The Bible For Dummies by Jeffrey Geoghegan & Michael Homan

Author:Jeffrey Geoghegan & Michael Homan [Geoghegan, Jeffrey]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2008-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

Esther’s bravery and Haman’s humiliation

When Mordecai learns of the edict, he relays the disturbing news to Esther, asking her to intercede for her people before the king. She refuses, saying that the king hasn’t summoned her and that anyone entering his presence uninvited is put to death. In response, Mordecai sends Esther this message:

Do you think that just because you are in the royal palace that you alone of all the Jews will escape? If you remain silent at this time, then deliverance for the Jews will come from another place, and you and your father’s family will perish. But who knows? Perhaps you have achieved your royal status for such a time as this?

—Esther 4:12–14

Esther replies, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I die, then I die” (Esther 4:16). Esther does go to the king, who welcomes her, even offering her whatever she wants. Instead of laying all her cards on the table, she asks if the king and Haman would join her for dinner. He agrees. At dinner, Ahasuerus offers Esther anything she desires, and she coolly asks for another dinner with the same guests the following day. Haman, assuming this means a promotion is imminent, is thrilled. As he boasts with friends and family that night, he admits that the only thing robbing him of complete joy is that darn Mordecai, who still refuses to bow to him. His friends convince Haman to find an outlet for his dissatisfaction by having gallows built in front of his house so he can watch Mordecai hang on the day the edict takes effect.

Meanwhile, in the palace, the king has insomnia and asks that the daily records be read to him (that would put anyone to sleep). He discovers that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. When Haman shows up the next morning, King Ahasuerus asks what he would recommend as a reward for one the king wants to honor. Haman, believing it is him, advises the king to give that man fancy clothes and jewelry and have him ride on the king’s horse through the city while a high official goes before him declaring: “This is what is done for the person whom the king wants to honor.” To his horror, Haman learns that the honoree is not him but Mordecai! Making matters worse, the king tells Haman to lead Mordecai through the streets shouting his suggested line. Haman is livid but must comply.

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