king, crown

Book: Esther

Author: Mordecai

Time: 460 and 350 BCE

Theme: God is sovereign over all things. He often works behind the scenes.

Things to Note:

  • The narrative does not mention God’s name. Although His name is absent, His provision and providence are evident.

Overview:

Esther is a historical narrative set in Susa, the capital of the Ancient Persian Empire. During this time, the Jews are exiled and have not returned to their homeland in Jerusalem. Many Jews resided in the provinces of the Persian Empire ruled by King Ahasuerus. King Ahasuerus throws a six-month-long banquet to display his wealth and glory in the kingdom. At the event, the king drunkenly asks his wife, Queen Vashti, to parade herself for his friends. Queen Vashti refuses, so the king banishes her from the kingdom.


After Queen Vashti is banished, the king organizes a beauty contest for young virgins to replace her. Esther, a Jewish maiden, wins his favor and is promoted to Queen of Persia. Meanwhile, Haman, the king’s principal minister, is offended by Esther’s uncle Mordecai. Mordecai will not bow down to Haman out of respect for the Lord. In his wrath, Haman issues a decree to kill all Jews throughout the empire. As a result, Esther has an opportunity to save her people.

Chapter 6 Scripture Observations:

God’s Perfect Timing

Verses 1-2: “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. And it was found written how Mordecai has told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who sought to lay hands on the King Ahaserus.” (ESV)

  • It is not a coincidence that King Ahasuerus cannot sleep, that he requests the book, which details Mordecai’s good deed, and that this happens moments before Haman plots to kill Mordecai. Each event coming together in perfect alignment highlights to readers that God is in total control. Additionally, these “coincidences” emphasize the precision of His timing. God knew the king would need a refresher of what Mordecai had done for him. The Lord planned accordingly so the king would read about Mordecai’s character at the most crucial moment.
  • Habakkuk 2:3 (AMP)
    • For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time
      It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail.
      Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it,
      Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.
  • The Lord knows exactly what to do and when to do it. Though our promise may feel delayed, Mordecai’s story can help us trust everything happens right on time.

Divine Reversals

Verse 11: “ So Haman took the royal robe and the horse and dressed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the open square of the city, proclaiming before him, “This is what shall be done for the man whom the king desires to honor.” (ESV)

  • After reading about how Mordecai saved his life, the king honors him nearly five years after everything happened. Ironically, the king asks Haman to arrange the celebration for Mordecai. Haman, Mordecai’s greatest enemy, is preparing a table before him!
  • It can be easy to assume God is unjust when the wicked prevail and the righteous suffer. Yet no matter how dreary the circumstances looked from the outside, Mordecai trusted God and his life changed unexpectedly.
  • The Bible affirms that “good people” will experience bad things. However, God is faithful to the righteous. After He accomplishes what He wills through the circumstance, He reverses the situation and redeems us. Normally, God moves gradually and then suddenly. Like Mordecai, our circumstances can change unexpectedly.
  • Psalm 34:19-21 (NIV)
    • 19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;20 he protects all his bones,  not one of them will be broken.21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

Verse 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.”

  • After a horrible day, Haman returns home and vents to his family and friends. Instead of comforting him, they say his situation is hopeless. Even Haman’s loved ones have turned against him. They recognize that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob does not fail. He accomplishes everything He sets out to do. Therefore, Haman does not stand a chance of accomplishing his will over God’s.
  • God possibly allowed the Jews to be in such grave danger, so He could not only reveal Himself to others but also bring glory to His name in saving them!

Don’t miss the Esther Chapter 5 Bible study! Click here to read it.