Esther - Chapter 6

Esther 6.1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. Esther 6.2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Esther 6.3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him. Esther 6.4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. Esther 6.5 And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in. Esther 6.6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? Esther 6.7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, Esther 6.8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: Esther 6.9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. Esther 6.10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Esther 6.11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. Esther 6.12 And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. Esther 6.13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. Esther 6.14 And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther : Chapter 6

Divine Providence in Esther Chapter 6 Chapter 6 of the book of Esther reveals a surprising turn of events, highlighting God's unexpected intervention in human affairs. Through the king's sleeplessness, the discovery of Mordecai's unrequited loyalty, and Haman's humiliation, this text poignantly illustrates the themes of divine providence, poetic justice, and reversal of fortune. Esther 6 shows how God can use seemingly insignificant circumstances to accomplish His purposes. We invite you to consider five biblical passages that resonate with the providential themes of this remarkable chapter.

Proverbs 16:18

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This proverb perfectly illustrates Haman's fate in Esther 6, where his pride leads him to his inevitable humiliation.

Luke 14:11

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." This teaching of Jesus echoes the striking contrast between the exaltation of Mordecai and the humiliation of Haman, thus revealing God's hand in the unfolding of events.

Psalms 75:7

"But God judges, humiliating one and exalting another." This verse reflects the reversal of fortune observed in Esther 6, where God exalts Mordecai in response to his faithfulness while humiliating Haman.

1 Samuel 2:30

"Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: "I have promised that the members of your house would serve me forever." But now the Lord declares, "Far be it from me! I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be despised." This divine declaration to Eli underscores the principle that honor is bestowed on those who remain faithful, like Mordecai in Esther 6.

Matthew 6:4

"that your alms may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This verse echoes Mordecai's secret good deed (Esther 2:21-23), which is finally publicly rewarded in chapter 6, thus illustrating how God views and rewards faithfulness.

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to recognize God's hand in our lives, to be humble, and to remain faithful in our actions, knowing that divine justice will always prevail.