Airbrushing God: A Devotion on the Book of EstherSample

Everyone loves it when justice is deserved and served. If this scene was on YouTube, it would be titled “Instant karma for Harman.” Esther’s game plan is in motion, but Haman hasn’t got the memo. In fact, he’s had gallows set up for Mordecai, 75 feet tall, making it the highest structure in the city and matching his ego.

The script accelerates, and in a brilliant plot twist, the king has a restless night, realizing that Mordecai was never honored for the foiled assassination plot. Haman enters to finalize his personal vendetta when the king asks him what should be done for the one the king delights to honor.

Inflated with pride, Haman lays out a very public procession on horseback and receives a punch to the gut when the tables are turned, and he is commanded to bestow this on Mordecai and lead him through the city.

Shamed, Haman rushes home, but the text shifts up a gear, leaving the sense that he is now completely out of control of events. He is rushed off to the next feast, where the queen calls out the evil plans in front of the king, naming “the adversary and enemy, the vile Haman.”

As the king leaves the table in rage, Haman tries to plead with Esther and, in comic timing, falls onto her couch as the king returns. He needs no excuse but gives one – will he now molest the queen while she is in the house with me?

Don’t miss the irony-laden script, revealing the real power at work. Haman is hoodwinked and dragged off to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

As you read through Esther 7, ask yourself, can you trust that God will deal with personal injustices? Giving something to God is not a one-time thing but often a daily concern. Bring those things that seem unfair to God in prayer.

The gallows echo the cross prepared for Christ. In an instant reversal, in the same way that Haman died on the pole, he set up for Mordecai, which Satan saw as his greatest victory and became his ultimate defeat. The boasting of Haman reflects the boast of satan – empty, boastful, and pretentious. The story reminds us that God is in control, at work behind the scenes, “all things working for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).