Esther: Silent but Sovereignনমুনা

Unsurprisingly, Haman left the banquet in high spirits (v. 9). He’d dealt with the Jews; he’d enjoyed a private banquet with the king and queen, and he had another feast scheduled for the next day. Life was great! 

Then he passed Mordecai, back in his position of work at the king’s gate. Mordecai still refused to be impressed by Haman. He still refused to show respect and, perhaps surprisingly, he didn’t show any fear either. Haman was provoked to rage (v. 9). But in his eagerness to get home, Haman restrained himself (v. 10).

It’s interesting that Mordecai was back at work. Perhaps after three days of prayer and fasting, he trusted that God was working, so he decided to leave the problem of Haman’s edict to God and get back to his responsibilities. He wasn’t trying to interfere. He wasn’t manipulating people or situations. He was just getting on with his work, minding his own business and leaving God to mind His. 

But Haman was dissatisfied. He was completely unable to mind, or even enjoy, his own business. After boasting to his wife and friends about his elevated status, favor at the palace, wealth, and number of sons (vv. 11–12), Haman expressed his dissatisfaction and resentment that Mordecai would still not honor him (v. 13). 

Verse 14 records another instance of bad advice, this time given to Haman by his wife and friends: 

Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits [about 23 meters], and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself. 

In Persian times hanging was a shameful and torturous way to die. Rather than being hung with a rope, victims were impaled on a sharpened wooden pole. It was an early form of crucifixion. Haman's wife, Zeresh, was suggesting an incredibly vicious and publicly humiliating death for Mordecai. 

Haman’s earlier plan had already ensured that Mordecai was scheduled to be killed in eleven months’ time. But his rage had escalated to such a degree that he couldn’t wait; only the immediate and agonizing death of his enemy would satisfy him. 

Five hundred years later Jesus Christ suffered a vicious and humiliating death at the hands of His enemies. Although deserving of honor and worship, He humbled Himself and experienced the righteous wrath of a holy God against sin. In contrast to Haman, who demanded reverence and respect that he was not worthy of, Jesus invites us to bow before Him in love. In contrast to Haman, who was full of hatred and vengeance fuelled by a centuries-old grudge, Jesus freely offers forgiveness and grace to anyone, regardless of our past offenses against Him.

Reflection

Reflect on Jesus’ humility and the mercy He has shown towards you. Thank Him for His sacrifice and pray for a gracious and humble spirit.