Day 139: Esther 4, 5 and 6

What should be done for the man the king delights to honor? (Esther 6:6)

In the dictionary next to the definition of the word hubris should be a picture of Haman the Agagite.

Because of insomnia, the king was listening as his attendant read to him from the chronicles of his reign. He was reminded that years earlier two of his trusted advisors had plotted his assassination and that Mordecai had uncovered the conspiracy and warned him in time to save his life and execute the would-be assassins. He also found that Mordecai had never been thanked for his intervention.

Coincidentally Haman had just arrived to speak with him about hanging Mordecai on a gallows he’d built especially for that purpose. The king was happy to welcome his friend and immediately asked: What should be done for the man the king delights to honor? Of course, Haman thought he was the one the king wanted to honor, so he came up with an elaborate reward. The king was pleased with Haman’s plan and told him: Go . . . do just as you have suggested… for Mordecai (6:10). Now what did you want to ask me?

Gulp!

Reminds me of the words of Jesus: When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited (Luke 14:8).

Have you ever made a similar misjudgment? How long before you crawled out of that hole?