Esther 8

“For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor” (v16). Esther is a story of reversals. Haman’s plan to “destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews” (3:13) was turned upside down. Through Mordecai and Esther’s intervention, the Jews were prepared to defend themselves. Haman was hung on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai, and Mordecai received the honors Haman coveted. And Esther, orphan girl of a minority culture, became Queen.

God loves to turn our world upside down. Barren women have children, the dead live again, and sinners become friends of God.