ripple effect: vacaville

Read Esther 6:1 - 7:10.

1. Did you know that Esther is the only book in the Bible where God’s name is never mentioned? He works behind the scenes throughout this story to save His people. Although God is subtle throughout this story, I think that this part begins with God’s not-so-subtle workings. It just so happens that Xerxes can’t sleep. It just so happens that he wants to read the chronicles of Persia. It just so happens that he reads the story of Mordecai saving him? Hmm…
2. It just so happens that Haman arrives at exactly the time that Xerxes has decided that something needs to be done for Mordecai? Hmm…
3. Interesting that Haman comes during the middle of the night to try to have Mordecai’s death sentence issued. Boy, he’s really chomping at the bit.
4. I love dramatic irony. We all know that Xerxes is asking about how to honor Mordecai, but cocky Haman thinks that he’s talking about HIM!?! I love it. So, Haman asks for the hookup. He’s goes for the gusto.
5. And then Xerxes says, “Yes, excellent…do all that for…(me, me, me)…MORDECAI?” You can imagine Haman’s response, “Yes…wait…what? Not me…who? No…argh!” I love it.
6. Imagine the crow that was being eaten by Haman that he actually had to lead the horse around and shout about how awesome Mordecai was. Beautiful. (Then again, the death issue has still been declared, so…I’m thinking that Haman is still licking his chops a little bit.)
7. Wives are great. Haman goes home to tell his wife all that has happened and she says, “You’re dead meat.” Love that loving encouragement.
8. Well, at least Haman gets to go to that exclusive dinner. He he he…
9. That feast was two days long! Can you imagine all the thoughts that were going through Esther and Haman’s minds?
10. Esther tells him that someone is plotting to destroy her and her people. Of course, the king is incredulous, and asks who… And she points the finger at Haman. In the words of Scooby Doo…”Ruh roh.”
11. Xerxes was angry, but he went away to think about what he should do. In the meantime, Haman starts tugging on Esther, trying to spare his life. And, of course, while Haman was “all over” the queen, Xerxes returns. Talk about confirmation! He thinks that he’s trying to kill her then and there!
12. They cover Haman’s head and seize him. I love that one of the eunuchs happens to bring up, “Oh, by the way, um, Haman’s got a new, never-been-used gallows beside his house. Oh, and he was going to use it to kill your new favorite guy, Mordecai!” He he he…no question who’s side this guy was on. You know, that’s two eunuchs who seemed to stand up for Esther. That’s got to say something about her as a person, that so many people stood up for her. Anyway…
13. They hang Haman on his own gallows. That’s what you call situational irony, kids.