God’s Favor on His Servant, The First of Haman’s Humblings

(Encouraged reading: Esther 6)

v. 1-3 God’s Favor on His Servant

     The night following the banquet, the king was unable to sleep. Thus, the king requested a servant to read from the book of the records of the chronicles. As the servant read, they fell upon the passage in which Mordecai saved the king from the hands of his eunuchs. The king asked what honor had been bestowed on Mordecai; the servant replied that no honor had been shown.

v. 4-14 The First of Haman’s Humblings

     “The king is so impatient to have Mordecai honoured that he sends to know who is in the court that is fit to be employed in it. Word is brought him that Haman is in the court, v. 5. Let him come in, says the king…Now Haman thinks he has the fairest opportunity he can wish for to solicit against Mordecai; but the king's heart is as full as his, and it is fit he should speak first…”*

     The King asked Haman what he should bestow upon the man whom he takes great delight in. Haman believed that the king was speaking of him! So, after Haman finished spouting off a list of things, he was shocked and appalled to then be tasked with the job of seeing all this lavished upon Mordecai. After arriving home, he told his wife what transpired; his wife replied that if Mordecai is of Jewish decent Haman would fall before him. Before Haman could process her words, the eunuchs came to escort him to Esther’s banquet.

Application:

     God can use the smallest or simplest things to fulfill His plan. From the King’s insomnia to Haman being in the court early that morning, they all add up to how this account plays out. So, too, God has a plan for your life. When something happens that’s not in your plans, ask God to redirect your heart to the plans He has for you. Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Prayer:

     Lord, help us to see when you are redirecting plans and situations in our life. Instead of complaining when it seems unfavorable, help us to be thankful that You are active in our lives and are seeking our best. Please, continue to guide and direct us.

*Matthew Henry commentary