Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther [was]. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. (Esther 7:8)
As any of my young friends can tell you, Esther is my favorite heroine. She was a "no-nonsense" woman who had courage beyond any woman and faith and beauty that matched. If you don't know the story of Esther, it's worth the study and I strongly suggest it a "definite read".
Politics. That's pretty much what brought about this event. How many times are we told to "think before we speak/act"? Haman (whose name, when read aloud, is generally followed by hisses) had pretty much sealed his own fate. His attitude was that of pompousness and arrogance and he really believed he was "all that". Enter Hadassah (aka Queen Esther of Persia), winner of the King's beauty contest, woman of God, orphan and champion of her people. On two separate occasions, Haman has been put in his place and did not get what he thought he deserved (but did actually get what he really deserved). His character reminds me much of a righteous bully, insomuch as HE thought he was righteous. In his powerful position and prosperous life style, what he failed to realize was that he picked the wrong fight and the wrong person to fight against - God.
"Those that are most haughty and insolent when in power and prosperity, commonly, like Haman, are the most abject and poor-spirited when brought down. The day is coming when those that hate and persecute God's chosen ones, would gladly be beholden to them. The king returns yet more angry against Haman. Those about him were ready to put his wrath into execution. How little can proud men be sure of the interest they think they have! The enemies of God's church have often been thus taken in their own craftiness. The Lord is known by such judgments. Then was the king's wrath pacified, and not till then. And who pities Haman hanged on his own gallows? Who does not rather rejoice in the Divine righteousness displayed in the destruction his own art brought upon him? Let the workers of iniquity tremble, turn to the Lord, and seek pardon through the blood of Jesus." (Matthew Henry).
What was true then, still holds true today. DO NOT think for one minute that justice will not be delivered to those in power who persecute the children of the King. His judgement will be for those who have faithfully followed him against those who have continually tortured them. I shudder to think of what is to come (and the light is shining on what is already happening). But even in their terror, they cannot bring themselves to see the hand of God. They continue on in their nazi fashion and beg for the assistance of those they have so indignantly blown away. Not until God is ready for it to end, will it end. Jesus is coming back and he will see the gallows of righteousness erected and those who have not met his commands will see their lives pass before them as they hang.
Continue to pray for those in power - all over the world, not just in these United States. The war we are fighting is nothing compared to the war that is yet to come. The enemy is gathering his forces, but to no avail. In the end, when all the blood has been spilled on the battlefields, the King will march across them gathering up those who fought the good fight. In the end, he will be victorious! In the end, all things will be as they were foretold. Decide now which side you are on. Decide now which battles are worth your energy. Instead of criticizing and critiquing - pray! Keep your opinions to yourself and your eyes open. Like Haman, they will be dealt with appropriately!
