This post is Day 13 in a series of studies about “Esther”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Esther – Day 13

It seems in every situation there are those who try to stir up problems. The court of the Persian King was no different. We know not why Haman was honoured by the king. We do know others had to treat him as a god. But Mordecai could not do that.

Esther 3:1-3

After these events, King Xerxes honoured Haman, giving him a seat of honour higher than that of all the other nobles. All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honour to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honour. Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai “Why do you disobey the king’s command?” Day after day they spoke to him, but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behaviour would be tolerated.

The Thought

It seems that in every situation there are always those who are “tell-tales”. Those who try to stir up problems. The King’s court in Persia was no different.

We don’t know why Haman should be honoured by the king, all we know is that others were expected to treat him as a god. But Mordecai could not bring himself to do that.

Was this stubborn Jew trying to be difficult? He didn’t have to go to the king’s gate, it was his choice and his commitment to Esther that kept him going there.

It is interesting that Haman himself didn’t notice Mordecai’s irreverence, it was the tell tales who informed him. Did those men anticipate the nearly disastrous plans that would ensue?

Action

Ask yourself today how you react to laws you don’t like, or that don’t seem reasonable to you?

It is good to remember that God tells us to obey those in authority (Romans 13).

As you go through your day today take note of the times when you are tempted to not obey the rules.

Read 1 Samuel 15 and see the disastrous consequences when King Saul didn’t fully obey God’s instructions.

Pray that God will help you to set an example by your obedience.