Esther 5-7
1 Chronicles 12:32
...men of Issachar, who understood the
times and knew what Israel should do
When I first read Esther, I wondered why she didn't just up and ask for what she wanted -- Haman's head. After all, it was an urgent situation and the lives of her Jewish people were at stake.
But, when the King was ready to give her anything during the first banquet she threw, she doesn't ask for what she wants but invites them (the King and Haman) to attend a second banquet instead.
Was there a sensing of God's restraining her? We don't know, and the bible doesn't say. But the subsequent events prove her right.
In the interval, Haman prepares a gallows, ostensibly for Mordecai the Jew, whom he hates. Then, the King has insomnia and asks for the kingdom's records to be read to him, during which he realises that the very same Mordecai has never been rewarded for saving his life. Subsequently, Mordecai is rewarded for his service, and Haman, who is forced to honor him, is humiliated.
At the second banquet, Esther boldy reveals her requests, Haman is executed in the very same gallows that he built and the Jewish people are saved from massacre.
Timing, is everything. As a new Christian, I had prayed that I discern God's timing and seasons like the men of Issachar. That led to a new level of learning to discern His timing and His purposes and subsequently, a closer walk with Him. That, after all, is the goal of all prayer.
