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“"The City Was Perplexed" (#2)”
Categories: Daily Living, Esther, Old Testament, SinAfter Haman got his law passed that called for the extinction of the Jews, the Bible tells us that he and Ahasuerus “sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed” (Est. 3:15). The word “perplexed” in that verse means to be confused (Brown, Driver, Briggs). In simple terms, those in Shushan stood in confusion at this law that was now in effect.
In addition to what we learned yesterday from Esther 3:15, let’s also understand the simple truth that others, including strangers, often feel the consequences of our decisions! One of the most significant lies told to man is that he can do something, and “no one else” will be affected. Nothing could be further from the truth (Rom. 14:7). When Haman made a law against the Jews, even Shushan was affected - they were “perplexed”!
Our decisions affect others in deep and profound ways. Haman’s ruling was yet another object lesson. Think about it: Every prisoner has a mother! He has family members who love him and are embarrassed that he has brought shame to the family like this. This lesson also works in a positive way. For example, every soldier has a mother. He has family members that are grateful and appreciate his sacrifice for our freedom.
Make no mistake, the decisions we make affect others. At times, they will affect strangers! For example, think how observing or not observing the rules of the road affects others when we drive. Others feel the consequences of our decisions daily. Study Genesis 3 and see how the decisions of Adam and Eve affected and continue to affect mankind (Gen. 3:16-19). What they did touched Heaven itself (Gen. 3:15)!
No man is an “island” to himself. Therefore, remember to “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
- Jarrod M. Jacobs
