Esther 3:7–15 (May 15, 2025)

3:7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. 9 If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents[a] of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.” 10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. 11 And the king said to Haman, “The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.”

12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring. 13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. 14 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion.

“The Lot is Cast, but the Lord Reigns”

Haman’s fury has grown into a genocidal plot. In these verses, we witness how deeply evil can take root in the heart of man and how far-reaching its consequences can be. But even as Haman casts lots to determine the date of destruction, God’s sovereignty remains unshaken. The decree is sealed—but the Lord is not silent.

1. God Is Sovereign Over Every Lot and Calendar

Esther 3:7, “In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.”

Haman turns to superstition, casting lots to find a “favorable” date for his plan. Ironically, this results in nearly a full year of delay—God’s hidden hand is already buying time. Scripture reminds us, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:33). Even when evil seems to lead, God controls the calendar.

2. The Human Heart Justifies Injustice (Guilt)

Esther 3:8–9, “Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, ‘There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king’s laws, so that it is not to the king’s profit to tolerate them. If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king’s business, that they may put it into the king’s treasuries.’”

Haman hides his hatred behind a cloak of political rationale. He paints God’s people as rebellious and costly. Pride and prejudice always look for a rationale to justify oppression. This is the deceit of sin—it can make genocide sound reasonable. The fallen human heart doesn’t need truth to act; it only needs permission and power.

3. The Good News: God Is Already Making Room for Deliverance

Esther 3:10–11, “So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. And the king said to Haman, ‘The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.’”

The king relinquishes his authority, sealing Haman’s evil with royal legitimacy. It is a moment of terrifying darkness. But even here, God is not absent. Though His name is unspoken, His timing is unfolding. Esther has already been placed in the palace. The deliverance is not yet visible—but it is already underway.

4. Grace in the Face of Chaos

Esther 3:12–14, “Then the king’s scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king’s satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king’s ring. Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.”

The decree is absolute, final, and horrifying. It’s written in every language, for every province. Evil often moves swiftly and comprehensively. But God’s grace does not panic. While the world descends into chaos, God is preparing a greater reversal. What is sealed by man will be overruled by the Sovereign One.

5. A Thanksgiving Prayer (GRATITUDE)

Lord, thank You that no plan of the wicked can outmaneuver Your providence.

Thank You that even when evil feels overwhelming, You are not shaken.

Thank You for ruling over time, over kings, and over every lot that is cast.

You are our Deliverer—even when we don’t yet see the rescue.

Help us wait with faith, rest with hope, and act with courage.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Proverbs 16:33, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

Questions to ask:

How does this passage challenge my view of who is truly in control?

Where do I see the temptation to justify injustice in the world—or in myself?

Am I quick to fear when evil gains momentum, or slow to trust in God's timing?

How can I live with more confidence in God's sovereignty today?

Do I truly believe that even sealed edicts and powerful people are under God’s rule?