Today’s passage: Esther 6:14-7:10
Helpful thoughts:
- What a scene… Read verse 13 before 14. Just as Haman’s loved ones and advisors told him his downfall was coming, he was ushered away. He had thought these banquets were to his glory, but today would prove much different.
- Half the kingdom was never really on the table for Esther to take. This phrase was a figure of speech, showing desire to offer generosity.
- All of the poor decisions Haman has made in the blindness of his pride and hunger for self-glory come to the surface in a matter of moments.
- Esther is not the only one who used tact in helping the king to understand the need for justice (Verse 9).
Questions to consider:
- When Haman got caught in his sin, what was he most upset about? Did he beg for forgiveness, or something else? What does this evidence about his motives and focus?
- What must we remember about God’s sovereignty throughout this narrative? Did Haman get caught solely because of Esther’s way with words? If Esther had stumbled over her words, would the Jews have been exterminated against all God’s promises? If we read this chapter today and said, “I could never be as eloquent as Esther so I won’t speak up in my situation,” why wouldn’t that be a right application?
- What has God accomplished up to this point in the narrative of Esther? What problem is still needing to be addressed? Did God need to be made aware of it, or was He already working and knew its end? What does God know about you and your situation right now? How can this encourage you to pray, trust Him, and seek to please Him in and through the situation?