Esther 6:1-14 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Esther 6:1-14. Let’s go!
Esther 6:1 (NIV)
1 That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him.
On verses 1-13: I’m not sure if King Xerxes ordered that the history of his reign be read to him in bed so that it would bore him to sleep or excite him to action. In any event while he is listening to the history of his own reign as king, King Xerxes is reminded of how Mordecai exposed a plot to assassinate King Xerxes. When King Xerxes discovers that nothing was done to honour Mordecai for this noble deed, King Xerxes consults Haman about what should be done for a man that the king delights to honor. Haman assumes that King Xerxes is thinking about honouring him, so Haman suggests an elaborate celebration that includes letting the man wear one of the king’s robes, ride on the king’s horse, and having a noble lead that horse while shouting, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honour!” (v9). King Xerxes, as usual, accepts his advisor’s suggestion. Xerxes commands that Mordecai be honoured in just that way, ironically with Haman being the one to lead the horse that Mordecai will be riding on.
What can we learn from this? When you live for your own exaltation (to see your own name made great and famous), you will never be satisfied. In addition, you will be unpleasantly surprised when the individuals you compare yourself to keep getting the accolades that you desire. But when you live to serve God and others, you will experience a deeper satisfaction, and you will be pleasantly surprised when you are exalted in the presence of others. As Jesus says, “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) So if you want to live a happy and blessed life, live to serve God and others, not yourself.
Esther 6:12-14 (NIV)
12 Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief,
13 and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him–you will surely come to ruin!”
14 While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman away to the banquet Esther had prepared.
On verses 12-14: Somehow Haman’s wife Zeresh receives the revelation that because Mordecai is a Jew who has God’s favour and protection, Haman will not be able to overcome him no matter how hard he tries, and that Haman will come to ruin if he keeps trying to eliminate Mordecai (v13). What can we learn from this? Because through faith in Christ you are among God’s chosen people, like Mordecai you have God’s favour and protection. In the end nothing can harm you, for God is on your side. God will take even the things that were intended to harm you and use them for your good (Romans 8:28; Psalm 121:7). Like Paul we can say, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b)
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me that for as long as I live to see my own name exalted, I will never be satisfied. Only when I live to truly serve You and others will I find satisfaction in life. Thank You for Your favour and sovereign protection on my life such that nothing in the end can harm me because You are with me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
