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Prophets and Kings
that excel in strength had been commissioned by God to protect His
people while they “stood for their lives.”
Esther 9:2, 16
.
Mordecai was given the position of honor formerly occupied by
Haman. He “was next unto King Ahasuerus, and great among the
Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren” (
Esther 10:3
);
and he sought to promote the welfare of Israel. Thus did God bring
His chosen people once more into favor at the Medo-Persian court,
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making possible the carrying out of His purpose to restore them to their
own land. But it was not until several years later, in the seventh year of
Artaxerxes I, the successor of Xerxes the Great, that any considerable
number returned to Jerusalem, under Ezra.
The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of
Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. The revelator, looking
down the ages to the close of time, has declared, “The dragon was
wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her
seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony
of Jesus Christ.”
Revelation 12:17
. Some who today are living on
the earth will see these words fulfilled. The same spirit that in ages
past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to
the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their
loyalty to God. Even now preparations are being made for this last
great conflict.
The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of
God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews.
Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping
the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of
God’s people for His law is a constant rebuke to those who have cast
off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath.
Satan will arouse indignation against the minority who refuse to
accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation
will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people
of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with
contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will con-
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spire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule,
they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and
angry appeals, men will stir up the passions of the people. Not having
a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the
Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the