Esther, Day 5
ESTHER CHAPTER 7
KARMA: “such a force considered as affecting the events of one’s life” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Remember this old saying: “What goes around, comes around!”?
There are four main characters to focus on in Esther 7. They are Esther, Mordecai, Haman, and King Ahasuerus. They all play a significant part in how God saves His people.
Esther and Mordecai may not have been noble in the way Daniel and his friends were; nevertheless, they both illustrate the fact that divine providence does not negate the responsibility of people to act with courage and resolve when circumstances require it.
Ahasuerus and Haman were important people who wielded considerable power. The king rules over 127 provinces but cannot control his wife (Queen Vashti), and his so-called “wise men” are no better.
Haman devised a plot to have Mordecai killed because he did not bow down or pay homage to him. In Chapter 3, “Haman was filled with fury.” He’s a really bad dude! Very arrogant for sure!
However, Esther gets wind of this hideous plot, and at the feast, where she had invited the king and Haman, she reveals Haman’s devious plot.
It’s interesting to note that King Ahasuerus addresses Esther as, “Queen Esther.” She has apparently assumed this role, and therefore based on her position, petitions the king in Verses 1 – 2. So, Esther is walking a thin line, because she needs to accuse Haman explicitly without implicating the king.
In Verse 3, she humbly presents her request: “Let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.” She repeats the same words in Chapter 3:13, “Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children.”
The king’s reply is sharp and to the point: “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” I believe the king already had an idea who it may have been. And so, Esther reveals the name: “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” (Verses 5 – 6).
Haman then realizes his days are numbered. “Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.” (Verse 6).
Fearing for his life, he entreats and begs Queen Esther for his life. Haman then falls on the couch where Esther was. “Haman was probably kneeling, perhaps with his hands or arms on the couch, probably to seek mercy from Esther, but the king’s perception is distorted by his anger, thinking this was an assault on Esther” (ESV Study Bible note).
That for sure sealed Haman’s end. In a twisted way, the gallows on which Haman wanted to hang Mordecai would be used to execute the conniving Haman.
That old saying, “What comes around, goes around,” seems true of Haman. I don’t believe in karma or coincidences. I close with Psalm 115:13: “He will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.”
Jesus rules!
Tom