‏ Esther 7

* Esther accuses Haman. (1-6) Haman hanged on his own gallows.

(7-10)1-6 If the love of life causes earnest pleadings with those

that can only kill the body, how fervent should our prayers be

to Him, who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell! How

should we pray for the salvation of our relatives, friends, and

all around us! When we petition great men, we must be cautious

not to give them offence; even just complaints must often be

kept back. But when we approach the King of kings with

reverence, we cannot ask or expect too much. Though nothing but

wrath be our due, God is able and willing to do exceeding

abundantly, even beyond all we can ask or think. 7-10 The king was angry: those that do things with self-will,

reflect upon them afterward with self-reproach. When angry, we

should pause before we come to any resolution, and thus rule our

own spirits, and show that we are governed by reason. Those that

are most haughty and insolent when in power and prosperity,

commonly, like Haman, are the most abject and poor-spirited when

brought down. The day is coming when those that hate and

persecute God's chosen ones, would gladly be beholden to them.

The king returns yet more angry against Haman. Those about him

were ready to put his wrath into execution. How little can proud

men be sure of the interest they think they have! The enemies of

God's church have often been thus taken in their own craftiness.

The Lord is known by such judgments. Then was the king's wrath

pacified, and not till then. And who pities Haman hanged on his

own gallows? who does not rather rejoice in the Divine

righteousness displayed in the destruction his own art brought

upon him? Let the workers of iniquity tremble, turn to the Lord,

and seek pardon through the blood of Jesus