Esther 7
BSB1 So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen, 2 and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled." 3 Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. 4 For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king." 5 Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?" 6 Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen. 7 In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. 8 Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.
Study Notes — Esther 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Esther 7
- Themes from Esther 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Esther 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with King Ahasuerus and Haman attending a banquet hosted by Esther, where Haman's pride and arrogance are on full display (Esther 7:1-2). However, the tables are turned when Esther reveals Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, and Haman is subsequently hanged on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai (Esther 7:3-10). The king then appoints Mordecai to Haman's position, and Esther is given authority over Haman's estate (Esther 7:11-8:2). This chapter is a testament to God's ability to turn the tables on evil and to bring about justice and redemption for His people.
Context for the Chapter
Esther chapter 7 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Esther, which tells the story of the Jewish people in exile during the Persian Empire. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a testament to God's sovereignty and providence, and as a foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of God over evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The chapter also highlights the importance of humility, faithfulness, and trust in God, even in the face of adversity.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Esther chapter 7, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity. We are encouraged to remain humble and faithful, knowing that God is able to turn the tables on evil and to bring about justice and redemption for His people. May we learn to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, and to seek His guidance and direction in all things.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Esther chapter 7 is a story about God's sovereignty and providence, where He takes the evil intentions of men and turns them into good for His people. The chapter tells the story of Haman's downfall and Mordecai's elevation, and reminds us to trust in God's goodness and wisdom. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to remain humble and faithful, knowing that God is able to turn the tables on evil and to bring about justice and redemption for His people (Esther 7:10).
Voices from the Church
“The gallows which Haman had prepared for Mordecai became the instrument of his own execution, and thus we see how God can turn the evil intentions of men into good for His people.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The story of Esther is a testament to God's sovereignty and providence, where He takes the evil intentions of men and turns them into good for His people.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Banquet (Esther 7:1-2) — The chapter begins with King Ahasuerus and Haman attending a banquet hosted by Esther, where Haman's pride and arrogance are on full display.
- The Exposure of Haman's Plot (Esther 7:3-6) — Esther reveals Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, and Haman's pride and arrogance are exposed.
- The Execution of Haman (Esther 7:7-10) — Haman is subsequently hanged on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai, and the king appoints Mordecai to Haman's position.
- The Elevation of Mordecai (Esther 8:1-2) — Mordecai is elevated to a position of power and influence, and Esther is given authority over Haman's estate.
- The Conclusion (Esther 8:3-14) — The chapter concludes with the king issuing a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies, and Mordecai and Esther working together to protect the Jewish people.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, where He takes the evil intentions of men and turns them into good for His people.
- Providence of God
- The chapter also teaches us about the providence of God, where He guides the events of human history to achieve His purposes.
- Humility and Faithfulness
- The chapter encourages us to remain humble and faithful, knowing that God is able to turn the tables on evil and to bring about justice and redemption for His people.
- Trust in God
- The chapter reminds us to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, and to seek His guidance and direction in all things.
Lessons from Esther 7
- The Dangers of Pride — Haman's pride and arrogance ultimately lead to his downfall, serving as a warning to us about the dangers of pride.
- The Importance of Humility — Mordecai's humility and faithfulness are rewarded by God, serving as an encouragement to us to remain humble and faithful.
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, where He takes the evil intentions of men and turns them into good for His people.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter reminds us to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, and to seek His guidance and direction in all things.
- The Role of Faith — Faith plays a significant role in this chapter, as Mordecai and Esther trust in God's sovereignty and providence to guide them through their circumstances.
Themes from Esther 7
- Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, where He takes the evil intentions of men and turns them into good for His people.
- Providence of God — The chapter also teaches us about the providence of God, where He guides the events of human history to achieve His purposes.
- Humility and Faithfulness — The chapter encourages us to remain humble and faithful, knowing that God is able to turn the tables on evil and to bring about justice and redemption for His people.
- Trust in God — The chapter reminds us to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, and to seek His guidance and direction in all things.
- Redemption and Justice — The chapter ultimately points to the redemption and justice that God brings about for His people, and serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of God over evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Haman's pride and arrogance in this chapter?
- How does Mordecai's humility and faithfulness serve as an example for us?
- What does this chapter teach us about God's sovereignty and providence?
- How can we apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives, in terms of trusting in God's goodness and wisdom?
- What role does faith play in this chapter, and how can we cultivate a deeper faith in our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Banquet (Esther 7:1-2)
| 7:1 | The chapter begins with King Ahasuerus and Haman attending a banquet hosted by Esther, where Haman's pride and arrogance are on full display. |
| 7:2 | The king asks Esther what her request is, and she invites him and Haman to another banquet the next day. |
2. The Exposure of Haman's Plot (Esther 7:3-6)
| 7:3 | Esther reveals Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, and Haman's pride and arrogance are exposed. |
| 7:4 | The king is enraged and orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. |
3. The Execution of Haman (Esther 7:7-10)
| 7:7 | Haman is subsequently hanged on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai. |
| 7:8 | The king appoints Mordecai to Haman's position, and Esther is given authority over Haman's estate. |
4. The Elevation of Mordecai (Esther 8:1-2)
| 8:1 | Mordecai is elevated to a position of power and influence, and Esther is given authority over Haman's estate. |
| 8:2 | The king gives Mordecai the signet ring that had belonged to Haman, and Esther appoints Mordecai over Haman's estate. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the gallows in Esther chapter 7?
The gallows is a symbol of the ultimate justice and redemption that God brings about for His people, as Haman is hanged on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai (Esther 7:10).
How does this chapter relate to the larger biblical narrative?
Esther chapter 7 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Esther, which tells the story of the Jewish people in exile during the Persian Empire. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a testament to God's sovereignty and providence, and as a foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of God over evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
What can we learn from Mordecai's humility and faithfulness in this chapter?
Mordecai's humility and faithfulness serve as an example for us, reminding us to remain humble and faithful, even in the face of adversity. His trust in God's sovereignty and providence ultimately leads to his elevation and the redemption of the Jewish people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 7:10 → Psalm 7:15-16 | The concept of the wicked being caught in their own trap is a common theme in Scripture, as seen in Psalm 7:15-16. |
| 2 | Esther 7:3 → Proverbs 16:18 | Haman's pride and arrogance are a warning to us about the dangers of pride, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. |
| 3 | Esther 7:7 → Deuteronomy 32:35 | The concept of God's justice and vengeance is a theme throughout Scripture, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:35. |
| 4 | Esther 7:10 → Galatians 6:7-8 | The idea that we reap what we sow is a principle that is seen in Esther 7:10 and is also taught in Galatians 6:7-8. |
| 5 | Esther 7:3 → Matthew 26:52 | The concept of living by the sword and dying by the sword is seen in Esther 7:3 and is also taught in Matthew 26:52. |
| 6 | Esther 7:7 → Romans 6:23 | The concept of the wages of sin being death is seen in Esther 7:7 and is also taught in Romans 6:23. |
| 7 | Esther 7:10 → 1 Peter 2:20 | The concept of suffering for doing good is seen in Esther 7:10 and is also taught in 1 Peter 2:20. |
| 8 | Esther 7:3 → James 4:6 | The concept of God opposing the proud is seen in Esther 7:3 and is also taught in James 4:6. |
| 9 | Esther 7:7 → Hebrews 10:30 | The concept of God's justice and vengeance is a theme throughout Scripture, as seen in Hebrews 10:30. |
| 10 | Esther 7:10 → Revelation 20:12-15 | The concept of ultimate justice and redemption is seen in Esther 7:10 and is also taught in Revelation 20:12-15. |
Sermons on Esther 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Great Nothing by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that worldly honor and glory are ultimately meaningless, describing them as mere illusions and shadows that lead one away from true fulfillment. He illustr |
|
Bible Survey - Esther by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the powerful drama and historical significance of the book of Esther, highlighting the colossal conflict between continents during Xerxes' reign and the c |
|
What Is Thy Petition, and It Shall Be Granted Thee: by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound connection between Esther and King Ahasuerus, illustrating how a noble character can awaken a higher nature within others. He draws parallels to |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Esther 7
In Esther chapter 7, we see the proud and wicked Haman brought low, and the humble and faithful Mordecai exalted. This chapter is a testament to God's sovereignty and providence, where He takes the evil intentions of men and turns them into good for His people. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth; he is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' This chapter serves as a reminder to us to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, and to seek His guidance and direction in all things, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity. As Henry writes, 'Those that trust in God shall not be ashamed, but those that trust in men shall be ashamed.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Pride of Haman
Haman's pride and arrogance are on full display in this chapter, and ultimately lead to his downfall. This serves as a warning to us about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.
The Humility of Mordecai
Mordecai's humility and faithfulness are rewarded by God, and he is elevated to a position of power and influence. This serves as an encouragement to us to remain humble and faithful, even in the face of adversity.
The Sovereignty of God
This chapter is a testament to God's sovereignty, where He takes the evil intentions of men and turns them into good for His people. This serves as a reminder to us that God is always in control, and that we can trust in His goodness and wisdom.