See how things get out of hand when Jews are selfish like Mordecai (the Benjamite) and Queen Esther. If Mordecai would simply have bowed to Haman then thousands of non-Jews would not have been slaughtered. Mordecai almost got Esther killed too by her having to take a chance and go to the King when not called. Remember Captain of the Guard Naaman the Leper? He asked the prophet Elijah if it was ok with God for Naaman to bow to a foreign god when his King/Master leaned on him. Elijah said, "of course silly". (paraphrased). Jesus (Annointed One/Christ/Messiah) would agree that to be a Jew is to be one on the inside, not the outside. If Mordecai would have had that kind of heart, then all would be fine and no PURIM (man-made holiday) honoring Mordecai would be celebrated and Jehovah would not be dishonored this way. In the same way, thousands were killed to avenge the death of one lowly concubine (65,000 warriors plus countless: women, children, animals). Things do get out of hand. We must understand the consequences of our actions. You don't go to war without counting the cost (Proverbs). Nor do you refuse to show honor and respect to public officials (when it is expected) just because you are a Jew on the "outside". Bow, but in your heart bow as if bowing to your God Jehovah.
See how things get out of hand when Jews are selfish like Mordecai (the Benjamite) and Queen Esther. If Mordecai would simply have bowed to Haman then thousands of non-Jews would not have been slaughtered. Mordecai almost got Esther killed too by her having to take a chance and go to the King when not called. Remember Captain of the Guard Naaman the Leper? He asked the prophet Elijah if it was ok with God for Naaman to bow to a foreign god when his King/Master leaned on him. Elijah said, "of course silly". (paraphrased). Jesus (Annointed One/Christ/Messiah) would agree that to be a Jew is to be one on the inside, not the outside. If Mordecai would have had that kind of heart, then all would be fine and no PURIM (man-made holiday) honoring Mordecai would be celebrated and Jehovah would not be dishonored this way. In the same way, thousands were killed to avenge the death of one lowly concubine (65,000 warriors plus countless: women, children, animals). Things do get out of hand. We must understand the consequences of our actions. You don't go to war without counting the cost (Proverbs). Nor do you refuse to show honor and respect to public officials (when it is expected) just because you are a Jew on the "outside". Bow, but in your heart bow as if bowing to your God Jehovah.