Esther, Day 3 Readings

Esther Gains the King's Ear and the King Honors Mordacai  

Today's reading tells how Esther dared to save her people, the Jews.  In the kingdom, it was illegal to come into the king's presence without being summoned.  However, Esther dared to go into the king's presence, and he was pleased to see her.  In fact, he promised her anything she desired, if she would only name it.  She said she would make her request at a special banquet she would prepare for the king and Haman.

At the same time, Haman prepared to hang Mordacai even before the date proscribed in the king's decree for the execution of all Jews.  However, at the same time, the king was reminded how Mordacai had told of the previous assassination plot and he made plans to honor Mordacai.  In a case of a villain getting his just desserts, in fact, it is Haman who must carry out the king's instructions to honor Mordacai.  In fact, Haman must face the possibility that it is he who will be punished instead of Mordacai.

Read Esther 5:1-6:14  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Esther 5-6 today.