Esther 5:14

(14) Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

The subject is here wrought to the most finished point of everything that is interesting; and everything as far as human malice, aided by diabolical stratagems, could effect evil, seems hovering over the poor Jews. Thus the LORD frequently permits the malice of bad men, to go to the greatest length for the exercise of his people's faith, the greater disappointment and ruin their foes, and the more illustrious display of his own glory. Surely the wrath of man shall praise him, the remainder of wrath will he restrain. Psalms 76:10

REFLECTIONS

Who can read this history of Esther's going in before the king, full of fear, doubt, and a thousand misgivings; and not call to mind the state, in which many of GOD'S people go in before JESUS their king and GOD in Zion! and who can behold the kindness and complacency with which the king received Esther, and not have his heart led out, to contemplate the everlasting love, and kindness, and favor, which the LORD JESUS showeth to all his poor petitioners. Surely any of the LORD'S redeemed ones have cause to blush, who keep back through fear from JESUS, when we here behold Esther going in unsent, uncalled, and contrary to the law, and yet finding favor; while every poor sinner that feels his need of JESUS is called, invited, nay even commanded to come, and the golden sceptre is always held out, and JESUS waits to be gracious. Reader! let this sweet view be productive of all its designed effects in our hearts. We have no uncertainty, no ifs or peradventures, respecting our reception. We have no Hamans to oppose us; for though Satan the adversary, is said to stand resisting, yet blessed be our GOD he is rebuked. But we have a sure, a successful, an all-prevailing advocate with the FATHER, who ever lives, both to plead, and to ensure our acceptance. Oh! for grace then to go always with holy boldness, not in slavish fear, nor in bondage frames, for this is highly unbecoming the redeemed of the LORD; but let us come, as those whom the Son of GOD hath made free, and in whom GOD our FATHER hath called us to the privilege and adoption of sons. Oh! how very delightful would all seasons, and especially holy ordinance seasons prove, if by faith in GOD'S dear Son, the redeemed of the LORD would at all times draw nigh in the blood of the cross.

Reader! as Esther made a pause before she ventured to bring her petition too hastily to an issue; so let you and I, in all great events concerning the LORD'S providences in the world. Though this chapter closeth with a dark and lowering aspect, yet it is in the LORD'S hands. He is everlastingly pursuing the salvation of his people. Heaviness may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Leave all events with JESUS. Hast thou trusted him with thy soul; depend upon it he careth also for the body. Leave every concern in his hands. He doeth all things well. Remember that sweet scripture, Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto GOD. And the peace of GOD which passeth knowledge, shall keep the heart and mind in CHRIST JESUS.