Esther 3-7
The Plot – Esther 3
King Xerxes honored a noble named Haman by giving him a seat higher than the other nobles. The king commanded everyone to kneel before Haman to pay him honor, but Mordecai who was a Jew refused. Haman was told Mordecai was a Jew so Haman looked for a way to destroy all of Mordecai’s people in the kingdom.
Haman told the king that there were people in the land who didn’t follow the customs of the land and the king should make a decree that all people should obey the king’s laws. If they didn’t obey, they should be destroyed. If the king would do this, Haman would give 10,000 talents of silver to the royal treasury. The king went along with Haman and issued a decree that all the Jews were to be destroyed, killed and annihilated both young and old. This was to be done on 13th day of the 12th month.
Hamon was motivated by jealousy, pride and his hatred for the Mordecai and the Jews. The king was self-centered in how he looked in front of his people. He was also out of touch with what’s going on in his kingdom and what kind of men he had in his high offices.
Haman and the king were controlled by Satan who leads the world astray as prophesied in John 8:44 and Revelation 12:9. Human’s pride and selfish motives can make people do crazy evil things. It can make us think only of ourselves and our needs instead of others. What we can do about it is we can submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. We can come near to God and He will come near to us by praying and studying His Word. We can purify our hearts and be humble. (James 4:7-10).
Principle: Pride leads to destruction, but humility leads to wisdom and blessings.
Help From Esther – Esther 4
Esther was concerned for Mordecai and sent one of the king’s eunuchs to him to find out what was wrong. Mordecai told him everything that had happened and urged Esther to plead with the king for the people. He then reported back to Esther.
Esther was afraid to go to the king and responded by saying if anyone enters the king’s inter court without being summoned, they will be put to death. Mordecai said if she remained silent she and her whole family would perish and that she had been put in the king’s palace for such a purpose as this. She decided to intervene and asked Mordecai and others to fast and pray for her.
Principle: God places individuals in specific places for divine reasons.
Esther Steps Out in Faith – Esther 5
Esther boldly went to the king who was pleased to see her. He asked what was her request. She chose the right time and place to make her important request. She proposed a banquet for him and Hamon then she would tell him her request. She acted calmly and with respect. Her actions showed wisdom, restraint, and sensitivity to God’s leading. She didn’t barge in with her request right away. She made the king and Hamon feel special. Haman boasted to his friends about his wealth, sons, and all the ways the king had honored him. He boasted that he was the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet. Haman was so confident that he went out and had gallows built for Mordecai.
Principle: There is value in thorough preparation and patience in the face of adversity.
The Tables Turn – Esther 6-7
We see God’s sovereignty at the banquet. The king again asked what was Ester’s request. She humbly asked that the king spare her and her people’s lives, because she and her people had been sold for destruction and annihilation. The king was shocked and ask what man would do such a thing. She told him it was Haman. The king left the room. Haman knew what the king was going to do so he begged Esther for his life. When the king returned he found Haman falling on the couch where Esther was and thought he was trying to molest her. Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs said the gallows 70 feet high stands by that Haman had made for Mordecai. The king was furious and said to hang Haman on it. Haman was hanged and Esther and all the Jews were spared.
Nothing can change God’s plans for His people. He is sovereign and in control of all people and all things. God reversed and frustrated the plans of His enemies. Using Esther’s courageous actions Haman’s true nature was exposed. He reversed the wicked plans against Mordecai and the Jewish people by hanging Haman instead of Mordecai. God saved the Jews from being destroyed and annihilated.
God’s people experience other grand reversals. God send Jesus to die for all our sins. He redeemed us and reversed death and gives eternal life for all who believe in Him (John 3:36; 11:25-26; Gal. 3:13).
Principles:
Next week we will continue our study of Esther. Hope to see you here. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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