God had been warning the people through the prophet Jeremiah, and many others, to turn from their idol worship and to turn back to God.  But rather than listening to the warnings, the king cut out each piece of the scroll with the words of warning and burned it.

Hundreds of years before Jesus died on the cross, his suffering and death was prophesied in many ways.  Isaiah foretold that Jesus had to die, yet not because of his own sins - because he was perfect! - but for our sins and our salvation!

God created all things, but instead of just letting things happen on their own, God is still sovereign over everything! God provides for the smallest animals and also guides and directs great nations.  What a wonderful God we serve!

David sinned greatly while he was king.  When God sent a prophet to him to point out his sin, David repented and gave us one of the most beautiful Psalms of repentance.  Thankfully, through Jesus, all our sins can also be forgiven!

In David's most well-known 23rd Psalm, he tells about God's faithful care over him.  Just as David cared for his sheep when he was young, he tells about how God provides for him, protects him, and guides him throughout his life.

In great faith, Queen Esther fearfully went before King Ahasuerus.  After inviting him to two banquets, she made her request to help save her people.  The King, furious with Haman for coming up with the decree to kill all the Jews, gave all the Jews special permission to defend themselves and had Haman hanged.  God, through Esther's bravery, once again saved his people from harm.

Haman, the wicked advisor to King Ahasuerus, plotted to kill all the Jews living in Persia.  Mordechai encouraged Esther, a brave Jewess, to use her position to save all the Jews.  In great faith and trust in God, she began to plan how to make her request to the king.

God also placed it on the heart of King Cyrus to allow Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls.  With careful planning, cunning use of some soldiers, and God's abundant blessing, the people finished building the wall in record time.

God, who is sovereign even over the heathen nations, put it in the heart of King Cyrus to let some of the people of Judah return to their country to rebuild the temple.  God blessed their efforts and provided abundantly for them.

Israel and Judah had many enemies who wanted to destroy them.  Israel never trusted God and was severely punished.  King Hezekiah, king of Judah, however, obeyed God and prayed to him for help when they were surrounded by enemies.  God, in his great mercy, protected Judah and saved them.