The book of Esther is like a thrilling drama filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and a clear display of God’s hand at work behind the scenes. Chapter 6 is a pivotal moment in the story, where things start to change dramatically for both Mordecai (the Jewish hero) and Haman (the villain).
Verse 1: A King’s Sleepless Night The king couldn’t sleep, so he asked his servants to read him the historical records of his reign. This might seem insignificant, but it’s a crucial detail. God is at work, even in a king’s insomnia!
Study Question: Have you ever felt like something seemingly random or unimportant happened, only to realise later that it had a bigger purpose?
Verses 2-3: Remembering a Forgotten Hero As the records were read, the king heard about how Mordecai had saved his life by uncovering a plot against him. This act of loyalty had gone unrewarded.
Study Question: Have you ever done something good for someone, but they forgot to thank you or acknowledge your kindness? How did that make you feel?
Verses 4-6: Haman’s Unfortunate Timing Just as the king was wondering how to honour Mordecai, Haman arrived. He was there to ask the king’s permission to execute Mordecai! Talk about bad timing!
Study Question: Can you think of a time when someone’s plans backfired because of unexpected circumstances?
Verses 7-10: Haman’s Pride Leads to Humiliation The king, not knowing Haman’s real intentions, asked him how to honour someone the king wished to reward. Haman, thinking the king was talking about him, suggested a lavish public display of honour. The king loved the idea and ordered Haman to carry it out…for Mordecai!
Study Question: Have you ever seen someone’s pride lead to their downfall? What can we learn from Haman’s example?
Verses 11-14: The Tables Turn Haman was forced to publicly honour the man he hated. This was a humiliating experience for him, and it was the beginning of his downfall. Meanwhile, Mordecai was finally recognized for his loyalty and courage.
Study Question: How do you think Mordecai felt about being honoured by the very person who wanted him dead? How do you think Haman felt about having to honour his enemy?
Key Takeaways
- God’s Timing is Perfect: Even when things seem to be going wrong, God is working behind the scenes to bring about His plan.
- Pride Comes Before a Fall: Haman’s pride blinded him to the truth and ultimately led to his downfall.
- Good Triumphs Over Evil: Even in the darkest moments, God can turn things around and bring justice to those who have been wronged.
Additional Study Questions
- How does this chapter show God’s sovereignty (control) over events?
- What can we learn from Mordecai’s patience and humility?
- How can we apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives?
I hope this commentary helps you understand Esther chapter 6 better. Remember, God is always at work, even when we can’t see it. Trust in His plan and be patient, because good always triumphs over evil in the end.
Leave a Reply