Post by contributor Lynnette Easter
As we get ready to visit chapter 7, I realize that we are almost finished exploring The Life of Queen Esther. I have thoroughly enjoyed our journey through this amazing book and hopefully all of you have enjoyed it as well. Now, it’s time for us to get right into the story:
The Banquet
It was the following day; the second banquet which Queen Esther prepared for King Xerxes. Once again, both the King and Haman attended Esther’s banquet; as the King was drinking his wine, he asked: “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”(Esther 7:2)
The Big Reveal
Queen Esther answered King Xerxes and said to him: “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”(Esther 7:3-4)
After hearing this, King Xerxes decided to ask Queen Esther: “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?” (Esther 7:5) Queen Esther responded and said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”(Esther 7:6) Haman became extremely fearful. Immediately, King Xerxes stood up enraged.
As he left his wine behind, King Xerxes walked out of the banquet and made his way to the palace garden. Haman instantaneously knew that King Xerxes had decided what measures would be taken against him. So, instead of joining the King, Haman decided to remain at the banquet and plead with Queen Esther for his life.
Haman was so desperate and fearful for his life that he lowered himself on the couch where Queen Esther was reclining. As King Xerxes walked back into the banquet hall he witnessed Haman’s behavior. The King cried out: “Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?”(Esther 7:8).
Immediately, Haman’s face was covered and one of the king’s eunuchs said to King Xerxes: “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.”King Xerxes said “Impale him on it!”(Esther 7:9) Haman was then taken and hung on the pole which he made for Mordecai. After Haman’s hanging, King Xerxes’ rage became less intense.
We have now come to the end of Chapter 7; the latter part of this story leaves me astounded every time I read it. Hatred and Pride have serious destructive effects on a person’s life; look what it did to Haman. The structure that he built to hang Mordecai on was used on him. His demise, something he definitely did not foresee.
Well Blissful Singles, we are now in the section of our post where it is pondering time:
In an effort to avenge yourself-When you executed your ‘Get Back Plan’ for your enemies, did it backfire on you? Were you affected in some unexpected way during the crossfire? In the end, was it worth it?
Ending Thought:
If only we believed God’s Promises wholeheartedly…in my own life I find to be a challenging factor. There is a driving force that pushes me to avenge myself, Why? What is that!? Does anyone else find that to be true in their lives? Okay, let’s take it a step further and dig a little deeper. What is the real driving force that causes us to lash out-is it due to disappointment, hurt feelings or is it solely because our pride was hurt?
Whatever the driving force may be, we will never experience real vindication when we choose to take matters into our own hands. I say this from my very own experience-self-avenging comes with side effects every single time! God stands true to HIS word:
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
God’s end-results speak clearly; today’s story is a prime example of that.
Related post: 3 verses for when you want Karma to get back at your ex
