While Haman was planning to hang Mordecai, the king could not fall asleep and had the book of record brought in and read to him. Then he realized Mordecai had exposed a plot to assassinate the king but did not receive any reward. This dramatic and timely revelation was the Lord's intervention. The Lord is the giver of sleep (Ps 127:2). God carefully worked out his plan to deliver his people. Even King Xerxes was an instrument in God's good plan (Prov 16:9).

When Haman entered the court, the king asked what Haman would do to honor a man highly. Haman mistakenly believed the king wanted to reward him, so Haman suggested royal treatment for the man. Haman's proud ambition to have the king's honor became his trap (Prov 26:27).

Not only did Haman have to carry out the king's command to honor Mordecai whom he hated, but he also faced losing the king's favor. The fact that the king specifically says "Mordecai the Jew" reveals the king's suspicion of Haman's motive to destroy all Jews. Haman trembled in fear at this sudden turn of luck but had to go to the queen's banquet without having the chance to regroup himself.


Application: Father, thank you for reminding us that you are in control. Help me not to seek honor from people but be right before you with complete trust.
One Word: God honors those who honor him.