Esther 7: Hung by His Own Noose
Haman is escorted to Esther’s second banquet, his humiliation is still fresh from honoring his enemy in the town square. Sawdust settles at the foot of the newly built gallows and the empty noose casts a shadow. Haman enters the king and queen’s presence…
Sawdust settles at the foot of the newly built gallows and the empty noose casts a shadow. Click To Tweet
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Have you ever had an argument before arriving to church or family get together? You’re sure everyone sees your angst. You feel awkward. Your hands are shaking, head is pounding, heart is racing; you either paste on a smile, or avoid people altogether.
I feel the emotion in this scene.
With racing heart and trembling hands Haman grabs his goblet of wine — anything to steel his nerves. Imagine what Haman is thinking at this point. Can he pull off his plan to destroy the Jews despite the fiasco in the town square? Does he still have the upper hand and favor of the King?
King Ahaseurus again addresses Queen Esther:
What is your Petition and Request, Queen Esther?
Esther replies: ”Let my life be given as my petition, and my people as my request.”
Esther uses the King’s own words. And then, word for word, she quotes Haman’s decree describing the fate of her and her people unless he intervenes.
We have been sold
To be destroyed
To be killed
To be annihilated
This story-telling technique is familiar and very effective. The prophet Nathan uses it to accuse King David of his sin with Bathsheba. You first bait the hook with the details of the outrageous crime, and then reel in the indignation and demand for justice.
The Noose Tightens
I picture Haman choking on his wine as the King jumps up and goes out to the garden. Haman’s jig is up. He knows what’s coming.
Haman also knows the King very well; he has never made his own decision. He hopes Esther can persuade the King to spare him.
So he sprawls over Esther’s couch, begging for his life.
But, his inappropriate touch of the Queen seals his fate when the King returns — the guards cover Haman’s face while suggesting a good use for the gallows at Haman’s house. The noose intended for Mordecai, becomes the fate of Haman the Agagite.
Can you hear Esther’s sigh of relief and pounding heart? I can.
Never underestimate God's knowledge or justice in a situation. #GodKnows Click To Tweet
Applying the Word
What situation has you hanging right now? God knows every bit and is working behind the scenes on your behalf.
What situation has you hanging right now? #WhatDoIDo Click To TweetHow have you seen God intervene in your life or on behalf of someone near you? Feel free to join the conversation in the comments below.
Have you ever needed to bide your time and guard your words for a potentially volatile situation like this?
Join me next time in Esther chapter 8 – Righting a Wrong…because the exposure of Haman’s evil plot doesn’t cancel the original decree and death sentence for the Jews.
Jeanne
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