MARCH 15

Esther 3:7-15

AN EVIL PLOT

Haman hid the identity of the Jews from the king, and only referred to them as a ‘certain’ people. It was true that the Jews’ lived by a different set of laws given by God, but they were not the dangerous rebels that Haman made them out to be. Coming from his trusted right-hand man, the king completely believed him and didn’t even bother to investigate into the matter.

Haman’s words were masked to deceive and were dripping with evil mischief. His hatred and anger toward Mordecai was no passing emotion but occupied the inner-most thoughts of his heart and mind. He knew the king’s approval was needed for such a massive operation throughout the whole empire. Therefore, his words were couched in such a way that the king would agree with him to kill the Jews.

The king gave Haman his ring, giving him permission to make the decree to destroy this ‘certain’ people. For the first time, Haman is referred to as the Jews’ enemy in verse10. He quickly got the king’s scribes to write out the decree "to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day..." This would take place in exactly 12 months’ time, and was chosen by Haman’s superstitious casting of lots. According to the law of the Medes and Persians, the decree could not be changed. The Jews went from a high note of rejoicing over Esther’s crowning as queen, to a very low and sad state. A great sorrow and sense of confusion overcame them.

Dear reader, if the Jews are destroyed, do you know what this would mean? If Haman had his way, the whole plan of salvation would come to an end. The Messiah – our Lord Jesus Christ – was to come from the Jews! It was not just a plot against the Jews but against the whole plan of salvation. Though the Jews couldn’t see it at that time, God’s protection and care over His chosen people was always present. His salvation plan for all men would not be hindered by evil men like Haman. How thankful we must be, that Christ Jesus came as promised into this world to save sinners.

Thought: ank God He is always in full control despite plots of evil men.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank You for preserving the Messianic line and for sending Christ Jesus into the world to save unworthy sinners such as myself. Without Christ, there would truly be eternal sorrow and sadness. Thank You for the gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.