Esther 7:1-6 ESV

So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. 2 And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. 4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.” 5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” 6 And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

WHAT IS YOUR REQUEST?

As they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” The opportunity has come. The king has offered to her. As the king promised her, so God has promised us. Did not God say, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”[Jer 33:3] Jesus has asked us to “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”[Matt 7:7,8]

Esther requested her life and her people to be delivered from being annihilated or destroyed. Indeed, to ask that the edict that had been decreed and signed by the king be rescinded was a gigantic task. Yet, in the Lord, we are enjoined to claim His promise. He is more than able to do what we ask or think. [Eph 3:20]

The king as one coming to his senses, asked, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” As Esther revealed it, Haman was terrified for the first time. His life of lies had been exposed as light dispelled darkness. The truth had set the king and everyone free.

Esther’s act of courage made the difference. She was at the kingdom in such a time as this. Similarly, Jesus braving His way towards the cross said, “Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, it’s your will be done.” Esther had saved the whole nation from destruction as Christ saves us from the wrath and condemnation in hell.

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Esther 6:12-14 ESV

12 Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. 13 And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”

14 While they were yet talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried to bring Haman to the feast that Esther had prepared.

REMORSEFUL BUT NOT REPENTANT

The tide turned around completely between Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai removed his sackcloth and went back to the king’s gate. On the other hand, Haman, having been extremely embarrassed, went to his house mourning and with his head covered. His world has been crushing down.

And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. The once circle of proud boisterous pagans became a ‘pity party’ for Haman. Then , these wise men, along with his wife Zeresh, said to him, “If indeed this Mordecai before whom you have begun to fall is Jewish, you will not prevail against him. No, you will surely fall before him!”[v. 13 NET] They realized Haman’s big mistake.

But, Haman was just sorry for not getting what he wanted. He was remorseful but not repentant. Remorse is primarily sorrowful for the consequences of our sins. Repentance is primarily sorrowful for sinning against the love and holiness of God. Remorse drives us away from God, leaving us feeling guilty and unchanged. As Paul explained, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”[2 Cor 7:10]

We could fail God. God doesn’t expect us not to slide and fail. However, should we sin, we should not only be remorseful but repentant. As David expressed,

“For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”[Psa 51:16,17]

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Esther 6:4-11 ESV

4 And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” 6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” 7 And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’” 10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” 11 So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”

HONOR AND HUMILIATION

Why did Haman enter the outer court of the king’s palace in the wee hours of the night? Like the king, he couldn’t sleep as well. This meeting was not incidental certainly. God had arranged for the king and Haman to meet at an unexpected time. We have no idea except that he planned to influence the king to execute Haman in the gallow he made. A few hours earlier, Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.”[Est 5:12,13]

The king let Haman in and asked him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” No doubt, he was full of self conceit thinking he deserved the honor than anyone else. He was wrong.

Let’s not exalt ourselves. Jesus warned, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”[Luke 14:11] Surely, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[1 Pet 5:5b] That God would arrange the forces from heaven against a proud person is a scary thought, is it not?

Haman, expecting the king to honor him, suggested to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’” As a brick hit his head unexpectedly, the king answered, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.”

As mandated by the king, he honored Mordecai. The irony of ironies. He took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” Haman who exalted himself became servile to Mordecai. What happened to the man now who demanded Mordecai bow before him? Humiliated.

Est 6:1-3 ESV

On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”

SLEEPLESSNESS

Haman was excited to approach the night because he would execute Mordecai the next day. But, during the evening, the king couldn’t sleep. Sleep is a gift from God. Psa 127: 2 says;

“ It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

As Solomon declares, “Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.”[Ecc 5:12] Definitely, God was behind the sleep and sleeplessness of everyone. Even the king with a cozy and beautiful bed is not guaranteed to have a deep sleep compared to a poor laborer with an empty stomach.

Then, in the deep of night, he was prompted to hear the book of memorable deeds read from his servants. There, he found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. This caught his attention. And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”

Indeed, God’s ways are higher than ours. The delay or neglect to give honor to Mordecai fitted perfectly into God’s plan. ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time.’ [Ecc 3:11] In other words. God is always on time. He is neither ahead nor late so we should wait for Him. As Isaiah said,

“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint.”[Isa 40:31]

As David admonished,

“Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord![Psa 27:14]

Yes, Mordecai and Esther had to go on mourning. But, it did not mean that God wasn’t working. When God seems silent, He is working unnoticed. Our God neither slumber nor sleep.

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Esther 5:9-14 ESV

9 And Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai. 10 Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and brought his friends and his wife Zeresh. 11 And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. 12 Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. 13 Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.” 14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made.

BLINDED AND ENSLAVED

Haman was blinded and enslaved by his pride. He went home joyful and glad of heart. He was obssessed with power so that he bragged before his circle of friends. He recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king.

Solomon has warned, “

Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18]

He was oblivious to his own destruction for being proud. Indeed, there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.[Prov 16:25] The wicked is not in control. God is. As the psalmist says, “ “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;

the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”[Psa 76:10]

His obssession with control and power had consumed him. He hated Mordecai to the core. He said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. 13 Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.” Solomon described a man controlled by his passion, “Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected] Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble]. [Prov 25:28 YLT]

While Mordecai was a man of conviction, who did only what is right, Haman is a monster controlled by his evil appetite for power and glory. His heart was full of hatred, anger and pride. It is not a surprise that his wife and friends' idea to execute Haman on a 50 feet gallow pleased or flattered him. Indeed, an absolute power corrupts absolutely.

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- Est 5:1-8 ESV

On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3 And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” 4 And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” 5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. 6 And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 7 Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: 8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”

BEAUTY AND COURAGE

Esther put her best and approached the king boldly. The king was sitting calmly on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. This timing was so important. And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand.

Nothing ventured, nothing happens. Should she not try to approach him, she shouldn’t have received the favor from the king. Certainly, this favor was God’s work in changing the king’s heart. As Solomon said, “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”[Prov 21:1]

We should act boldly only after we have prayed. Otherwise, it’s just a presumption.

In most cases, our greatest failure is the failure to try, is it not? Esther has hurdled the greatest fear in her life by simply believing. Thus she stepped out and tried. Although God isn’t mentioned but their time of fasting and prayer demonstrates their trust in God. Let’s transform our fears into prayers.

There was neither manipulation nor scheming from Esther. She just showed up and waited for the king to extend his scepter. She did not hesitate to approach and touch the tip of the scepter. Amazingly, the king’s favor was more than what was expected. Think of this. The king promised that she could ask even ask half of his kingdom. Esther should have breathed deeply in relief. God indeed is the God of surprises.

When God encourages us to pray, He backed it up with promises. Jeremiah says, “Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”[Jer 33:3] Even Jesus has assured us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”[Mat 7:7,8] What we should expect is that God would answer more than what we expect.

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Esther 4:12-17 ESV

12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

IF I PERISH, I PERISH

For greater and more extraordinary accomplishments a man to do, he must be willing to take the risk. We couldn’t conquer oceans if we don’t leave our shores and sail across the waves, could we? Most have the grandest intention to take the challenge. But, only those who are ‘risk takers’ would actually do it.

Mordecai’s wisdom is shown in his explanation to Esther, that is, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace, you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” [v.13,14]

The worst might happen to her when she would face the king. However, it was even worst when the edict would be implemented and their family and clan would be annihilated without her trying. Esther was in between the devil and the deep blue sea. She took the challenge. She won the beauty contest and became a queen for no reason. Certainly, she became an insider in the kingdom for such a time as this.

Whatever the crisis we’re in right now, let’s not sulk into fear. Could we believe that God could use us in such a time? Could we believe that we are part of the solution and not evade responsibility? We’re not products of chance, are we? But, Esther had to muster her courage through fasting and prayer of all the Jews in Susa. It is said that ‘Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”

Esther’s courage surfaced when she embraced her vulnerability and dispensability. She expressed it by saying, “If I perish, I perish.” Our temporary and transient life should be spent for what is significant and eternal. Jesus said, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”[John 1:25] Mark expands this by saying, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”[Mark 8:35-38]

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- Est 4:4-11 ESV

4 When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. 6 Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, 7 and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people. 9 And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come into the king these thirty days.”

THE REALITY OF FEAR

Esther was not aware of the fiasco until her young women and eunuchs informed her. She learned that Mordecai was at the entrance of the gate mourning in sackcloth. Immediately, she sent to him garments through Hatchach, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to her. And also to learn what the commotion was all about. Definitely, Esther was surrounded by loyal pagan helpers. She has earned their respect since she became the queen.

As Mordecai passed the letter, he instructed him to explain it and tell Queen Esther to go to the king and beg for him to overturn the edict. This was the most logical option. Who else could approach the king aside from her? It was a command from a loving father to his daughter.

Esther has been very submissive and obedient to Mordecai. She participated in the search for the new queen to replace Vashti and told no one that she was a Jew for she obeyed her father without question and hesitation.

However, this time she has had her reservations. She reasoned to Mordecai, “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come into the king these thirty days.” These are valid reasons for her to feel hesitant. There is a risk of death.

What causes you to fear today?

Fear could be crippling. But, we must believe that God is here and in control. As Isaiah writes,

“fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”[Isa 41:10]

What makes us overcome the world is our faIth.[1 John 5:5] We shouldn’t neither underestimate the magnitude of our crisis nor forget the greatness of our God. As David expressed, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in you.”[Psa 56:3]

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Esther 4:1-3 ESV

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth. 3 And in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.

A DAY OF INFAMY

The news spread around so quickly. And, it was shocking and devastating to the Jews for certain. Crisis and bad news do happen unexpectedly, don’t they? How did Mordecai respond? Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackloth with ashes while sitting at the entrance of the gate. None is to come to the gate of the king with a sackcloth garment. This was a sign of sorrow among Eastern nations generally.

Besides Mordecai, in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes. It was a day of infamy.

What causes us to be broken and desperate?

Our Savior is touched by our brokenness and pain. According to John, “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.”[John 11:33-35] He is our high priest who is not unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.[Heb 4:15,16]

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- Est 3:12-15 ESV

12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring. 13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. 14 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion.

THE LETTER OF DEATH

Haman wasted no time. He issued an edict to the king’s satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. Sealed with the king’s signet, letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instructions to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.

With a copy of the document, the couriers went out hurriedly, carrying the copy of the document issued in Susa for all the people to be ready for that day. King Ahasuerus and Haman sat down to drink while the city was plunged into confusion. The king clearly has been duped with the glamor of power and the glitters of money. Haman was successful in influencing him.

The king was overwhelmed with the spirit or pleasure of alcohol and pleasure so he became oblivious to the injustice towards the Jews. As Amos writes, “That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.” [Amos 6:6] What wrong did the Jews do? Mordecai’s refusal to bow down before Haman was the last straw in Haman’s back. Certainly, Satan’s deceptive work to annihilate God’s chosen people was behind Haman’s evil plot. Bloodthirsty men, like Haman, hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.[Prov 29:10] As Solomon declared, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”[Prov 29:2]

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