This is an interesting chapter. Many commentators and scholars will be quick to point out the timing was not right for Esther to make her ask. It’s hard to know. Did God prevent Esther from saying anything because it wasn’t the right time or did He allow her grace because she just couldn’t get the words out? Was it divine sovereignty or human will? Hold that thought. We will return to it in Chapter 6.
In the meantime, God allows time for Haman to continue to do… uh… Haman-like things. Boasting and carrying on like a fool, he continues to illustrate just how insecure he is. His fixation on Mordecai was obsessive and at this point was overtaking his life. This was the chink in his armor. His life wouldn’t be complete until Mordecai worshipped him or died.
Think about that for a moment.
This attitude of Haman’s was not only crazy but also satanic. If Satan cannot get us to worship him he will be happy to pepper us with his repulsive tactics and eventually take our lives. But notice what the text says about Mordecai. He was not afraid of this monster.
That day Haman left full of joy and in good spirits. But when Haman saw Mordecai at the King’s Gate, and Mordecai didn’t rise or tremble in fear at his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.
Esther 5:9 HCSB
Mordecai and Esther are in a similar predicament. Both are facing tangible fears. Both must muster up courage in the face of potential suffering. Both must rely on their God who sits far above earthly kings and officials. If there is anything to cling to in this chapter, it is to stand in awe at the perseverance and faith of these two believers. They would not back down from what God had called them to do. Yes, they would be pushed to the brink, but even in the darkest times of their life, they were being secured by the mighty hand of their Father!