It is not clear why Esther asked the king and Haman to come back the next day for another dinner. Perhaps for some reason she sensed it was not the right time to reveal her own identity as a Jew and to ask the king to deal with Haman. It is sometimes better to wait for another opportunity to make an important suggestion or even a rebuke than to speak up without thought at the wrong time. Having eaten well, Xerxes asked again what favour Esther wanted, still promising anything up to half of his kingdom. Then Esther, in strength given to her by God Himself, told the whole story to the king. He responded with the strong words, "Name the man and I will deal with him." Esther pointed to Haman, saying, "There is the vile and wicked man himself." In a rather unexpected reaction, the King got up and walked out. Perhaps he was shocked and angry to think that he had been taken in by Haman whom he had trusted and honoured. In a few minutes he returned, only to find Haman begging Esther for his life. At banquets such as this, the guests reclined on couches rather than on chairs and Haman must have half-fallen on to Esther's couch as he pleaded with her. Xerxes said very little but it was enough to condemn Haman. One of his attendants knew about the gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai and mentioned this to the king. His reply was abrupt, "Hang Haman on them." There are many other occasions when God has powerfully intervened on behalf of His people. He has sometimes used a human vessel, such as Moses or one of the judges or prophets. At other times it has been by His own direct action. He is still the Almighty God and is our Heavenly Father who has only our best interests at heart. We can trust Him now and always. Why not sing a verse of "All the way my Saviour leads me, what have I to ask beside?" It will strengthen your faith for today. |
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