What does Esther 6:11 teach about God's timing in rewarding righteousness? Setting the Scene Esther 6 opens with King Ahasuerus experiencing a sleepless night that leads him to review the royal chronicles, where he rediscovers Mordecai’s earlier act of loyalty (Esther 6:1–2). Hours later, verse 11 records the public honoring of Mordecai—something postponed for years but executed at the precise moment God intended. The Delay in Mordecai’s Reward • Mordecai exposed a plot against the king (Esther 2:21–23) yet received no immediate recognition. • That silence felt like neglect, but it was divine staging. God allowed time to pass so the reward would serve a greater purpose—undercutting Haman’s murderous scheme and exalting righteousness before the entire empire. The Moment of God’s Intervention Esther 6:11: “So Haman took the robe and the horse, robed Mordecai and led him through the city square, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king desires to honor!’” • God’s timing forced Haman, the enemy, to honor the very man he intended to destroy. • The royal parade happened one day before Esther’s second banquet (Esther 7), positioning Mordecai for elevation and Israel for deliverance. What Esther 6:11 Reveals About God’s Timing • Purposeful Delay—God may withhold reward until it advances His larger redemptive plan. • Public Vindication—When the moment arrives, God often makes righteousness unmistakably visible. • Reversal of Fortunes—God’s schedule humbles the proud (Haman) while lifting the humble (Mordecai), echoing Proverbs 3:34; 1 Peter 5:6. • Exact Precision—A sleepless night, a forgotten record, and an early-morning court visit converge flawlessly; “For promotion comes neither from the east nor from the west… but God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another” (Psalm 75:6–7). • Encouragement to Persevere—Believers can remain steadfast, trusting that “in due time we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Living This Truth Today • Keep doing right even when unnoticed; God keeps perfect books. • View delays as divine strategy, not divine indifference. • Expect God’s rewards to arrive in ways that glorify Him and advance His kingdom purposes. • Celebrate others’ recognition; it might be part of your own unfolding story of faithfulness. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 37:5–7—“Commit your way to the LORD… He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn.” • Hebrews 6:10—“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work.” • James 4:10—“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” |
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