How does Esther 3:1 connect to Romans 13:1 about submitting to authorities? Esther 3:1 and Romans 13:1—side-by-side “After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other officials.” “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” What both verses reveal about authority • God is the ultimate Source; even pagan promotions flow through His sovereign hand. • Positions of power—whether righteous like Joseph’s (Genesis 41:40) or wicked like Haman’s—are “appointed by God” (Romans 13:1). • Because authority is delegated, it carries accountability. God will judge how a ruler uses the power He permits (Psalm 75:7). Why Haman’s promotion matters to Romans 13:1 • Haman did not rise by chance; Xerxes’ decree shows God quietly steering history (Proverbs 21:1). • Romans 13:1 explains the theological backdrop: God can advance even an enemy of His people to set the stage for a greater deliverance (Esther 4:14). • Believers therefore respect the office, trusting that the Lord is weaving His plan, even when the office-holder is hostile. Mordecai’s response—submission with limits • Mordecai served faithfully in the Persian administration (Esther 2:21-23). • He refused to bow to Haman (Esther 3:2-4) because the act signified homage reserved for God alone—an echo of Acts 5:29, “We must obey God rather than men.” • Notice the balance: – He did not foment rebellion against Xerxes. – He accepted personal risk while entrusting vengeance to the Lord (Romans 12:19). • His stance illustrates how believers submit until commanded to sin, then respectfully decline. New-Testament echoes of the Esther pattern • Jesus to Pilate: “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:11). • Peter urges submission “for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13-15), yet later refuses to stop preaching (Acts 4:19-20). • Paul appeals to Caesar (Acts 25:11), acknowledging Roman jurisdiction while using lawful means for gospel advance. Take-home principles • Respect authority because God set it up (Daniel 2:21). • Entrust unjust rulers to God’s justice; He sees and will act (Psalm 37:7-9). • When obedience to humans collides with obedience to God, choose the higher throne (Acts 5:29), but do so with humility, not revolt. • Remember that God often turns the schemes of powerful men into platforms for His salvation plan—Haman built the gallows on which God’s deliverance was showcased. |
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