A covenant is a solemn agreement. The most important covenants in the Bible are those in which God makes a covenant with man: the Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, etc. Here is a covenant which man makes with God. The Israelites recognize the importance of God and covenant together to wholly follow Him.
The first two chapters of Esther gave the background of the story of Esther. Chapter three reveals the true conflict of this Bible story. Haman is established as the chief of the princes of the Persian Empire. Then Haman, in his hatred of Mordecai, lashes out at the entire Jewish race within the realm of the great Persian Empire. They are to be completely destroyed.
In this chapter, God gives Jonah a lesson in mercy. Jonah knew the evil Nineveh had done and probably knew of the evil Nineveh would do to Israel. As such, he wished that the city be destroyed and was angry when God had pity on the city.
In this chapter, we see a great miracle performed on Hezekiah’s behalf in giving him fifteen additional years of life.
This chapter records the vengeance of the Lord against the house of Ahab. Ahab has already died according to the word of the Lord, but God has business to finish with the house of Ahab and with Jezebel. All His prophecies are carried out to the letter. This lesson reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord and that He will fulfill His part (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; see also Ecclesiastes 8:11).
