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EstherBright Star

in a dark place(Chapter 3)

By Samuel E. WardFor text version: cbckck.blogspot.com

Introduction

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Chart of the Book of Esther

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God’s Hand Prepares for the

Future—Chapters

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God’s Hand Rules in the Present—

Chapters 3-8

God’s Hand Brings Judgment in its

Time—Chapter 9:1-19

God’s Hand Executes Justice in

the End—Chapters 9:20-10:3

The Great Banquets

Dethronement of Vashti

The Choice of a New Queen

Haman’s Plot – Plot #1

Mordecai’s Plan

Esther’s 1st Banquet

Haman’s Plot – Plot #2

Haman’s Humiliation

Estther’s 2nd Banquet

Mordecai’s Elevation

A Great Slaughter

A Great Vengeance

A Great Celebration

Mordecai’s Letter

Esther’s Confirmation

Mordecai’s Greatness

 

Review of Esther

I. God’s Hand Prepares for the Future: How Esther Came to Be Queen, Esther 1:1-2:23

We have examined the events of the first and second chapters which included. . .

A. The Great Banquets of Xerxes and Queen Vashti, Esther 1:1-9 (483 B.C.)

B. Vashti's Dethronement, Esther 1:10-22.C. The Choice of a New Queen, Esther 2.

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II. God’s hand Rules in the present

The events that threatened God’s people, begin to unfold in this chapter. However, God had providentially prepared for these events. Throughout the rest of this book are several evidences that God still watches over His people Israel, even those who live in far distant lands. The situation is reminiscent of the pleas of God’s people in the days just prior to the Exodus.

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(Exo 3:7 NIV) The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.

He is about to hear the cries of His people again as indicated by their “fasting, weeping, and wailing.” The rest of the story is about how He accomplishes it.

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See the evidence of God’s hand acting through the events that begin in Esther 3.We begin by taking note of . . .

A. Haman’s Plot to Exterminate the Jews– Plot #1, Esther 3.

1. Instigated by Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman, Esther 3:1-2.

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It is hard to imagine, from what we observe of Haman’s character, that his arrogance and pride had gone unnoticed by Xerxes.

Proverbs 26:1 (NIV 2011) Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. Haman will prove the proverb.

Stupid Choice # 3: Xerxes gave the place of honor to an arrogant and ambitious fool.

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There is a reason why God established guidelines for the selection of leaders within His church. It is unwise to give positions of authority and leadership just to fill vacant positions or without regard to examination of character and Christlikeness. (1 Tim 3:1-7; 8-10,12)

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2. Exacerbated by others’ sharing gossip as a test of Haman’s tolerance of Mordecai through gossip, a Jew, Esther 3:3-4.

a. To separate good friends from each other, Proverbs 17:9.

b. To fill their idle time and to be disruptive, 2 Thessalonians 3:11.

c. To spread inappropriate and often untrue things about others, 1 Timothy 5:13.

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3. Intensified by Haman’s hatred for the whole of Mordecai’s people, Esther 3:5-6. See Proverbs 16:27.

The literature suggests two reasons why Mordecai would not bow before Haman with scholars usually favoring #1, #2, or both of the following:

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a. Mordecai considered bowing before Haman an act of sacrilege that should be reserved for God alone.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary – Volume 4: 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra,

Nehemiah, Esther, Job.

b. Mordecai remembered the history of Israel with Haman’s people (the Amalekites ambushed Israel when they departed Egypt.) See Exo 17-8-16;1 Sam 15:1-2.

Ibid.12

4. Scheduled by the casting of lots (the pur), Esther 3:7.

Fifteen centuries later the Apostle Paul would preach on Mars Hill about a God unknown to them Who was the true Master of the universe. It was His decision concerning the appointed times and boundaries of nations, Acts 17:26.

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5. Sought by Haman through the offer of a bribe, Esther 3:8-9.

When a nation becomes corrupt in its application of justice and the robbing its people, it can expect two things:

a. A curse from God, Deuteronomy 27:25

b. A path laid to destruction, Proverbs 29:4 14

6. Financed freely by Xerxes without question, Esther 3:10-11.

Xerxes’ willingness to take the word of one man concerning a whole nation of people stands as an extreme example of a ruler out of touch with his country.

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For an example from Israel’s own history of a king out of touch with his people, we need only turn to Rehoboam’s decision to make the labor and tax burden on the people even heavier than that imposed by his father, Solomon, 1 Kings 12:10-11.

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7. Activated with orders sanctioned by Xerxes and sent by Haman to all officials of the empire, Esther 3:12-14.

8. Became a matter of celebration for the king and Haman but bewilderment for the citizens of Susa, Esther 3:15.

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Conclusions

1. Leadership is a stewardship from God for the benefit of those being lead, not a domain from which leaders seek to be served by others so they can pursue their own personal plans and ambitions.

(1 Cor 10:24 NIV) Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

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2. God has not forgotten His promise to Israel concerning her enemies.

(Gen 12:3 NIV) I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

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3. God is always watching the nations and so the nations should be careful when choosing to oppose Him. No one can frustrate God’s plans for the world and His people.

(Psa 66:7 NIV) He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations-- let not the rebellious rise up against him. Selah

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(Isa 46:10 NIV) I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

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The Book of Esther is a testament to God’s commitment to the

promises He makes to His people that they shall be

kept.

We can all sleep well tonight. 22