The Truth Exposed Series

The Truth Exposed

Esther 7: 1-10

Take a moment to consider the many ups and downs the Jews have experienced at this point. All who are in Persia were either removed from their homeland by force, or born into captivity in a foreign land. One of their own had been crowned queen of the kingdom, but that jubilation was short lived. Haman had convinced the king to sign a decree calling for the indiscriminate death of all Jews throughout the kingdom.

After speaking with Mordecai, Esther agreed to go before the king and plead her case for the Jews. Following her initial meeting with the king, he agreed to attend another banquet along with Haman. That night the king was unable to sleep, and called for the books of the chronicles to be read unto him. There he discovered that Mordecai had not been honored for his heroic deed that saved the king’s life. Haman was instructed to honor Mordecai before the entire city. Now, the king has summoned Haman to attend the banquet Esther has prepared for them in order to make her request. As we will discover, Esther reveals the truth to Ahasuerus in regard to the decree that had been signed. Truth always prevails.

Let’s consider the aspects of their meeting as we discuss: The Truth Exposed.

I. The Request of Esther (1-4) – Surely following an anxious night, and an unexpected turn of events, Esther finally makes her request unto the king. Consider:

A. The Proceedings (1) – So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. On the previous day Esther held a preliminary banquet to invite Ahasuerus and Haman to a more formal banquet where she would present her request. The day had arrived and everything was in place. As he had promised, Ahasuerus came along with Haman.

Take a moment to consider how the atmosphere must have been at the banquet. No doubt it was a time filled with awkward emotion. Esther surely had rehearsed her request many times within her head. She is likely trying to calm her nerves as the moment approaches to speak to the king. Haman is filled with anxiety and uncertainty now. He had just been required to honor Mordecai, and he is likely unsure of what will transpire within the banquet. Ahasuerus has no way of knowing what Esther will ask, but he is likely the least concerned at this point.

B. The Promise (2) – And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. Again, for the third time, Ahasuerus promised to grant Esther’s request, up to half of the kingdom. Apparently he sensed her apprehension and he may have wanted to set her mind at ease. No doubt he has wondered what her request might be, and I am sure he is anxious to hear what she desired.

As believers, being saved by the grace of our Lord, we too have such a promise. We can approach the Lord with any need, at any time, knowing He will listen and respond to our need. John 16:23-24 – And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. [24] Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 1 John 5:14 – And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.

C. The Petition (3) – Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. I am certain this got the king’s attention. He had no idea what Esther would ask, and she requests that her life to be spared, along with her people. No doubt this created a wide range of emotion within the king. Who would be bold enough to plot the death of the queen? Was there a greater conspiracy underway that he was unaware of? How could such a thing happen apart from his knowledge? One thing is certain – the king was paying attention to Esther at this moment. It seems apparent that Ahasuerus had not expected such a request.

D. The Peril (4) – For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. Esther reveals the great peril and utter hopelessness she and her people face. Had they been sold into slavery, at least there would be hope of eventual release. This would have caused damage to the king and his wealth, but it would not have been detrimental to the people. Esther declares that she and her people have been sold out and all of them would soon be slain and perish.