The drama in Esther is the outworking of an ancient rivalry going back a thousand years.
Moses vs Amalek
Directly after the Israelites are rescued from Egypt by Moses, they were attacked in the desert by Amalek and his army. Israel were victorious but Moses vowed that the God of Israel would be always at war with Amalek, from generation to generation.
Saul vs Agag
God commanded Saul, the first King of Israel, to totally destroy the descendents of Amalek, as punishment for their ambush in the desert. Saul's army defeated Amalek, yet Saul disobeyed and took Agag, King of the Amalekites, alive as prisoner. This disobedience led to Saul's downfall as King.
Mordecai vs Haman
Centuries later, Mordecai, from the family of King Saul, meets Haman, from the family of King Agag. This ancient rivalry arises once again, and begins by one refusing to bow to the other.
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