Trusting God's Plan When You Don't See Him: Lessons From the Book of EstherSýnishorn

Evil Haman is dead, having been executed on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. Back at the palace, the king gives Esther all of Haman’s estate, who in turn puts Mordecai in charge of it. Think about that for a minute. Mordecai is now in charge of the estate of the man that tried to kill not only him but all of his people. I’d call that a divine reversal! By the way, I’m pretty sure Haman’s wife and sons weren’t too happy about that arrangement.

Here’s another first for our story. Esther reveals to Xerxes that Mordecai is actually her cousin. Because of this, Mordecai is called into the presence of the king. This is the first time we hear of the two of them meeting since Mordecai’s relationship to Esther was kept under wraps. And if it couldn’t get any better for Mordecai, the king gets his signet ring, the one he took back from dead Haman, and presents it to Mordecai. This is essentially the king giving Mordecai his seal of approval and the keys to the empire!

Can we stop here and celebrate for a second? Mordecai, took a stand to not bow down to Haman and was targeted by him for execution. Yet it was Haman who was ultimately destroyed by the trap he set. But wait, we have a problem! The edict to kill all the Jews is still in effect. Remember, once the king issues an edict, it can’t be undone.

Esther cries and falls to the feet of the king begging that he put an end to this evil plan, but see how she uses humility in her request. “`If it pleases the king, she said, `and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me’….” (Esther 8:5) The king allows both she and Mordecai to write another decree on behalf of the Jews. This new decree doesn’t remove the death sentence of the Jews on a future date, but they now will have the right to assemble and fight anyone who attacks them. That day of reckoning will come - the 13th day of Adar.

When the Jews find out that the new decree buys them some time, their mourning turns to gladness. Oh, they still have a battle to come, but they can now fight back. With many months still ahead of them, they will have time to prepare for battle.

Questions:

1. How does the unexpected turn of events reflect a divine reversal and a victory over the forces of evil?

2. How does Esther's strategic thinking persuade the king?

3. What significance do you see in King Xerxes giving his signet ring to Mordecai? Can you see the heart of God in this story and how does that translate to us today?