Esther 4 — Esther Agrees to Help the Jews
Esther 5:1-8 — Esther Prepares a Banquet
Esther 5:9-14 — Haman Plans to Hang Mordecai
Esther 6 — The King Honors Mordecai
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At this point, Esther is well established in the king’s court (at least four years have passed); it seems she must be doing a great job in whatever roles have been given to her. Esther sends “one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why” (Esther 4:5). Somehow Mordecai has a “copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation” (4:8), though it seems this document would have been hidden from the Jews in order to prevent their preparation. My assumption here is Mordecai is well connected with those in the king’s court in Susa.
Esther reminds Mordecai that no one can simply approach the king, there is “but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter” (4:11). Mordecai responds, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape…who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (4:12, 14). This infamous verse, “for such a time as this” is referred to many times and reminds me that God’s plans extend well beyond our ability to see from our earthly, human perspective.
Esther’s response is classic and one we should consider when huge decisions are before us: “fast for me…I and my attendants will fast as you do.” She understands that her decision must be that which comes from God. Mordecai might be right, but by focusing all attention on God, she is confident his will will be done. “When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (4:16). Wow! Such amazing strength and faith. May I learn to completely rely on God from this lesson retold centuries before Christ was born!
Esther approaches the king (5:1). The king looks on her with favor and “held out to her the gold scepter” (5:2) because she has done right by the king and his court for the last 4+ years; apparently the king knows she has not tried to elevate herself indiscriminately. Esther is wise though and sets up a banquet for the three: king, Haman and herself. Meanwhile, Haman is busy boasting and thinking highly of himself, even to the point that he gloats: “I’m the only person Queen Esther invited” (5:12).
To further setup Haman, the king has a distant memory about Mordecai and feels compelled to honor him, so he asks Haman, “what should be done for the man the king delights to honor? Now Haman thought to himself, ‘Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?'” (6:6). To add trouble upon trouble, Haman is now ordered to lead the parade for Mordecai (6:11) honoring Mordecai for his faithfulness to the king. Now “his advisers and his wife” (6:13) are starting to get the idea that not all is well in Haman-land.
So many thoughts about these chapters, such great lessons. I hope to learn from Esther more than any of these. Lord, may I humbly approach decisions by looking to you first, by earnestly seeking your favor and wisely following the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Keep me far from the arrogance of Haman; rather, keep me steadfast and humble.