Wednesday, April 2 – Esther 7, 8 – Additional Reading, Prophets and Kings, Chapter 49, “In the Days of Queen Esther”
1. How many banquets did Esther organize for King Ahasuerus and Haman? (Esther 7:2)
2. How did Haman react when he realized he was exposed before the king? (Esther 7:8)
3. Who was hanged on the gallows that Haman had built for Mordecai? (Esther 7:9)
4. What had to be done to counteract the first decree? (Esther 8:11)
5. How did the exiled Jews react to the second decree? (Esther 8:17)
Chapters 7 and 8 continue the fascinating story of Esther and the great trial faced by the Jews in exile. Let us reflect on some key lessons found in these chapters:
1. “The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther took time for communion with God, the source of her strength. “Go,” she directed Mordecai, “gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16) (Prophets and Kings, 601)
2. God’s timing is perfect. In chapter 7, the wicked Haman is exposed and punished for his plot to destroy the Jews. The timing of this revelation is significant; it occurs precisely when Esther finishes making her request to King Ahasuerus. This demonstrates that God’s timing is always perfect and that He is always at work, even when we cannot see it.
3. We must be courageous in standing up for what is right. Esther showed great courage by revealing her Jewish identity and pleading for her people before the king. She risked her own life to save others, and her bravery inspires us. As Christians, we, too, must be willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
4. God can turn the enemy’s schemes into something good. Haman’s evil plan to destroy the Jews ultimately led to his downfall, and the Jewish people were saved. This shows that God can transform even the most wicked intentions into something good, and we can trust Him even in our darkest moments.
5. Our actions have consequences. Haman’s wickedness led to his destruction, and the consequences of his actions affected many others. This reminds us that our actions also have consequences and that we must strive to live in a way that honors God and does not harm others.
6. An attitude of prayer and faith during trials is a powerful testimony.
“And many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.” (Esther 8:17)
“God wrought marvelously for his penitent people; and a counter decree issued by the king, allowing them to fight for their lives, was rapidly communicated to every part of the realm by mounted couriers, who were “hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment.” “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.” (Esther 8:14) (Prophets and Kings, p. 602)
May God grant us the ability to face trials with a prayer and trusting attitude. Like Esther, may we be willing to rely on Him even in the most challenging and precarious situations. May our courage always be rooted in faith. The “enemy and adversary” will not prevail.
May God bless you today.