Good morning,

We have come to the end of our study of Esther.

This week we will see how God triumphed over wickedness.

The Jews are safe. Mordecai has been achieved greatness is the eyes of the King and of the Jews. A holiday is commemorated to remember the occasion.

The presence of God is seen through each and every chapter. We serve an awesome God!

CHAPTER 10

Mordecai Promoted

And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.² And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?³ For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Things to think about

Mordecai was a Jew. The Bible says he became great among the Jews, advanced by the King, declared great by the King, next unto the King. How does this happen apart from God’s intervention?

Will we submit to God’s intervention in our lives? He wants to do miraculous things in and through you!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We have come to the end of our study of Esther.

This week we will see how God triumphed over wickedness.

The Jews are safe. Mordecai has been achieved greatness is the eyes of the King and of the Jews. A holiday is commemorated to remember the occasion.

The presence of God is seen through each and every chapter. We serve an awesome God!

Chapter 9

Jews Defend Themselves for a Second Day (9:15-19)

¹⁵ For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.¹⁶ But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,¹⁷ On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.¹⁸ But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.¹⁹ Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Feast of Purim Begun (9:20-32)

²⁰ And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,²¹ To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,²² As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.²³ And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;²⁴ Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;²⁵ But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.²⁶ Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,²⁷ The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;²⁸ And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.²⁹ Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.³⁰ And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,³¹ To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.³² And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

Things to think about

The enemies of the Jews were hard hearted, wicked, and stupid individuals. Instead of seeing that God was on the side of the Jews, they continued their fight at Shushan. It cost them 300 more lives.

In the provinces of King Ahasuerus, 75,000 were killed. God protected the Jews and gave them the victory.

He does that with us today, if we are willing to trust Him completely.

The holiday of Purim is a remembrance or memorial. It reminds Jews all over the world, in all generations, of how God preserved His chosen people. The Feast Of Purim is a celebration over wickedness. It is a time of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

God will never break covenant with the nation of Israel!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We have come to the end of our study of Esther.

This week we will see how God triumphed over wickedness.

The Jews are safe. Mordecai has been achieved greatness is the eyes of the King and of the Jews. A holiday is commemorated to remember the occasion.

The presence of God is seen through each and every chapter. We serve an awesome God!

Chapter 9

Jews Defend Themselves Successfully (9:1-10)

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;² The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.³ And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.⁴ For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.⁵ Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.⁶ And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.⁷ And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,⁸ And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,⁹ And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,¹⁰ The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

Number Slain Brought to the King (9:11-12)

¹¹ On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. ¹² And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.

Esther’s Request (9:13)

 ¹³ Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.

King’s Command (9:14)

¹⁴ And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.

Jews Defend Themselves for a Second Day (9:15-19)

¹⁵ For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.¹⁶ But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,¹⁷ On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.¹⁸ But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.¹⁹ Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Feast of Purim Begun (9:20-32)

²⁰ And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,²¹ To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,²² As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.²³ And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;²⁴ Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;²⁵ But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.²⁶ Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,²⁷ The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;²⁸ And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.²⁹ Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.³⁰ And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,³¹ To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.³² And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

CHAPTER 10

Mordecai Promoted

And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.² And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?³ For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Things to think about

The leadership of the King helped the Jews. Why was there still opposition? The sin nature of man. Unregenerate men and women hate Jews. Haman tried to destroy them and failed.  So, others pick up the torch thinking they would be able to defeat them. They also failed.

When Haman’s ten sons were executed, why didn’t the Jews take the spoil? Earlier, the King gave the house of Haman to Queen Esther. She already owned the spoil.

The Feast Of Purim is a celebration over wickedness. It is a time of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Mordecai was a Jew. The Bible says he became great among the Jews, advanced by the King, declared great by the King, next unto the King. How does this happen apart from God’s intervention?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We have come to the end of our study of Esther.

This week we will see how God triumphed over wickedness.

The Jews are safe. Mordecai has been achieved greatness is the eyes of the King and of the Jews. A holiday is commemorated to remember the occasion.

The presence of God is seen through each and every chapter. We serve an awesome God!

Chapter 9

Esther’s Second Request (9:11-14)

Number Slain Brought to the King (9:11-12)

¹¹ On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. ¹² And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.

Esther’s Request (9:13)

 ¹³ Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.

King’s Command (9:14)

¹⁴ And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.

Things to think about

The Jews are victorious. They are able to defend themselves. Five hundred are killed in Shushan.

Why did Esther request the ten sons of Haman to be hung? Vengeance? No!

Remember when Saul was supposed to completely destroy the Amalekites? He did not obey God. This resulted in Haman and his hostility to the Jews.

Esther knew that ALL the sons of Haman must be destroyed to ensure this wickedness would not happen again. Esther was a wise queen.

What is the wickedness in our lives that is holding us back from serving God? Have we completely put it to death? Do we want to?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We have come to the end of our study of Esther.

This week we will see how God triumphed over wickedness.

The Jews are safe. Mordecai has been achieved greatness is the eyes of the King and of the Jews. A holiday is commemorated to remember the occasion.

The presence of God is seen through each and every chapter. We serve an awesome God!

Chapter 9

Jews Defend Themselves Successfully (9:1-10)

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;² The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.³ And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.⁴ For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.⁵ Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.⁶ And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.⁷ And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,⁸ And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,⁹ And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,¹⁰ The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

The leadership of the King helped the Jews. Why was there still opposition? The sin nature of man. Unregenerate men and women hate Jews. Haman tried to destroy them and failed.  So, others pick up the torch thinking they would be able to defeat them. They also failed.

When Haman’s ten sons were executed, why didn’t the Jews take the spoil? Earlier, the King gave the house of Haman to Queen Esther. She already owned the spoil.

Genesis 12:3 states,” And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

God made this covenant with Abraham and continues to fulfill it unto this very day. We must be very careful how we treat the Jewish people. God is very clear that He has not abandoned Israel. During the tribulation, 144,000 Jewish evangelists will preach about Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah, and many will repent and be saved.

The question then begs itself, do you support Israel (blessing), or are you opposed to Israel (cursing)?

You choose.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.

Esther 7-8 reveals who perpetrated the wickedness against the Queen, Mordecai, and the Jews, the sentence of the perpetrator, and a new letter being sent.

How clearly God is seen.

Chapter 8

Mordecai Honored and the People Rejoice (8:15)

¹⁵ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

Jews Rejoice (8:16-17)

¹⁶ The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.¹⁷ And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Why were the Jews rejoicing? They would still be under attack.

They rejoiced in the work of God. They realized that apart from God’s intervention, they had no hope. Now Haman was dead, they were given ability to defend themselves, and many of their enemies became their friends. Only God could have done all that and they knew it and rejoiced.

Their enemies saw the power of God and feared.

Do we fear God’s power? Do we take our relationship with God for granted? Does it bother us when we do things contrary to God’s word? Do we repent of our sin? Do we believe that God is still judging His saints?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.

Esther 7-8 reveals who perpetrated the wickedness against the Queen, Mordecai, and the Jews, the sentence of the perpetrator, and a new letter being sent.

How clearly God is seen.

Chapter 8

2nd Letter Written and Sent (8:9-14)

⁹ Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.¹⁰ And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:¹¹ Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,¹² Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.¹³ The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.¹⁴ So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

The letter Mordecai drafted, in the Kings name, was a letter that allowed the Jews to defend themselves. It was also for the same day as the original. He could have sent a letter saying that the Jews could “…gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,…”. The date could have been earlier, so they would have the advantage. Mordecai did not do that. Why?

Haman was a wicked Prince who demanded people to bow down to him. The people of Shushan were not glad. When Mordecai rode through the streets of Shushan the people rejoiced and were glad. When the provinces received the King’s letter, the Jews were glad. The rest of the people feared the God of the Jews.

Tomorrow, the Jews rejoice. WHY?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.

Esther 7-8 reveals who perpetrated the wickedness against the Queen, Mordecai, and the Jews, the sentence of the perpetrator, and a new letter being sent.

How clearly God is seen.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

https://www.wasillaseniors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ESTHER-7-8.docx

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.

Esther 7-8 reveals who perpetrated the wickedness against the Queen, Mordecai, and the Jews, the sentence of the perpetrator, and a new letter being sent.

How clearly God is seen.

Chapter 8

House of Haman to Esther, Mordecai takes Haman’s Position (8:1-2)

On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.² And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

Esther’s 2^nd Request to the King (8:3-6)

³ And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.⁴ Then the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, ⁵ And said, If it please the king, and if I have favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces:⁶ For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Kings Response (8:7-8)

⁷ Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. ⁸ Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Queen Esther puts Mordecai over the house of Haman. Mordecai now rules over the very people who were out to destroy him. When we honor God, obey His word, and fulfill His will, God blesses us. Mordecai obeyed God. He did not bow down to Haman or worship the God’s of Babylon. He followed God. God honored him.

How do we honor God? What do we do on a daily basis that sets us apart unto God?

Do we desire to be recognized with the people of God? To serve others?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.

Esther 7-8 reveals who perpetrated the wickedness against the Queen, Mordecai, and the Jews, the sentence of the perpetrator, and a new letter being sent.

How clearly God is seen.

Chapter 7 Second Banquet (7:1-2)

So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.² And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

Esther’s Request (7:3-4)

³ Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:⁴ For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.

The King Asks “Who is he…”  and Esther’s Reply (7:5-6)

⁵ Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?⁶ And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Haman’s Request to Queen Esther (7:7)

⁷ And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

Haman Sentenced to Die on the Gallows Built for Mordecai (7:8-10)

⁸ Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.⁹ And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.¹⁰ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

The King had no clue that this wickedness was going on. Why? He never asked any questions. When Haman wanted to destroy the Jews, he did not tell him who they were and the King did not ask. When Esther revealed Haman to be the one to destroy her people, the King did not ask for any evidence.

Haman had no idea that Queen Esther knew of, or cared about, his plan to kill the Jews. No one knew the Queen was a Jew. Haman’s arrogance caused him to suffer the shame (Chapter6) and the death, he plotted for Mordecai. God knows our thoughts and the intention of our hearts. We must be very careful not to think wicked deeds. The very act we mean for others may come back on us.

Queen Esther’s courage. When the Queen told the King of Haman’s plan, she was accusing Haman of being a traitor. Since women were not held in high esteem, why did the King believe her? He had no evidence.

The answer to the above questions is God. God’s hand prevailed to protect Queen Esther, condemn Haman, and to hang him on the gallows built for Mordecai. In fact, that same God is intervening in the affairs of men and women today. Every day, 24/7. He knows what we do, whether good or bad. Before we act, we must think about who is watching, and consider our ways.

Tomorrow the letter that changes everything.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001