Esther 3
ScriptureEsther 3:1515 The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.Observation We don’t even hear of this “Haman” character until now; but here he is, being honored and given the “seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles” (v1). In this role, he is to be bowed to but Mordecai – who raised Esther, bringing her up as his own daughter when her mother and father died (Esther 2:7) – refused to comply. Haman is prideful and revengeful about Mordecai’s refusal and decides to seek vengeance not just on Mordecai but on all “his people,” the Jews. Being in this seat of honor, Haman comes to the king with malicious intent and informs him that “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. 9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them…” (v 8-9). Hearing this, the king turns over his signet ring, authorizing Haman to “do as he pleases” with the people. Haman takes this opportunity to create an order from the king to have all the Jews massacred on a certain day. UnderstandingAs we end Chapter 3, things look dark!“The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.”The king and Haman sat down to drink, likely celebrating – Haman, celebrating his [believed to be] success in setting up the genocide of the Jews and the king likely celebrating that these “certain [separatist] people” will no longer be tolerated – reinforcing his reign. Meanwhile, the city is bewildered at this sudden change of heart, the impending doom upon a peaceful people...or perhaps they are perplexed at a king that would allow himself to be abused and/or manipulated? Perhaps it's not celebration at all...but rather Haman hoping to keep the king ignorant re: his malicious plan and/or the king numbing his feelings about what he had just helped put into motion. Thank God we know the rest of the story for this, were it to continue as Haman wishes, would be the end of God’s people.“A very black and mournful scene here opens, and which threatens the ruin of all the people of God. Were there not some such dark nights, the light of the morning would not be so welcome.” – Matthew Henry CommentaryLife ApplicationIn this season of life, I’m learning more and more to see God in the details and, also, to find gratitude for every part of the process. It’s a beautiful thing to look back at Esther’s story and see how God fashioned together each part that Esther would be chosen, that Mordecai would be put into the place he was, that Haman’s plan – meant for evil – would be redeemed and used to good. God, thank you for being ever-so-present in the details. Thank you for ALL the parts of my own story – even those that may look grim, for they make the “light of the morning” even more welcome. I look forward to seeing how you continue to fashion for good ALL the little details. I put my trust in you today. In your name, I pray. Amen.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei