Mordecai Honored by King Xerxes

Esther 6:1–14
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God often accomplished some of His deepest work in the hearts of men, as they lay awake upon their beds at night. As this chapter unfolds, we see how King Ahasuerus’ sleeplessness proved to be the turning point in the fortunes of Haman and Mordecai as well as the tide of circumstances for the Jewish race. How many deeds have you done for which you felt insufficiently rewarded? When the king could not sleep, he asked that the history books of his reign be brought and read in his presence (v.1). When the servants read to him about Mordecai’s good deed of revealing a plot that saved his life, he questioned them as to how Mordecai had been rewarded (v. 2). When they said nothing, he called Haman into his room (vv. 3-5).

Without revealing who he was talking about, the king asked Haman how he should honor someone in whom he delights (v. 6). Thinking this person was himself, he told the king that this person should be paraded through the streets, dressed in the king’s clothes and riding on the king’s horse (vv. 7-9). The king thought this was a great idea, so he ordered Haman to march Mordecai, the Jew, through the streets honoring him (vv. 10-11). Haman had built gallows to hang Mordecai on and had come to the palace early that morning to ask the king for permission to carry out this plan. suddenly he had to honor this man. Mordecai returned to his duties in the king’s palace, and Haman hurried home to hide his face in shame (v. 12). Haman’s wife told him his time was up (v. 13) and he went to Esther’s dinner (v. 14). 

Application

Every event in my life is not merely coincidence but the result of God’s sovereign will for my life.