BIBLE LIBRARY

A Year Held in His Hands| A New Year Sermon

By Ekombe Hau -
Image
A Year Held in His Hands| A New Year Sermon Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Every time a new year comes close, something in me start feeling that weird mix of excitement and heaviness. Maybe you know the feeling too—like you’re standing at this invisible doorway. One foot in the old year (the stuff you want to forget but somehow still sticks to you like stubborn glue), and the other foot stepping into something you still can’t see clearly. And sometimes you’re hopeful, sometimes you’re scared, sometimes you’re… well, both at the same time. I was thinking about all that while reading some Scriptures again, and honestly, it hit me harder this year. Maybe because life been kinda loud lately, or maybe because I’m tired of pretending everything always makes sense. But the Bible does this thing, right? It sneaks into the parts of your heart you thought you cleaned up, and suddenly you realize God is trying to talk to you again. Even if it feels like you weren’t exactly listening. S...
Post a Comment

Esther Chapter 5

By Ekombe Hau -

 

Overview of Esther Chapter 5


In Esther 5, Queen Esther courageously approaches King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) without being summoned, which could have resulted in her death. However, the king extends his golden scepter, signaling her safety. She then invites the king and Haman to a banquet, skillfully setting the stage for her request. Meanwhile, Haman, emboldened by his growing influence, plans to execute Mordecai by building a massive gallows. This chapter highlights Esther’s wisdom, patience, and strategic approach, as well as Haman’s increasing pride and eventual downfall.

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

1. Esther Approaches the King (Esther 5:1-2)

"Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter."

  • Esther approaches the king after three days of fasting, showing her deep faith and reliance on God.

  • She dresses in royal robes, presenting herself with dignity and wisdom.

  • The king extends his golden scepter, showing favor and acceptance, saving Esther from punishment for appearing uninvited.

This moment demonstrates God’s providence and the power of intercession through fasting and courage.

2. The King's Generosity (Esther 5:3-4)

"And the king said to her, ‘What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!’ So Esther answered, ‘If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.’”

  • The king is pleased with Esther and offers her a great reward. The phrase "up to half the kingdom" is a figure of speech meaning extreme generosity.

  • Instead of immediately asking for the Jews’ deliverance, Esther wisely delays her request. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet, knowing that patience and proper timing are key.

  • This shows Esther’s wisdom and strategic thinking, building suspense and ensuring the king's full attention.

3. Haman’s Growing Pride (Esther 5:5-9)

"Then the king said, ‘Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said.’ So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. At the banquet of wine, the king said to Esther, ‘What is your petition? It shall be granted to you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!’"

  • The king eagerly grants Esther’s request and brings Haman to the banquet.

  • During the meal, the king again asks Esther what she desires. However, she delays once more, inviting them to a second banquet.

  • Why does Esther delay again? She is ensuring the king’s curiosity and favor increase, making her final request even more powerful.

  • Haman, meanwhile, feels honored to be invited to a private banquet with the king and queen. His arrogance grows.

"So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai."

  • Haman leaves the banquet full of pride, believing he is at the height of power.

  • However, seeing Mordecai refuse to bow to him fills him with rage, showing his deep insecurity.

4. Haman’s Plot Against Mordecai (Esther 5:10-14)

"Nevertheless Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh. Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king."

  • Haman boasts about his wealth, power, and status, revealing his pride and arrogance.

  • Yet, one man—Mordecai—refusing to honor him ruins his happiness, showing how fragile his pride is.

"Moreover, Haman said, ‘Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her along with the king. Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.’”

  • Haman is consumed by hatred and obsession with Mordecai, despite all his achievements.

  • His pride blinds him to the fact that his downfall is approaching.

"Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, ‘Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet.’ And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made."

  • His wife and friends encourage him to build a massive gallows (about 75 feet high) to execute Mordecai.

  • Haman eagerly prepares for Mordecai’s execution, unaware that his own downfall is near.

Key Themes in Esther 5

1. Courage and Faith

  • Esther’s willingness to risk her life by approaching the king shows her great faith and courage.

  • Her three-day fast before acting demonstrates reliance on God’s guidance rather than impulsive decisions.

2. Wisdom and Strategy

  • Instead of rushing into her request, Esther uses patience and careful planning, ensuring the king’s attention and favor.

  • She invites the king and Haman to two banquets, building suspense and positioning herself for success.

3. The Downfall of the Wicked

  • Haman’s arrogance blinds him to the danger he is in.

  • His hatred of Mordecai consumes him, leading him to make reckless decisions.

  • In the coming chapters, we see how his own trap backfires, leading to his destruction.

4. God's Providence

  • Even though God’s name is not mentioned in the book of Esther, we see His invisible hand at work.

  • Esther finds favor with the king at the exact moment needed.

  • Haman’s plans for destruction set the stage for his own downfall.

Lessons for Today

  1. Faith Requires Action

    • Like Esther, we must take bold steps of faith, trusting that God will guide us.

  2. Wisdom is Greater than Impulsiveness

    • Esther’s patience and strategy show the power of wise decision-making.

  3. Pride Leads to Destruction

    • Haman’s arrogance and hatred blind him, ultimately leading to his downfall.

    • This is a reminder that pride and revenge can destroy us.

  4. God is Always at Work

    • Even when He seems silent, God is orchestrating events for His people’s deliverance.

Conclusion

Esther Chapter 5 is a turning point in the story. Esther’s courage, patience, and wisdom set the stage for the deliverance of the Jewish people. Meanwhile, Haman’s pride and hatred push him toward his own destruction. This chapter teaches us the importance of faith, strategy, and trusting in God’s providence.

Blogger

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 16 – A Deep Dive and Detailed Explanation

By Ekombe Hau -
Image
  Psalm 16 – A Deep Dive and Detailed Explanation Introduction to Psalm 16 Hymn 16 could be a significant expression of believe, bliss, and trust in God. It’s credited to David, and the superscription calls it a “Miktam,” a term which seem cruel “golden” or “engraved,” conceivably recommending something valuable or commendable of recalling. This hymn is both reverential and prophetic, containing capable reflections on life, passing, and the unceasing security found in God. It is adored by numerous for its peaceful certainty and is cited within the Unused Confirmation as a prophetic reference to the restoration of Jesus Christ. Let’s walk through this hymn verse-by-verse, investigating its religious lavishness and commonsense applications. Verse 1: “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.” David starts with a supplication for preservation—protection and shielding of his life. This isn’t almost about physical security, but otherworldly well-being. The tone is both humble ...
Read more

Homosexuality: What Does the Bible Say?

By Ekombe Hau -
Image
  Homosexuality: What Does the Bible Say?  Photo by Mahrael Boutros on Unsplash The Book of scriptures is one of the foremost compelling writings within the world, forming the convictions and ethical frameworks of billions of individuals over centuries. On the subject of homosexuality, the Book of scriptures has been a source of critical discourse and debate—among scholars, researchers, clergy, and laypeople alike. Translations of Sacred text shift broadly, with a few seeing it as condemning all same-sex connections, whereas others see room for certifying same-sex cherish inside a Christian system. This article investigates the essential scriptural entries that talk about homosexuality, the chronicled and social setting of those sections, and how different Christian conventions translate them nowadays.  Key Biblical Passages There are a modest bunch of verses within the Book of scriptures that are regularly cited in discourses of homosexuality. These sections span bot...
Read more

Palm Sunday Sermon: A Detailed Explanation and Reflection

By Ekombe Hau -
Image
  Palm Sunday Sermon: A Detailed Explanation and Reflection Introduction Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week , the final week of Lent and the lead-up to Easter Sunday . It commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem , an event recorded in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This moment sets the tone for the Passion of Christ, a journey that moves from jubilant celebration to suffering and ultimately, resurrection. The term “Palm Sunday” comes from the palm branches that the crowd laid in Jesus’ path—a traditional symbol of victory and kingship . This day is both festive and paradoxical: it is full of joy but foreshadows the suffering that lies ahead. 1. Biblical Account of Palm Sunday 1.1 The Gospel Narratives The story of Palm Sunday is found in: Matthew 21:1-11 Mark 11:1-11 Luke 19:28-44 John 12:12-19 Each Gospel writer offers a slightly different emphasis, but the core narrative remains the same. 1.2 Key Elements of th...
Read more