altogether silent at this time, relief and deliverance themselves will stand up for the Jews from another place; but as for you and your father's house, you people will perish. And who is there knowing whether it is for a time like this that you have attained to royal dignity?" (Esther 4:12-14) Mordecai has faith that Esther has been brought to royal dignity at this very time for a special purpose—the deliverance of God's people. But will she
What faith does Mordecal express regarding Esther's being brought to royal dignity?
display unselfishness, courage and faith? 20 In reply, Esther urges Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Shushan and fast in her behalf. "I shall fast likewise," she says, "and upon that I shall come in to the king, which is not according to the law; and in case I must perish, I must perish." Esther is about to jeopardize her very life, but this discreet woman is determined to act with courage and unselfishness in behalf of her people. So it is that Esther, Mordecai and the Jews at Shushan couple prayers with fasting and look to Jehovah God for their deliverance. —Esther 4:15-17.
20 In modern times, too, spirit-anointed followers of Jesus Christ, who are spiritual Jews, and their associates must bravely face trials and foes. (Rom. 2:28, 29) The ruling King, Jesus Christ, may allow the enemies of God's people to go to the limit in their efforts to destroy them. How vital it is, then, that anointed Christians and their dedicated associates act courageously, praying for divine wisdom and manifesting victorious faith! But will Jehovah continue to uphold his people? Judge for yourself, as the dramatic events of Esther's day continue to unfold before us.
JEHOVAH DOES NOT DESERT HIS PEOPLE
"Jehovah will not forsake his people, nor will he leave his own inheritance."-Ps. 94:14.
EHOVAH will not desert his people for the sake of his great name." The prophet Samuel had said it. Similarly, the
psalmist had declared: "Jehovah will not forsake his people, nor will he leave his own inheritance."—1 Sam. 12:22; Ps. 94: 14.
2 Do you personally place confidence in such words?
Could Esther, Mordecai and the Jews of their day be certain that Jehovah would not desert his people? We shall see.
ACTING WITH CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH
It is now the third day since the distressed Jews in the Persian Empire began fasting and praying to Jehovah. Courageous, unselfish Queen Esther has dressed royally and, unbidden, stands in the inner courtyard of the king's house. From his throne, King Ahasuerus sees his queen. Is she doomed? No. He extends to her the golden scepter and she approaches, touching its top. Esther has gained the king's favor and hears him ask: "What do you have, O Esther the queen, and what is your request? To the half of the kingship—let it even be given to you!" In response, she invites Ahasuerus and Prime Minister Haman to a banquet, and her gracious invitation is accepted.—Esther 5:1-5.
4 The Persian monarch and Haman the Agagite are present for Esther's banquet of wine later that day. In time, the king asks Esther: "What is your petition?" In replying, she invites Ahasuerus and Haman to a banquet the next day. Upon departing, Haman is joyful. But when integrity-keeping Mordecai the Jew does not quake because of him, the Amalekite is filled with rage, although he exercises self-control. On entering his own home, Haman calls together his wife and friends. He cannot resist the urge to boast and tell them how Ahasuerus has exalted him over all the princes and servants of the king.—Esther 5:6-11.
5 "What is more," continues Haman,
"Esther the queen brought in with the king to the banquet that she had made no one but me, and tomorrow also I am invited to her with the king." Yet, something greatly troubles the boasting Agagite, for he adds: "But all this—none of it suits me as long as I am seeing Mordecai the Jew sitting in the king's gate." Haman's wife Zeresh and his friends are sure that they have the solution. "Let them make a stake fifty cubits high," say they. "Then in the morning say to the king that they should hang Mordecai on it. Then go in with the king to the banquet joyful." Just think! Mordecai's dead body hanging on a stake 50 cubits (73 feet or 22 meters) high! 'Good!' thinks haughty Haman, and he has the stake erected.—Esther 5:12-14.
As we await the next day's developments, we have time to meditate on the course of Mordecai and Esther. Both placed their confidence in Jehovah and sought his guidance. Out of love for Jehovah's people, Esther even took her life in her hands, courageously going before the king uninvited. Like Mordecai and Esther, anointed Christians of today show similar love for all of God's people. And despite persecution by religious opposers, God's present-day servants act with implicit trust in Jehovah.
THE HAND OF JEHOVAH BECOMES MORE EVIDENT
' When Jehovah chooses to do so, he can direct or control governmental authorities so as to accomplish his will. Fittingly, therefore, an inspired proverb states: "A king's heart is as streams of water in the hand of Jehovah. Everywhere that he delights to, he turns it." (Prov. 21:1; Dan. 2:21) Observe now how the hand of the Most High became more evident in the days of Mordecai and Esther.
Ahasuerus is unable to sleep the night before this second banquet, likely because the hand of Jehovah is at work. Possibly drawing the conclusion that he has failed in some way, the king has the book of records read to him. At length, he hears a report of Mordecai's loyalty in uncovering the assassination plot of the two court officials Bigthana (Bigthan) and Teresh. But the king learns that this loyal act has gone unrewarded. So the Persian monarch determines that Mordecai shall be honored.
—Esther 6:1-3.
9 Early the next morning, scheming Haman is granted access to King Ahasuerus. But before the Agagite can carry out his murderous plot against Mordecai, the king asks: "What is to be done to the man in whose honor the king himself has taken a delight?" Haman says in his heart: "To whom would the king take delight in rendering an honor more than me?" Then doubtless visualizing himself in the role of the highly honored one, Haman says: 'Bring out the king's horse with the royal headdress on its head. (No ordinary horse is good enough for lofty Haman!) Let the man be clothed with the king's own royal apparel. Then, have the man ride on the horse in the public square of the city, and have it proclaimed aloud before him: "This is how it is done to the man in whose honor the king himself has taken a delight."' —Esther 6:4-9.
10 "Quickly," says Ahasuerus, "take the apparel and the horse, just as you have said, and do that way to Mordecai the Jew who is sitting in the king's gate. Do
not let anything go unfulfilled of all that you have spoken." What a devastating blow to proud Haman! But what can he do? Failure to comply would mean certain death. So it is not long before Mordecai, clothed in royal apparel and astride the king's horse, is riding in the public square with a humiliated Haman calling out before him: "This is how it is done to the man in whose honor the king himself has taken a delight." Afterward, Mordecai returns to the king's gate and Haman hurries to his house, mourning and with his head covered in shame. His wife and friends bring him no comfort, but say: "If it is from the seed of the Jews that Mordecai is before whom you have started to fall, you will not prevail against him, but you will without fail fall before him." Yes, to the Agagite's wife and friends, the fact that he has had to conduct a public ceremony in honor of Mordecai is viewed as an omen that Haman will go down before this Jew. Hardly has Haman heard these dire words when the king's court officials arrive and take him to Esther's second banquet.—Esther 6: 10-14.
COURAGEOUS IDENTIFICATION AND BOLD EXPOSURE
11 During the banquet, Ahasuerus asks: "What is your petition, O Esther the queen?" It takes courage to reply, but the queen says: "If I have found favor in your eyes, O king, and if to the king it does seem good, let there be given me my own soul at my petition and my people at my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be annihilated, killed and destroyed. Now if we had been sold for mere men slaves and for mere maidservants, I should have kept silent. But the distress is not appropriate when with damage to the king."—Esther 7:1-4.
12 What is this? Why, Queen Esther is Jewish, and annihilation has been decreed for her people! Ahasuerus wants to know who is responsible. Boldly, Esther says: "The man, the adversary and enemy, is this bad Haman." The queen has been fair in having the now-terrified Amalekite present when exposing him. Courageously, Esther has indicted Haman as responsible for gross misrepresentation and has identified him as a treacherous schemer against the Persian monarch's own interests. Enraged, the king goes into the palace garden. Frightened Haman, knowing he can expect no mercy from Ahasuerus, falls on the couch on which Esther has been reclining. He pleads for his very life. But
Esther does not relent, for this would displease Jehovah, who has decreed the complete destruction of the Amalekites.—Esther 7:5-8.
13 Returning from the garden, Ahasuerus sees desperate Haman on Esther's couch and cries out: "Is there also to be a raping of the queen, with me in the house?" Immediately, the king sentences the wicked Agagite to death. Soon the lifeless body of Haman is hanging on the very stake erected for the Jew Mordecai. Only then does the monarch's rage subside.—Esther 7:8-10.
14 In retrospect, we note that courageous Esther, not only revealed her identity as a Jewess, but boldly exposed Haman as an enemy of God's people. Comparably today, those who have since World War
I become anointed followers of Jesus Christ have, with earlier anointed ones, courageously identified themselves as spiritual Jews and, as such, witnesses of Jehovah. (Isa. 43:10-12) And they certainly have enemies. For instance, like Haman, the clergy of Christendom have sought the destruction of Jehovah's people. But genuine Christians boldly have exposed these hateful foes whose schemes will get them no farther than did those of the unscrupulous Amalekite, Haman.
This is so because Jehovah's people, who speak God's Word with boldness, have divine support in facing plots and persecution.—Isa. 54:17; Acts 4:29-31.
15 Ahasuerus gives executed Haman's house to Esther, who has told the king about her relationship with Mordecai. Also, the monarch removes his signet ring that had been taken from Haman and gives it to this loyal Jew, making Mordecai the prime minister in place of the Agagite. Acting in accord with the degree of authority granted her by the king, Esther places Mordecai over the house of Haman. —Esther 8:1, 2.
18 Once again imperiling her life in behalf of her people, Esther goes before the king uninvited and falls at his feet weeping. Ahasuerus holds out the golden scepter and Esther rises, saying: 'If to the king it seems good and I have found favor before him, let a written document be prepared to undo the scheme of Haman. How can I bear to look upon the calamity of my people and the destruction of my relatives?' Because the laws of the Medes and the Persians are immutable, Ahasuerus authorizes Esther and Mordecai to write in his name a counteracting official document in behalf of the Jews.—Esther 1:19; 8:3-8.
17 With that the newly appointed prime minister swings into action. On the 23rd day of Sivan (May-June), the king's secretaries are summoned and Mordecai dictates a counterdecree. Soon it will reach the Jews, the other people and the governmental officials—satraps (or viceroys),
subordinate governors and princes—in Persia's 127 jurisdictional districts. Mordecai authenticates the documents by sealing them with the king's signet ring. And what is the substance of the new law? King Ahasuerus has granted the Jews the right to congregate themselves and stand for their souls, to annihilate those showing hostility to them. Yes, they will be able to defend themselves on the 13th of Adar (February-March), the day formerly set for their extermination! Without delay and riding in relays, couriers on speedy post horses urge their mounts forward, carrying the counterdecree to every part of the sprawling empire.)—Esther 8:9-14.
18 Going forth from before the king, prime minister Mordecal is dressed in royal apparel of blue and linen. He wears a fine-fabric cloak of wool dyed reddish purple and has a great crown of gold on his head. Certainly, he has reason to be happy because of the counterdecree. In fact, joy prevails in Shushan, and ultimately there is rejoicing, a banquet and a good day for the Jews throughout the empire. Furthermore, dread of the Jews has fallen upon the people, many of whom are becoming proselytes.—Esther 8:15-17.
19 Reflection on what has just transpired provides encouragement for present-day Christians. As Haman plotted to annihilate the natural Jews, so the religious leaders of Christendom have sought to exterminate today's spiritual Jews, Christ's spiritual brothers. Jesus, exercising regal power over the earth as Ahasuerus did over the Persian Empire, has permitted such attempts, but has also made it possible for his anointed followers to stand for their lives as Jehovah's Christian witnesses. Moreover, thousands of honest-hearted people, like the Persian proselytes of Esther's day, have taken their stand with these spiritual Jews by embracing true worship.
—Zech. 8:23; Gal. 6:16.
JEHOVAH BACKS HIS PEOPLE
20 The months now have passed and it is the 13th day of Adar. Having congregated themselves in their cities, the Jews lay hand on those seeking their injury. Not a man stands his ground before God's people. In fact, they are assisted by government officials because the dread of Mordecai has fallen upon such men. But it is primarily because of Jehovah's backing that the Jews strike down those hating them. In Shushan the castle alone they kill 500 men, and Haman's 10 sons are put to death. Throughout the empire, 75,000 foes are destroyed, but nowhere do the Jews lay their hand on any plunder. In harmony with a request made by Esther, King Ahasuerus grants the Jews in the capital city of Shushan an extra day of fighting, during which they kill another 300 men but do no plundering. Also, the bodies of Haman's 10 sons are hanged. With their enemies destroyed, the victorious Jews make Adar the 14th in outlying districts and the 15th at Shushan a time of banqueting and rejoicing.—Esther 9:1-19.
21 Jehovah has delivered his people and they should remember this. Accordingly, Mordecai sends written documents to the Jews throughout the empire. Why? To impose on them the obligation of annually commemorating the 14th and 15th of Adar as days of banqueting, gift-giving and joy. Later, another letter on this matter is sent to the Jews with the confirmation of Queen Esther. This festival of deliverance is called Purim, a name that comes from Haman's act in having Pur, or the Lot, cast to determine the auspicious day for carrying out the extermination plot that
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