(1) In v.1-8, the repeated word is the request or petition of Esther. The king wanted to know about that and asked her twice. We did not know why Esther did not tell the king right the way.
5:8 If I have found favor in the king’s sight and if the king is inclined to grant my request and perform my petition, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet that I will prepare for them. At that time I will do as the king wishes.
(NAC) We must take into account Oriental custom and protocol. Conversation and preparation are essential in any important transaction. We can also see an indication of God’s wisdom given to Esther. She sensed that the time was not right for her important request. In God’s providence time was needed for some other details before Esther made her request. We need to be sensitive to God’s timing and not be impatient with delays. McConville adds that the delay allowed time “for Haman’s misguided self-confidence to mature.”
(NAC) We must take into account Oriental custom and protocol. Conversation and preparation are essential in any important transaction. We can also see an indication of God’s wisdom given to Esther. She sensed that the time was not right for her important request. In God’s providence time was needed for some other details before Esther made her request. We need to be sensitive to God’s timing and not be impatient with delays. McConville adds that the delay allowed time “for Haman’s misguided self-confidence to mature.”
Reflection: Can we be patiently waiting for God's timing? Sometimes it is not that we are not ready, but the other people or other circumstances need to be ready, too. Can we wait and trust God?
(2) In v.9-14, 2 themes were repeated, Haman's happiness and anger.
e.g.
5:9 Now Haman went forth that day pleased and very much encouraged. But when Haman saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, and he did not rise nor tremble in his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.
Haman plotted to kill Moredai and all his race, yet he expected Mordecai to pay him respect. His pride was untouchable.
Reflection: Are we blinded by our worldly possession? We think that people have to respect us because of that?
5:11 Haman then recounted to them his fabulous wealth, his many sons, and how the king had magnified him and exalted him over the king’s other officials and servants.
5:13 Yet all of this fails to satisfy me so long as I have to see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”
(NAC) Haman’s happiness depended on circumstances—in this case on his being honored. This type of happiness is not lasting, as the author quickly showed. As soon as Haman saw Mordecai, who did not honor him, his happiness evaporated. The satisfaction that depends on worldly honor and glory can be extinguished easily
(NAC) Haman’s happiness depended on circumstances—in this case on his being honored. This type of happiness is not lasting, as the author quickly showed. As soon as Haman saw Mordecai, who did not honor him, his happiness evaporated. The satisfaction that depends on worldly honor and glory can be extinguished easily
Reflection: Is your happiness depending on other people's respect? Can you still have joy when you encounter anyone that did not honor you? What does your satisfaction build on?
Audrey
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