Esther 6:3

“And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.”

Context:The book of Esther is set during the time when the Jewish people were in exile in Persia. The king mentioned in this verse is King Ahasuerus, also known as King Xerxes I. Mordecai, a Jewish man, had previously uncovered a plot to assassinate the king, which was foiled.

Unraveling the Verse:In Esther 6:3, King Ahasuerus is unable to sleep and orders that the chronicles of his reign be read to him. During the reading, he learns about the plot Mordecai had uncovered, which was never rewarded or acknowledged.

Recognition of Mordecai:The king’s inquiry about the honor and dignity bestowed upon Mordecai shows that he has become aware of Mordecai’s previous act of loyalty and bravery. King Ahasuerus realizes that no rewards or recognition have been given to Mordecai for saving his life.

Divine Timing:It is crucial to note that this incident occurs on the night before Haman, an official who harbored enmity toward Mordecai, planned to request the king’s permission to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had built. The timing of the king’s realization is significant, as it sets the stage for a turn of events that ultimately saves Mordecai and the Jewish people.

God’s Providence:The absence of recognition for Mordecai until this moment is an essential element in the unfolding of God’s plan. This delayed recognition sets the stage for the subsequent events, leading to the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s wicked scheme.

• Application:Esther 6:3 teaches us several valuable lessons. Firstly, it highlights the importance of recognising and rewarding those who act with integrity and loyalty. Secondly, it reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when it seems that justice is delayed. Finally, it encourages us to trust in God’s providence, knowing that He is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes.