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.
Esther knew she needed someone with authority to intervene for her and repeal this decree. We too stood in that condition apart from Christ. Sin creates separation and bondage, but it also results in eternal death. Humanity stood in need of one to redeem from sin and restore unto God. Christ alone was worthy to accomplish such a task, and thankfully He was willing to offer Himself in our place. He died for the sin of humanity so we could be saved and reconciled to God.
II. The Response of Ahasuerus (5-7) – These verses deal with the king’s response to Esther’s request. Notice:
A. The Appeal (5) – Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? Surely feeling as if his sovereignty had been challenged, and upset that he is unaware of such a plot, the king questioned who would do such a thing and where this individual may be found. Some scholars believe Ahasuerus was well aware of whom Esther spoke at this point, and this was just a way to remove himself from any association with Haman. It seems as if the king must have known that Esther was Jewish, and he surely would have considered that during his conversations with Haman, but why would he have agreed knowing the queen would have been included in this scheme of death and destruction? If he did know Esther was Jewish, he apparently had not thought it through when he agreed to sign the decree.
There is no question regarding the identity of our adversary. He is well known by those who serve the Lord and of the Lord Himself. He is very subtle in his approach, seeking to deceive all he can, but we are not unaware of his plans and tactics. Knowing the enemy we face helps as we prepare to deal with his attacks.
B. The Answer (6) – And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. Again, I admire the boldness and courage of Esther. She was not timid in her response. She quickly identified Haman as the wicked adversary and enemy. She pointed out her accuser to the king, as he was present with them at the banquet. This struck fear in the heart of Haman.
We are no match for the enemy within ourselves, but we have no reason to fear when we stand in the presence of our King. We must be willing to identify the enemy and stand committed against his agenda and attacks. Refusing to admit our struggles or face them with the help of the Lord will always result in defeat. We must do as Esther and plead our case before the Lord!
C. The Anger (7) – And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. It seems apparent, that if Ahasuerus had known Esther was Jewish, he had not considered the implications the decree would have upon her. Clearly he is angry with Haman, and excused himself from the banquet to ponder his response. The king became enraged that anyone would attack the queen without cause.
Haman is now struck with sheer terror. He knew the king would not respond favorably to such an accusation that could be proven. He stands to plead his case with the queen, seeking her help in appeasing the king’s wrath.
We face a determined adversary, who seeks to defeat and destroy all he can, but his power is limited and his days are numbered. He will one day face the wrath of King Jesus as he is bound and cast into the lake of fire for eternity!
III. The Recompense of Haman (8-10) – Haman had devised an evil plot to destroy the Jews, but his hatred and prejudice would lead to his demise. Consider:
A. The Discovery (8) – Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. Haman had fallen on the queen’s bed, pleading with her to intervene for him as the king returned from the garden. This further enraged the king as he viewed it as an arrogant and provocative act. The servants immediately restrained Haman and covered his face. This revealed the determined fate that awaited Haman. His hatred and arrogance had sealed his doom.
B. The Deliberation (9) – And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. Bear in mind, Haman didn’t get an opportunity to speak with Ahasuerus about hanging Mordecai. However, those within the palace knew he had prepared the gallows to hang Mordecai. The chamberlain told the king of the gallows located at Haman’s house that had been prepared to hang Mordecai on, who had spoken for the king, saving his life. Ahasuerus gave the command to hang Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
This affirms the truth that right is never wrong and wrong is never right. God will honor those who seek to honor Him and live according to His will for their lives. Truth will always prevail.
C. The Demise (10) – So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified. Haman had woke that morning feeling as if his plans were all coming together. His hatred prompted him to devise a plan to murder an innocent man, but God intervened on Mordecai’s behalf. Before the sun would set, Haman was hanged upon the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. His hatred and prejudice led to an untimely and horrific death. This appeased the wrath of Ahasuerus.
Satan will face his utter demise at the end of the age. Christ rose in victory over sin, death, and hell. One day the enemy will be bound in judgment and cast into the lake of fire, never to hinder mankind again. Unfortunately many will find a similar fate. Those who die apart from saving faith in Christ will also be cast into the lake of fire to spend eternity in torment. Their life of indulgence and rebellion against God will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment.
Conclusion: This passage reveals that truth will always prevail. While many around the world may suffer for their relationship with Christ, in the end they will be saved. The Lord knows those who are His and He has made provision for them in heaven. The truth they embraced by faith will guarantee eternal life.
These verses also reveal great tragedy. Many are walking a path similar to the one Haman traveled. They are caught up in the power, prestige, and wealth of this world, while never considering their eternal state. All who die apart from Christ will face eternal separation and condemnation in hell. If you are unsaved, I urge you to seek Christ while He is dealing with your heart. Once you pass through the gates of death, it will be too late. Christian, I pray this passage will challenge us to be a witness unto those who have yet to receive Christ. We must be faithful to share the truth of the Gospel with those who are unsaved.
