The Daily Office for September 26, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Up to this point in Esther's story circumstances have been working against the Jewish people, but this chapter marks a transition. The tide of circumstances now begins to change in favor of the Jewish nation and against Haman. Throughout today's chapter we see in significant fashion the unseen hand of God in the circumstances that occur. After the banquet the king could not sleep, and so he asked for the history books to be brought and read in his presence. It's interesting to note that they began reading at the story of Mordecai’s integrity when he revealed the plot to assassinate the king.
The king was anxious to know how Mordecai had been rewarded for his act of loyalty in saving the king’s life. The response was that nothing had been given to him for revealing the assassination plot. Normally, an official of high rank was assigned to be in attendance with the king, and Ahasuerus was anxious to know which high official was available so he could ask his advice. Ironically Haman had come early in the morning to seek the permission of the king to hang Mordecai on his gallows. Of course by the end of the chapter everything has turned against Haman. Written in every event of this chapter and through every circumstance is the unseen hand of God. God takes the tide of opinion and twists it, and now the accuser of the Jews was about to receive his just reward.
Collect for the Day
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.