Daily EncouragementSample

The metaphor is apt, whether it be an exact translation of the Hebrew or not! It perfectly describes the situation which emerges in the history which finds its climax here. On the day when “the edict of the king was to be carried out . . . the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them” (Esth. 9:1).

The tables were not turned by chance, but by the hand of God. His servants were not the prisoners of circumstances, however untoward these may have appeared to be. Haman may have erected his gallows, but Mordecai was not to hang upon it. Similarly, Joseph’s brethren may have sold him into Egypt, but the day was to come when they would throw themselves down before him (Gen. 50:18).

The greatest turning of the tables of all was the cross of Christ itself. Therein “God’s secret wisdom” was revealed. “None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:7-8).

When God turns the tables the result is always for the good - the judgement of evil men and the salvation of his people.