The Night That Changed Everything: A Lesson from Esther Chapter 6

Chapter 6 of the Book of Esther's narrative serves as a pivotal moment where the unseen hand of God is at work in the most unpredictable circumstances. Esther's Jewish name was Hadassah, which means "a star." The theme that runs through Chapter 6 is that "When God decides to intervene, nothing can stand in His way."

Before you continue to read this inspirational write-up, I want you to ponder on the following questions:

1. Have you ever felt like your good deeds, loyalty, and efforts are not rewarded?

2. Do you sometimes feel that the world is unbalanced, that good people are often treated badly, and that they are not recognized for their goodness?

3. Have you ever been in a situation where you regretted doing good and even questioned God's existence or doubted Him?

These questions are normal, and at some point, everyone experiences them. For example, John the Baptist, despite knowing Jesus Christ as the Savior (Messiah) of mankind and the Son of God, sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was truly the Messiah while he was in prison (Matthew 11:2-3). Similarly, Gideon asked, "If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about?" (Judges 6:13). Lastly, the Psalmist said, "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments" (Psalm 73:13-14). At this point in the psalm, the Psalmist wondered why, despite living righteously, he still faced oppression. Why do these things happen to us, and how does this relate to Esther Chapter 6? I hope you will soon find the answer as you reflect deeply while reading this article.

A Brief Background Summary of Esther Chapter 1 through Chapter 6

In Esther Chapter One, the king of Persia, Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, holds a banquet (great feast). However, Queen Vashti refused to appear at his command, which made the king furious, and his anger burned within him. The king sought to replace Queen Vashti.

In Esther Chapter Two, Esther becomes queen to replace Vashti. Esther was a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. She was selected because of her beauty and became queen, but her Jewish identity remained hidden. Also, Mordecai, a Jew, overheard a plot to assassinate King Ahasuerus. Mordecai informs Esther, and Esther tells the king. This leads to the conspirators being executed. This good deed was recorded in the royal chronicles, but Mordecai received no immediate reward.

In Esther Chapter Three, Haman, an Agagite and the son of Hammedatha, rose to power. The king promoted Haman. Because of Haman's power, the king ordered all his servants who were within the king's gate to bow to Haman, but Mordecai refused due to his Jewish Faith. Haman became furious and issued a decree with the king's approval to punish Mordecai and annihilate all Jews in the Persian Empire. This is where the persecution started.

In Esther Chapters Four and Five, Esther and Mordecai plan to save the Jews. Mordecai urges Esther to intervene with the king. Infuriated by Mordecai's refusal to bow, Haman builds gallows to execute Mordecai. He plans to request the king's permission for Mordecai's death the following day.

Chapter Six begins with a pivotal turning point, where the king, unable to sleep, orders the royal chronicles to be read and realizes that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. King Xerxes, perhaps hoping the dry records would lull him to sleep, instead hears the story of Mordecai, a Jewish man who had once uncovered a plot to assassinate the king but had never been rewarded for his loyalty. Xerxes, realizing the oversight, immediately decides to honor Mordecai. But what makes this moment even more remarkable is its timing. At that very instant, Haman is on his way to request the execution of Mordecai. Little does Haman know that the tables are about to turn dramatically. This leads to Haman being put to death by hanging him on the pillar he had made for Mordecai.

What Lessons Can We Conclude From This?

God will always show up at the right time: What seemed like coincidence was God's providence at work. Mordecai, who had faithfully served without recognition, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight while Haman's plans for destruction began to unravel. This chapter illustrates that God is never absent, no matter how dire a situation may seem. His timing is perfect, and His plans are unstoppable. When God moves, He does so in ways that often defy human logic. A king's insomnia becomes the catalyst for justice, and the enemy's plot becomes the platform for the deliverance of God's people. Do you remember the story of Joseph? His brothers sold him, but God glorified him greatly (Genesis 37: 25-28, Genesis 45: 4-8).

Trusting God in our everyday life is a perfect practice: Mordecai's role in this chapter is one of quiet faithfulness. He had done the right thing long before any reward was in sight. He did not seek recognition or reward, yet God saw his faithfulness and chose the perfect moment to elevate him. As Christians, Apostle Paul admonished us to do things as to the Lord and not men (Colossians 3: 23-24). Mordecai's story reminds us that even when our good deeds seem unnoticed or our prayers unanswered, God sees, hears, and knows the right time to act.

God's power and sovereignty have no limit: One of the most inspiring aspects of Esther Chapter 6 is its depiction of God's sovereignty. The presence of God is felt in every verse in the Book of Esther. It reminds us that God can use even the smallest, most mundane events—a king's insomnia, reading a book—to accomplish His divine purposes. He is not limited by human plans or circumstances; He is always in control. In our marriages, schools, works, etc. God can use something we have never imagined, changing our life trajectory. He can use people we have never imagined helping us in many ways. Haman's downfall is a powerful reminder that no meticulously crafted scheme can thwart God's plans. What Haman intended for evil, God turned for good. If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

A Call to Courage and Faith: The story of Esther 6 is not just a historical account but a call to action. It challenges us to remain faithful in the face of adversity, to trust in God's timing, and to have the courage to stand firm, even when the odds seem against us. It is a reminder that God sees our faithfulness and will honor it in His own way and time. As we navigate the complexities of life, Esther Chapter 6 encourages us to rest in the knowledge that God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events according to His perfect will. We may not always see His hand, but we can trust He is moving, guiding, and directing our steps toward a greater purpose. So, let us walk in faith, remain humble, and trust in the unseen hand of God, knowing that He is always with us, working all things for our good and His glory.