Esther 6 – A case of poetic justice.

In a twist of event, the king had insomnia that night. Since he could not sleep, he summoned the Book of Records and was surprised to find the chronicle of a failed attempt assassination on his life.  He discovered that Mordecai was the one who had saved his life and was not rewarded for his deed. 

Determined to right his wrong, the king, inquired of his attending servants if Mordecai had been duly rewarded for his bravery. Upon learning that Mordecai had not been acknowledged, the king set out to rectify his oversight.

Meanwhile, Haman entered the palace early that day, hoping to seek the king’s permission to have Mordecai hung on the gallows he had assembled at his wife’s goading. When the king was told of Haman’s presence on the palace grounds, he summoned him. 

Unaware of Haman’s animosity for Mordecai, the king consulted him on how to reward a person for his bravery.  On the other hand, Haman mistakenly assumed that the man the king wanted to reward was him. Misreading the situation led Haman to propose a grand and extravagant display that is only fit for the king.  

To Haman’s chagrin, the king ordered him to do what he had proposed for Mordecai. He said, “Take the robes and the horse quickly as you have said and do so for Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate; do not fall short in anything of all that you have said.”  Haman could not retract but had to carry out the king's instruction.

When it was all done, Mordecai returned to the palace entrance while Haman went home dejected. When he recounted what had happened to his wife and some counselors, in response, he was told what he loath to hear. They told him, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish origin, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him." Just then, the eunuch arrived to fetch Haman to the banquet Esther had prepared.

What we witness here is a perfect example of poetic justice. Every action carries consequences. It is vital to do what is right and just, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations or desires. Our actions and intentions can have unforeseen repercussions, so it's essential to approach situations with humility and empathy.