Day 259, September 16 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Esther 5-10
From Distress to Delight
In yesterday's Bible study, the question was asked, “What’s God Doing?” Sometimes, God doesn’t make sense. We experience serious threats or calamity and wonder, what’s going on? How can we turn what is distressful into something delightful? In most cases, we can’t, but God can.
In today's Bible reading, the Jews in Babylon and elsewhere are in trouble. Haman, the chief nobleman, influences King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia to write an order to exterminate all the Jews in every province. This is because Haman believes they are a menace to the kingdom.
A time of distress
What are the Jews to do? Unbeknown to anyone in the kingdom except Mordecai and his young cousin Esther, the LORD has providentially placed her in a position of influence—she is queen. Now God will use her “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14, NIV).
Mordecai instructs Esther to appeal to the king to change the decision. But how? To approach the king without being invited into his presence can mean her death, and it has been a month since he last called for her. She decides to put her fate into the LORD's hands. But, before she makes her appeal, she, her cousin Mordecai, and the rest of the Jewish people fast for three days.
Following the fast, Esther puts on her royal robes and approaches the king. When King Xerxes catches sight of her, he is immediately attracted to her. Exercising extreme grace, he holds out a golden scepter for her to touch and tells Queen Esther to ask for whatever she wants.
The plan
Esther is wise; she knows her husband loves to eat. So she invites him and Haman (his recently promoted official) to a special banquet she had already prepared. The king knows she wants something more, but she keeps him in suspense. His mysterious wife intrigues him. After the feast, King Xerxes is in a generous mood and asks her again what she wants, assuring her that he will meet her request. Once more, however, she is mysterious and invites the king and Haman to another banquet. The king and Haman feel honored. Now the king is willing to grant Esther’s request, whatever it might be.
Haman is also in high spirits until he happens to see Mordecai. He still shows no fear in Haman’s presence and pays him no homage. Haman has already determined the destruction of the Jews, but this man galls him. His friends counsel him to build gallows to hang Mordecai. Having decided to do so, he is satisfied and goes to seek the permission of the king.God turns the tables
That night, King Xerxes can’t sleep. He gives an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they are read before him. In it, he hears that Mordecai reported the assassination plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs who were doorkeepers. However, Mordecai was never rewarded for his loyalty.
The same night, Haman comes to the king’s court on another matter—to seek permission to hang Mordecai. Hearing Haman is in the court, the king asks his nobleman what should be done to reward the one whom the king wishes to honor. Thinking that person is himself, Haman answers,
Mordecai is honored, and Haman feels totally humiliated and defeated. The fate of the Jewish god is against him.“For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”
“Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.” (Esther 6:7b-10, NIV)
One enemy is destroyed
The next day, Haman and the king appear at the second banquet Esther has prepared for them. After eating, the king again asks Esther what she wants—anything up to half of his kingdom. Esther finally reveals what is on her heart—she and her people are facing destruction, and the vile Haman is responsible.
The king is enraged and leaves the room. Haman, seeing his fate is determined, kneels before Esther, who is reclining on a couch, and begs for his life. When the king returns, he misunderstands what he sees and thinks Haman is trying to assault his wife, the queen. He orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows which he had built for Mordecai.
Retribution on Israel’s enemies
But what of the order to exterminate the Jews? Haman is dead, but the ruling stands because the laws of the Medes and Persians can't be changed. Because of this, King Xerxes has his newly decorated chief nobleman, Mordecai, write another edict. This order, given for the day appointed for the genocide of the Jews, allows them to defend themselves against their enemies. Such great fear is caused by this new proclamation that many non-Jews became Jews.
When the appointed day of destruction comes, there is a great victory for the Jews. Because of this, Esther asks the king to extend the new rules for one more day. Through God’s providence , he enables the Jews to get revenge upon their enemies. He turns the situation from distress to delight. Although considered one of their minor feasts, today, Jews still celebrate this victory, called The Feast of Purim.
Discussion
The theme of the book of Esther is God’s sovereign care and protection of his people. How does he use Mordecai and his beautiful young cousin to do it? How does this encourage us?
How did God turn the tables on Haman?
What is the answer to What’s God doing? What bigger plan did he have in mind? Why does this encourage us?
Here is my personal response. God may allow threatening or even terrible circumstances in our lives for a bigger purpose. Perhaps that purpose is to draw us closer to him so we will call upon him in faith.
Do you know him? He gives forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life (more..)
Focus Verse
(Psalm 37:4, NIV) “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: God often acts on behalf of his people. He protects them and sometimes Over-rules those in authority so that his will is accomplished. Find out more in our Next Lesson.
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