The way of the unfaithful is hard. Proverbs 13:15

At the banquet, King Ahasuerus once again asked Queen Esther, 'What may I do for you?  I'll give you anything you ask, up to half my kingdom.'

It was then that Esther made her request.  'Oh, King, spare my life and the life of my people.'  The king may have first thought that this was some kind of joke - but it wasn't.  When he saw that Esther was serious, he demanded, ' Who would dare to even think of such a thing?'

'The enemy is Haman,' Queen Esther replied.  Maybe she had a copy of the new law which ordered killing all the Jews in the kingdom.  Maybe she showed it to the king and pointed to Haman.  However it happened, all of a sudden Haman was terrified.  He could see the king was angry.  In fact, the king was so angry that he left the room and went into the garden.

In the banquet room, Haman kneeled before Queen Esther, begging for his life.  The king returned to find Haman collapsed across Esther's couch.  The king was so furious, he said, 'Is this man trying to hurt the queen even while I'm here?'

The king's servants covered Haman's face, led him to the gallows he had built for Mordecai, and hanged him.  That was end of Haman.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have mercy for those who fear You and turn from their sins.  Amen.