Chronological Reading Plan for Sep 23, Est 6-10

Today's readings are Est 6-10. Tomorrow's are Ezra 7-10.

The rest of Esther's story is a case study on how God intervenes in the lives of His own, protecting them, even when they're unaware.

The king hears about Mordecai and how he secretly warned the previous king about a planned attack. The king approaches Haman for an idea about how to honor Mordecai. Haman, thinking the king intends to honor him, comes up with an elaborate and lush way for the king to recognize Mordecai.

When it all happens, Haman realizes he's made a huge mistake. Esther reveals Haman’s plan to the king and, ironically, Haman ends up being hanged on the gallows he had intended for Mordecai. Herein is another lesson. Haman self-righteously judged Mordecai to be a rebellious man and plotted his execution. In the end, Haman is the rebellious man, manipulating the king for his own purposes, and is executed in the same manner he had planned for Mordecai.

Significantly, in Esther’s case, in the Book of Esther, a woman acts as a mediator for God’s chosen people. She is willing to sacrifice everything for their welfare and preservation. She functions under the wisdom and direction of Mordecai but it is Esther who goes to the king as an advocate of the people.

The end results are that Esther is honored, Mordecai is elevated to second in the kingdom, the Jews are saved and their enemies are destroyed.

God has blessed the Jews returning to Jerusalem but He has blessed those who stayed behind as well. Why? To show the Persians His might and power. Those who stayed behind were witnesses to the presence of God among all people. 

The Book of Esther has all the elements of the gospel. There is a people who are sentenced to death (the Jews), an accuser (Haman) an advocate (Esther), one who works behind the scenes to elevate the advocate (Mordecai), a king (Ahaseurus) who has a heart for truth and justice, a story of glorious redemption and the elimination of all of the enemies of God’s people.

We would do well to keep in mind that the roles portrayed here are only faint shadows of God the Father (the king), the Son (Esther) and the Spirit (Mordecai). These people are far from perfect and frequently operate according to the flesh. But the underlying lessons remain. God provides for and protects His people through a divinely appointed mediator and advocate.