Esther’s Courage

Esther’s Courage

Q: Where was Haman when Esther revealed Haman’s plot against the Jews?

• a. hiding at home
• b at a banquet given by Esther
• c. at Mordecai’s house

Haman, a very powerful official in Persia, had started a plan to get rid of all the Jews. He had told King Xerxes that the Jews kept themselves apart from other people and refused to follow the king’s laws. He said the Jews should be killed.

The king believed Haman and decreed the Jews would be killed on a certain day. Mordecai learned of the plot against the Jews and talked to Esther. He told her she must go talk to the king even though she could be killed for approaching him without being summoned. Mordecai told her, “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” He was telling her that maybe God’s whole plan in her being queen was so that she could save her people, the Jews.

Esther went to the king, and he welcomed her and asked her what she wanted. Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet she would prepare just for them.

The king and Haman arrived and dined. The king asked her again what she wanted, and she invited them to a second banquet. It was at that banquet that Esther told the king about Haman’s plot against the Jews. Haman was killed, and although the decree to kill the Jews couldn’t be taken back, the Jews were allowed to defend themselves. When the time came, the Jews were ready, and with God on their side, they were victorious over their enemies.

For You

Esther asked the Jews to fast and pray for three days before she approached the king. Although you probably don’t go without food or drink when you need to make a decision, it is good to spend time in prayer when you have a choice to make. Allow God to speak to you through his Holy Spirit, his Word, and more mature Christians.

Answer: b

The king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet. . . . Esther [said], “This wicked Haman is our adversary and our enemy.” Haman grew pale with fright before the king and queen.   Esther 7:1, 6

(The Whole Story: Esther 3:8–5:8; 7)