The Jews have always appreciated the story of Esther, Mordecai, Haman, and King Xerxes because it encapsulates the suffering and persecution the Jews have experienced through the ages, as well as their hope that all will go well in the end. God’s name is not mentioned in this book, but his sovereignty is implied when Mordecai points out to Esther that perhaps her role in the royal household is part of a supernatural plan.

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Esther Stands Before the King

After fasting from food and drink for three days Esther put on her queenly robes and went to stand at the entrance to the king’s hall. People who came unbidden before the king risked death unless Xerxes extended his golden scepter.

Not only did King Xerxes invite Esther to approach him this time, he told her he would grant any request she made, “even up to half the kingdom,” which may have been just a saying, but showed she had the king’s favor.

Esther simply asked that Xerxes bring Haman and come to a banquet she had prepared at her place. The king wasted no time calling Haman and off they went. As they were enjoying their wine Xerxes asked again what Esther wanted and she issued a second invitation to a banquet, the next day. Then she promised she would tell the king what she wanted.

Haman Plans to Kill Mordecai

Haman went home quite proud of himself and invited his friends and family to drop by and listen to him boast about his relationship with the king and queen as well as his personal greatness. But he also had one big problem that interfered with his satisfaction in life. The Jew Mordecai who sat at the king’s gate wouldn’t bow to him when he passed by. His wife and friends proposed a solution to that: Set up a seventy-five foot tall pole and ask Xerxes to impale Mordecai on it.

Haman had the pole set up the same day.

The Tables are Turned

That night King Xerxes couldn’t sleep so he had his attendant read the royal records aloud to him. In them was an account of Mordecai’s report of the assassination plot that saved the king’s life. Nothing had ever been done to reward him.

The king called for an advisor to help him devise a plan to reward Mordecai and Haman answered the call. He had been waiting nearby for an audience with Xerxes so he could request Mordecai’s execution.

When the king asked Haman how a man the king wanted to reward should be honored, Haman proposed an extravagant procession through Susa for the man, complete with royal robes, a royal steed, and a nobleman walking in front, calling attention to him. Of course, Haman thought he would be the recipient of this honor.

Xerxes congratulated Haman on his excellent idea and sent him to carry it out on behalf of Mordecai. Haman obeyed, but when it was all over, he rushed home, overcome with grief at this insult to his pride.

His family and friends perceived that worse things than wounded pride lay ahead for Haman. They were sure he was on the road to ruin now.

The King Executes Haman

King Xerxes sent for Haman and together they went to Esther’s house for the second banquet. The king asked the queen again what she wanted and she shocked him by telling him there was a plot against her life and the life of her people and she needed his help to stop it.

Xerxes demanded to know the details and when Esther told him Haman was responsible, Haman knew he was in terrible trouble. The king went out into the garden in a rage and Haman threw himself on Esther’s mercy. The king came back in and saw Haman falling onto Esther’s couch and exclaimed, “Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?” Esther 7:8

Without another word, Haman was condemned to death. A cloth was draped over his face and a servant nearby told the king about the pole Haman had set up for Mordecai. The king told them to impale Haman on it instead.

A New Decree

That same day Xerxes gave Esther Haman’s estate and Esther appointed Mordecai to oversee it. The king also gave Mordecai the signet ring he had retrieved from Haman and Mordecai used it to seal a new edict to counter the one Haman sent out condemning the Jews.

There were still nine months before the previous decree was to be carried out. With the King’s permission, Mordecai sent out a new edict to all of the provinces, telling the Jews that they could defend themselves on the day of the proposed massacre, and they were also allowed to avenge themselves on their enemies.

Mordecai left the palace that day in royal robes and with a large crown on his head. The Jews who saw him in Susa were elated.

Victory for the Jews

The day appointed for the massacre arrived and fighting broke out. The Jews soon had the upper hand and ultimately tens of thousands of their enemies were killed. In Susa, Haman’s ten sons were put to death and their bodies impaled. But no one took any plunder from their enemies.

Mordecai recorded these events and then sent letters throughout the empire declaring an annual holiday to commemorate the Jewish victory. They called it Purim  because Haman had cast pur, or lots, to select the day of his proposed massacre. That day of disaster turned into a day of victory. Queen Esther sent a second letter using her authority to confirm the celebration of Purim.

Today observant Jews still celebrate Purim with food and drink, gifts to the poor, and reading the story of Esther. The men are encouraged to drink alcohol to celebrate the great victory of the ancient Jews.

Mordecai

Xerxes and Mordecai both became great leaders. King Xerxes gained great wealth and power, and he gave Mordecai authority second only to his own. Unlike Haman, Mordecai used his power and prestige for the good of his people instead of glorifying himself. He is still highly esteemed today.

Tomorrow we return to Jerusalem where the temple was now standing, but the city was still in ruins. It was time for God to mobilize more leaders to come and rebuild Jerusalem and strengthen his people.