Good morning,
We have come to the conclusion of our study of the Book of Esther.
The festival of Purim celebrates God’s deliverance from a plot to destroy all the Jews. This year the celebration begins on the evening of 6 March and ends on the evening of 7 March.
This week we will look at chapters 7-10. The plot of Haman is revealed to the King. Haman is judged. Mordecai is promoted. A new letter is sent. The feast of Purim is inaugurated.
Today we look at chapter 7, Haman’s plot revealed.
Chapter 7 Esther’s banquet request and the death of Haman
“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.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.” (7:3-6)
“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.” (7:10)
Esther tells the king that Haman has plotted to kill her people the Jews. As the king contemplates what to do, Haman throws himself on Queen Esther for mercy. The king, however, thought that Haman was assaulting the queen. Haman is sentenced to be hanged on the gallows he had made for Mordecai.
Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
Everyone in Shushan knew the wickedness and pride of Haman. So, when his plot is revealed, the king’s advisors were able to tell the king about the gallows made for Mordecai. Haman’s pride truly did destroy him. Proverbs 16:19 states, Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Are we proud or humble? Scripture states that this is a life or death issue.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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