Ladies Bible Class: Esther, Lesson 20

Esther Lesson 20

Chapter 7

The book of Esther:  A study of God in action when nothing appears to be happening!

by Patsy Norwood (c) 2023 - 2024.  All Rights Reserved.

In our last lesson we left Haman being escorted to the second banquet he and the king had been exclusively invited to …

1 So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther.

Here it is, the climax of the story!  So much is resting on Esther and how she handles this banquet.  Is it any wonder that she asked for Mordecai and the Jews to fast and pray for three days while she and her maidens did the same?

² And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!”

Did this banquet last two days?

The king’s curiosity had to be really piqued by this time as once again he offered to give her up to half the kingdom to know her request.

³ Then Queen Esther answered and said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.

“Her life?”  This was not what the king expected to hear!  Do you think the king had a puzzled look on his face?

⁴ For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king’s loss.”

Knowing the king’s volatile temperament, Esther treads cautiously.

⁵ So King Ahasuerus answered and said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?”

Hmmmm … wonder what Haman was thinking at this moment?

⁶ And Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!”  So Haman was terrified before the king and queen.

There it is … no more dancing around the issue!  This was the moment that everything hinged on for Esther, had she done enough to secure her and her people’s lives?

Haman, on the other hand, is not wondering.  He knows his goose is cooked!  I’m sure he now knows without a doubt that he has absolutely underestimated the God of the universe, the God of the Jews.

⁷ Then the king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden; but Haman stood before Queen Esther, pleading for his life, for he saw that evil was determined against him by the king. 

The king is so angry he leaves the room.  Do you think he’s putting two and two together and realizes that he has been played by Haman?

Meanwhile, Haman throws himself on the mercy of Esther and pleads for his life.

⁸ When the king returned from the palace garden to the place of the banquet of wine, Haman had fallen across the couch where Esther was. Then the king said, “Will he also assault the queen while I am in the house?”  As the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 

Upon returning to the banquet room, the king sees Haman “fallen across the couch where Esther was” … this was just too much!  Further incited, the king jumps to the conclusion that Haman means to do the queen harm in the King’s presence and his anger intensifies.

“As the word leaves the king’s mouth” refers to an immediate judgment of death against Haman.

Why didn’t Esther intercede for Haman at this point, she had the power to influence the king to give Haman another chance and or possibly give him a less severe punishment?

Coffman commentary says this:  “… as long as Haman lived, he was a deadly threat to the Jewish people.  Esther was wise enough to see that although Haman was at the moment defeated; if he had survived, he might have found a way to achieve his purpose.”

⁹ Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, “Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.” Then the king said, “Hang him on it!”

That didn’t take long, did it?  The king didn’t ask for an explanation or give Haman opportunity to talk … the verdict was announced … GUILTY as charged!  Hang him on the gallows he meant to hang Mordecai on!

It seems that the king did not know about Haman having the gallows built for Mordecai up to this point.  Harbonah however, is more than willing to not only tell the king about them and who they were built for, but also to remind him that Mordecai was the one who had spoken good on the king’s behalf!

¹⁰ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.

One can be sure this is not the way Haman had envisioned the second banquet ending.

“Then the king’s wrath subsided” … so far, so good, but the danger for Esther and her people was not over.  Remember the king’s decrees were irrevocable.  Remember the decree Haman manipulated the king into signing to annihilate the Jews? The death of Haman did not cancel out the decree, it was still in effect.

Next week we’ll move into chapter 8 where some big decisions have to be made if the Jews are going to be saved!  Will the king help or is he done with the situation?

I hope you’ve enjoyed today's lesson.  Don't forget to leave a comment and if you're enjoying this study, please share the link with other ladies who you think might enjoy it as well.

We have three more lessons in this study, and I would love to start getting some feedback regarding its format as well as any thoughts overall you would like to share.  As a student of God’s Word, I am always looking for ways to improve upon the methods I use in writing and do take into consideration any feedback to make future writings and studies more user friendly, easier to understand and navigate.  Thank you in advance.

Links to previous lessons can be found HERE.

Until the next class ...

patsy @ From This Heart of Mine; (c) 2023 - 2024 by Patsy Norwood ~ All Rights Reserved.

Ladies Bible Class: Esther, Lesson 19

Esther Lesson 19

Chapter 6: 1 - 14

The book of Esther:  A study of God in action when nothing appears to be happening!

by Patsy Norwood (c) 2023 - 2024.  All Rights Reserved.

In our last lesson we left Haman ... and his wife ... and his friends planning a gruesome and supposedly soon to happen death for Mordecai!

In today’s lesson however, things get a bit challenging for Haman …

Let's pick up where we left off last week with verse 1 in chapter 6 ...

1 That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

What a perfect time for insomnia, God’s timing is always right on time!

“the book of the records of the chronicles” … we mentioned those back in lesson 10.  In essence, they were a journal of the daily doings and happenings of the king.

“and they were read before the king” … he didn’t read them his self, but had them read to him.

2  And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 

The king is apparently listening and listening well, especially to the part about the betrayal by Bigthana and Teresh … and about who had most likely saved his life.

3 Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?”  And the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”

Big moment here!  Light bulb moment, in fact!  Mordecai should have been rewarded when the treason was reported but he wasn’t.

The king stops the reading and wants to know, “what honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?”

The answer he received of, “Nothing has been done for him” was not satisfactory.

The discovery of treason or conspiracy against the life of the king entitled the informant to some kind of reward and it was the responsibility of the king to see that the informant was rewarded.  The king, however, seems to assume that the reward had already been given, but since he apparently did not remember, he gave the inquiry.

4  So the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Look at God’s timing!  Haman has come to ask the king for permission to hang the man the king has just been reminded saved his life, the man Haman has already or is in the process of having gallows built to hang.

Some sources say that Haman came earlier than normal, before daybreak in fact, to be first in line to see the king.  His impulsiveness to hasten his plan was going to cost him deeply and dearly.  Little did he know that by his over eagerness, he was sitting himself up to be the one to give the highest honor to his arch enemy, the very man he was planning to kill.

5 The king’s servants said to him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.”  And the king said, “Let him come in.”

The king’s attendants/servants looked out into the outer court and saw Haman … and he was granted entrance.

6  So Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?”  Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?”

Haman walks in … do you think he walks in with a prideful strut?  Do you think he thinks that he has, once again, come up with a plan to manipulate the king, a plan that, if successful, would result in the king signing over Mordecai’s immediate demise to himself.

“Now Haman thought in his heart …” Haman is so sure that he is the man the king wants to honor. 

“Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” … Haman is egotistical, to say the least and has a very high opinion of himself as well!

7 And Haman answered the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 

You can almost see the wheels turning and plans coming together in his mind to promote himself in the most glorious way he can think of.

8  let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. 

These were all powerful symbols of royal authority!  Haman is going for the gusto, he wants it all!

To wear a dress previously worn by the king was under ordinary circumstances, a breach of Persian law (Plut, ‘Vit. Artax,’5); but the king might allow it (Herod, 7:17) or condone it (Plut, 1.s.c.).

This seems to be what is occurring here, which makes the honor even more prestigious!

9 Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’ ”

Haman goes on … symbols of prestige, power, glory, honor … Oh, he can almost feel all the adoration about to be heaped upon himself already.

Do you think Haman could have been entertaining thoughts of even taking the crown????  Do you think the king suspected this as a possibility?

10  Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.”

“Hurry …” … this matter had been delayed for far too long and the king wanted it attended to immediately!

This verse has a lot to unpack, not only has Haman been deflated in a most un-ceremonial way but look at the wording, “Mordecai the Jew.”  The king now realizes that Mordecai is a Jew, which means Queen Esther is a Jew.

“Leave nothing undone …” … make sure my orders are followed right down to the last detail … Haman’s cleverly detailed and outlined, details!!!

Has the king put two and two together?  Is he realizing that things might not be on the up and up with Haman?

11 So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!”

There was no way for Haman to get out of this now, he literally had no choice, his humiliation would be deep and hurtful.  All those whom he had spoken of about Mordecai, all those who knew the gallows had been built for the purpose of hanging Mordecai, would now see his humiliation complete and on public display.

Sidenote:  Mordecai was still in his sackcloth and ashes when Haman approached him, what thoughts could have been going through his mind?  He had no idea what had just transpired in the king’s palace, so he didn't have a clue as to what Haman was up to this time!

Here’s what Josephus says about the incident:  When he heard this order, which was entirely unexpected, he was confounded in his mind, and knew not what to do.  However, he went out and led the horse, and took the purple garment, and the golden chain for the neck, and finding Mordecai before the court, clothed in sackcloth, he bade him put that garment off, and put the purple garment on: but Mordecai not knowing the truth of the matter, but thinking that it was done in mockery, said, “O though wretch, the vilest of all mankind, dost though thus laugh at our calamities?”  But when he was satisfied that the king bestowed this honor upon him, for the deliverance he had procured him when he convicted the eunuchs who had conspired against him, he put on that purple garment which the king always wore and put the chain about his neck,  and got on horseback, and went round the city, while Haman went before, and proclaimed, “This shall be the reward which the king will bestow on everyone whom he loves, and esteems worthy of honor.”

12 Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. 

Mordecai returns to his sackcloth and ashes while Haman hurries home understanding in a personal way what had just happened.

Did Haman blame Mordecai for this also? 

Do you think that Haman is beginning to wonder if he might have made a mistake in going after the Jews?

Taking a quick look at both men and at what has just transpired, it seems safe to say that this event did nothing to change either man. 

13 When Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him, his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.”

This excerpt from Coffman’s commentary helps to understand this better …

Everyone in Susa knew the providential blessing of the Jews, beginning with Cyrus’ edict for their return to Jerusalem; and the people, including Haman’s ‘wise men,’ were aware of the hand of God in Jewish history.

Poor Haman, now even his wise men and wife are reminding him of things he doesn’t want to be reminded of … in his taking on the Jews, he has taken on the God of the universe!  Haman couldn't win no matter how hard it tried!

14 While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs came, and hastened to bring Haman to the banquet which Esther had prepared.

I don’t think Haman was looking as forward to this banquet as he was the first one!

With Zeresh’s warning ringing in his ears, Haman is escorted to the banquet he had been bragging about being invited to just a few hours earlier.

“The king’s eunuchs came and hastened to bring Haman to the banquet” … Haman was not going to be a “no show” for this one!

What a day!  Before we close out this lesson let’s do a quick recap …

Haman starts the day at the very top of his glory and power …

Haman ends the day humiliated and deflated …

What a difference a day can make when God is working behind the scenes!

How reassuring it is to see and know that God works in the details!

I hope you’ve enjoyed today's lesson.  Don't forget to leave a comment and if you're enjoying this class, please share the link with other ladies who you think might enjoy it as well.

Next week we see things go from bad to worse for Haman as we look at chapter 7 of Esther.

Links to previous lessons can be found HERE.

Until the next class ...

patsy @ From This Heart of Mine; (c) 2023 - 2024 by Patsy Norwood ~ All Rights Reserved.

Ladies Bible Class: Esther, Lesson 18

Esther Lesson 18

Chapter 5:9 - 14

The book of Esther:  A study of God in action when nothing appears to be happening!

by Patsy Norwood (c) 2023 - 2024.  All Rights Reserved.

In our last lesson we left the king and Haman attending a banquet Queen Esther had invited them too for the sole purpose of hearing Esther’s request.  Esther delayed making known her request and extended an invitation to a second banquet where she would then make her request known. 

Somewhere between the first banquet and the second banquet, Haman had another run in with Mordecai. That’s what we’re going to be looking at in this lesson …

9 So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai.

“Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart” … this is Haman’s hour of glory, he’s glorying in himself and full of pride.  He is on top of the world … until he sees Mordecai in the king’s gate refusing to bow down and pay homage to him.  Instant anger and rage brought his joy to a crashing halt.

Here’s an excerpt from the Pulpit Commentary that gives us a more in-depth look at where Mordecai and Haman’s relationship stands at this time …

Originally Mordecai had merely declined to prostrate himself before Haman on religious grounds.  Now he looked upon Haman as his personal enemy, and would not even acknowledge his presence.  There is nothing more galling than such utter contempt shown openly in the presence of others.

Whew!  That’s all I can think to say!

10 Nevertheless Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh.

Haman held it together outwardly and didn’t address Mordecai in any way.  (Being chief minister to the king meant Haman could have done great harm to Mordecai if he had so chosen.)  Instead, he went home and called for his friends and his wife, Zeresh.

Haman might have been holding it together on the outside, but inside he was fuming.  The wonderous joy he had been experiencing prior to his encounter with Mordecai was now tarnished and in Haman’s mind it was all Mordecai’s fault.

Do you think one reason Haman might have ‘held it together’ for the time being was that he knew (or he thought) that Mordecai’s time was almost up and that he soon wouldn’t be a bother anymore?

Do you think there was a part of Haman that was smirking on the inside while he ‘held it together’ in spite of being filled with raging anger.

Do you think the reason Haman went home and called for his friends and his wife was that he wanted to blow off steam and have them commiserate with him?

11 Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king.

Well, if we ever doubted that Haman was pompous, a braggard and full of himself, this verse should remove all doubt!  Look at what he’s bragging about:

His great riches …

The multitude of his children …

His promotions and advancements …

His favoritism from the king …

It seems that Haman is very much into promoting himself, “look at me!”  “Look at me!”

Coffman’s commentary says that “He was a coarse, undisciplined man little better than a savage.”

Hmmmm …. I’ll leave you to ponder on the lessons of Haman’s attitude.

12 Moreover Haman said, “Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king.

And here is the crowning exaltation:  the queen had invited him and no one else along with the king to come to a private banquet for just the three of them … not just once, but twice!

He must really think he is special right about now!

Little did Haman know that all these weeks and months of God working behind the scenes are about to come together … God’s timing is always perfect!

13 Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”

Oh, but wait!  Haman is still stewing over the “fly in the ointment,” the one person who has not bowed down to him.

He’s accusing Mordecai of stealing his joy and has let himself become consumed with Mordecai not bowing down to him.  In Haman’s mind, everything seems to be all about himself!

Haman was an egomaniac.  He was the chief minister of the greatest empire in the then known world and yet it was not enough.

“Yet all this avails me nothing”  … what he seems to be saying is that all his prestige, possessions, power, riches and family is less important to him at this moment than his tiff with Mordecai.

Haman has allowed himself to become obsessed with Mordecai!

14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet.”  And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made.

His wife?  She was the mother of 10 sons!  Has she no heart!

His friends?  They apparently rallied around Haman, too!

Look at what was suggested:  “Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it …”

“so he had the gallows made” … I wonder what answer was given when inquiry among the people was made who saw the very tall gallows (approximately 75 feet tall) being built?  I wonder, did Haman go so far as to brag about it?

But that’s not all that was suggested … “then go merrily with the king to the banquet.” 

Get permission to have a man hanged … and then go MERRILY with the king to a banquet!

I don’t know about you, but I’m almost speechless!   What a way to find joy!

Josephus tells us that it was Haman’s wife, Zeresh, who advised him to have the gallows made, if that’s so then we have to assume that his friends backed up her suggestion.

These are my thoughts on this week’s lesson, what are yours?

I sincerely hope that as we study this book, you’re gathering knowledge about God and that you’re seeing how this account of Esther fits in with His redeeming plan for mankind.  The Bible is about God and the more we learn about Him, the more we fall in love with Him.

In our next lesson, we’ll do all 14 verses of chapter 6, as there just didn’t seem to be a natural break in it to do more than one lesson. 

Chapter 6 occurs in between the banquets.  While Haman is having the gallows built, God slips in quietly and continues His work behind the scenes.

I hope you’ve enjoyed today's lesson.  Don't forget to leave a comment and if you're enjoying this class, please share the link with other ladies who you think might enjoy it as well.

Links to previous lessons can be found HERE.

Until the next class ...

patsy @ From This Heart of Mine; (c) 2023 - 2024 by Patsy Norwood ~ All Rights Reserved.