Esther 6-10
Our story of Esther takes a dramatic turn today, with a complete reversal of “fortunes” for Mordecai and Haman in particular and for the Jews and their enemies in general. By “coincidence” the king cannot sleep the night before Esther’s second banquet and chooses to have boring historical records read to help put him to sleep. By “coincidence” these records “happen” to speak of Mordecai’s heroism. Just as the king is considering honoring Mordecai, Haman just “happens” to show up. But when the king asks Haman how to show honor to a man, Haman answers out of his own arrogance, with no “coincidence” necessary: Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” (Esther 6:6b) Seeking to exalt himself, Haman instead inadvertently exalts the very man he despises the most, Mordecai, and in the process sets up his own downfall.
Reading through Esther, we should of course see the larger picture of God’s providential care and protection for His people. But let’s not miss this clear lesson on pride and humility.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
I Peter 5:5b; James 4:6b (cf. Proverbs 3:34)