Red In Tooth & Claw

The king had never had it so good. In Mordecai he had gained a trusted and sagacious advisor. He could rest easy knowing that this former slave would have his back. It was time to deck the old lad out with some kingly bling: When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.  For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them. ~Esther 8:15-17

As so often happens with conflict, before the war is won – even if the outcome is inevitable – there remains a number of battles to be fought. Oftentimes enemies do not easily capitulate once their options are diminished. They fight harder because they are literally battling for their lives. When you’ve nothing to lose it is all zero sum. Moreover, surrender in those days meant a sure death. Better to die fighting.

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It pleased the king: So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they impaled the ten sons of Haman. ~Esther 9:13,14

It is difficult, if not impossible, to judge history – even biblical history – from our modern notions. Granted, this is brutal, eye for eye stuff. Yet to sit in judgment absent an appreciation of the context and norms is both arrogant and fool-hardy. We think those different times, yet much of the world remains “red in tooth and claw.” Evil is real and it means harm. While the Christian is told to forgive enemies in the micro, we’re also told to be good citizens and to allow the state – which Paul reminds us, “carries the sword for a reason” – to do its job. It is a careful balancing act for the follower of Christ. We pray for peace and work for peace but sometimes the power of the state must act to eradicate evil. It is a troubling reality and it is meant to remain so until the new kingdom appears.