Today’s daily devotional on Esther 7, the long-hidden tension of the story reaches a climactic moment as Esther courageously presents her petition before the king during a second banquet. She reveals Haman’s wicked plot to destroy her people, exposing not only his treachery but also his deceitful manipulation of the king. This dramatic turning point is a reminder that nothing remains hidden forever, and justice—whether divine or human—will eventually come to light. Esther’s bravery, coupled with God’s unseen guidance, results in Haman being condemned to die on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. The question posed is timeless: What are we hiding, and how will it affect us when exposed? Esther’s story encourages us to trust that God is at work behind the scenes, directing our steps and orchestrating events for His purposes, even when we cannot see the full picture. Read about how Mordecai was honored in the daily devotional on Esther 6.
Esther 7 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Esther 7, Esther has her second feast and finally lays her petitions before the king. She exposes Haman and his despicable plan. Have you, or are you, trying to hide something from God or man? When it gets exposed, will it be positive or negative for you? Please read or listen to Esther 7.
Who Is the Enemy of Esther in the Bible?
Justice! Esther finally declares her petition before the king, “let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request” (v. 3 NASB). Haman is hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. A false sense of power and security is a very dangerous thing, indeed.
At the end of the second feast prepared by Esther, she offered her request, but I wonder if she went through the details more with the king. For example, sharing the details of Haman’s plan and admitting that she, herself, was Jewish.
What Was the Punishment for Haman?
Haman could not have drunk enough wine to handle what was unfolding before his very eyes. Not only had he heard from Esther the very plot he conceived to kill all the Jews, including Esther who was Jewish, but then the king sees him groping her on the couch. Haman is hung on the very gallows he had prepared to hang Mordecai. What an incredible turn of events, all being orchestrated by the sovereignty of an Almighty God.
How Did God Work Behind the Scenes in the Book of Esther?
Again, Esther had no idea Haman built gallows to hang Mordecai. She had no idea the king could not sleep that very night. She had no idea that coincidentally he read about Mordecai’s good deed. And she had no idea Haman had paraded Mordecai through the town square that very morning. Behind the scenes, God is at work.
What Is the Message of Proverbs 16:9?
It reminds me of my life verse, Proverbs 16:9, “In his mind a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps” (New American Catholic Edition). If we put Esther’s name in that verse today it would be, in her mind Esther planned her course, but the Lord is directing her steps all around her.
What Do We Learn from Esther Chapter 7?
Let’s recap some thoughts from Esther 7:
- First, patience. Esther had two banquets, not one. I wonder what her plan really was, or if she had one. She simply trusted God to do right, once the plan of Haman was revealed to the king.
- Second, if you are in a position of power or authority, be careful. Honor God, not yourself. Serve the Lord regardless of what position you hold in life.
- Third, trust God. Realize He is working behind the scenes of your life too. He can and does change the course of human events as He did here in Esther 7. He can do the same for you.
Prayer
Let’s conclude with prayer. Thank You, Lord, for directing my steps and those around me. In Jesus’ name, we thank You. Amen.
