After a very hot day, with scorching, oppressive winds from the desert, an afternoon sea breeze brings welcomed relief and cooler temperatures. This reminds me of Esther’s story.
So far, in the story of Esther, the hot desert winds have been increasing. After young Esther became the Queen of Persia, her cousin Mordecai uncovered a plot to kill the king, reported it to Esther and then to the king, saving his life. Wicked Haman was promoted as the highest prince of the kingdom. He expected everyone to bow to him, but Mordecai the Jew refused. Thus, Haman plotted deceitfully to kill all the Jews in the entire Persian empire. Queen Esther, after prayer and fasting, entered the king’s court uninvited to invite him and Haman to a banquet. After the banquet, the king asked her for her request. She said that she would tell him tomorrow if they would come to a second banquet. Haman was overjoyed, until he saw Mordecai standing. At the advice of his evil wife, he ordered the erection of a 23m gallows on which to hang Mordecai. The next morning, he would ask the king’s permission. At this point, the Jews were sweating in the heat of the troubles that were mounting.
That night, while Haman planned his speech, the king could not sleep. All night he tossed and turned. In desperation, he commanded to bring the records of the chronicles and have them read to him, evidently hoping that this would put him to sleep.
His servant read of how Mordecai had saved his life, yet nothing had been done to honour Mordecai for this heroic deed. Just then, the king heard a noise in the court. Hearing that it was Haman, he invited him in and asked him this question. “What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour?” Arrogant Haman assumed the king had him in mind, so he spouted off this great honour: Esther 6:7-9.
To Haman’s shock and horror, the king ordered him to do exactly as he suggested to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate. Haman instantly forgot his planned speech requesting to kill Mordecai, and obeyed orders. Those who knew of his hatred for Mordecai must have laughed under their breath at the sight.
When finished, Haman covered his head in shame and ran home. His wife, friends and wise men decreed that he was now in trouble. He was not home long before the king’s chamberlains hurried him to the second banquet.
Transition
The sea breeze was beginning to blow for the Jews! We see the sovereign hand of God at work, evidenced in several ways.
The first evidence of God’s sovereign sea breeze is that …
The King had Insomnia all Night Long. (v.1-3)
- Why that night?
- This was no accident. Nothing is said about this being a common occurrence.
- Obviously, God had His hand on this.
- Why all night long?
- Seldom does a person have insomnia all night long.
- In this case, the king was still awake in the wee hours of the morning.
- Why did the servant read about Mordecai?
- Joseph Bensen states, “His mind being troubled, he knew not how, nor why, he chooses this for a diversion, God putting this thought into him, for otherwise he might have diverted himself, as he used to do, with his wives or concubines, or voices and instruments of music, which were far more agreeable to his temper.” Underline added.
- Of the scores of records that he had, why was the chronicle chosen that contained Mordecai’s story? God’s sovereign hand was on this choice.
We have an amazing God. Nothing happens in life without God overseeing it. Men still have a free will, but God is always there, weaving circumstances into the pattern that fulfils His will. (Proverbs 16:9) “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
The second evidence of God’s sovereign sea breeze is that …
Haman came in the Early Morning to See the King. (v.4-6)
- Why that morning?
- The timing of all meshes. This could have happened a week before or a month after, but it happened on that very morning. This was no accident.
- God lined up Haman’s passion to speak to the king with the king’s sleepless night.
- Why so early?
- The night before, he said that he would speak to the king on the morrow. The word he used signifies the break of day. He wasted no time. His hatred for Mordecai could not even wait until after breakfast.
- Had he waited, the king may have forgotten about Mordecai or had someone else honour him.
Again, we see the sovereign hand of God directing these events. Our minds struggle to grasp the proper balance between God’s control and man’s free will. (Proverbs 19:21) “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”
The third evidence of God’s sovereign sea breeze is that …
Haman gave a Lofty Suggestion for Honour. (v.7-9)
- Why did Haman think it was for himself?
- Yes, he was arrogant and proud, but he could have asked who it was for before making his suggestion.
- He thought only of himself because that was his character, and God wove that into the events of the day.
- Why did he suggest the things he did?
- I have an idea that he was motivated by his extreme pride, but I also believe that the Lord may have prompted him to go all out in his suggestions.
- He suggested that the honoured man wear the king’s clothing, ride the king’s horse, wear the king’s crown, be led by the most noble prince through the entire city, while the prince shouted, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.” (v.9)
We detect here that God has a great sense of humour. Proud Haman is about to humiliate himself. He is about to make his miserable hatred for Mordecai even worse. God was bringing in the sea breeze and cooling down the situation for Mordecai and the Jews.
The fourth evidence of God’s sovereign sea breeze is that …
The King Ordered Haman to do this to Mordecai. (v.10-11)
- Why did the king choose Haman to do this?
- The king could have chosen another servant, but Haman was his chief prince.
- Ultimately, God put it in his heart to choose Haman.
- Why did it have to be done immediately?
- From the king’s perspective, it was just a good time to do it.
- From God’s perspective, it had to be done before Haman got a chance to kill Mordecai.
A sceptic might say that all these events were just coincidences and had nothing to do with God. However, it is far easier to believe that God was actively at work behind the scenes. (Proverbs 21:1) “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
How does this apply to your life and mine? Many times, the trials of life are like the hot desert wind. As burdens of sickness, wayward children, financial pressures, lack of work, injury, stress, or marriage conflict come upon us, we feel those hot desert winds blowing. God wants Romans 8:28 to be like a refreshing sea breeze. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” This is not a promise to unbelievers. It is for those who truly love God and have answered His call to salvation. Everything that God allows in your life has a good purpose, even if you do not yet see it that way.
Conclusion
God, in His own humorous way, directed the king’s sleepless night, the reading of the chronicles, Haman’s daybreak visit, Haman’s haughty suggestion, and even the king’s command for Haman to honour Mordecai. Our awesome God is directing your life as well. Trust Him to work it all together for good. Remember the words of James 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” Also remember the words of Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” If you are not a Christian, trust Christ today!
Song: God will take care of you, 297
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The Sea Breeze Is In!
22 October 2023 AM – Text: Esther 6 – Topic: Sovereignty – Series: Est23