697. EST 5:6. THE KING’S QUESTION TO ESTHER, IMPROVED

Est_5:6. The King’s Question to Esther, Improved

"And the king said unto Esther, at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."’97Est_5:6.

The Book of Esther contains a most vivid and instructive exhibition of the providence of God, in the deliverance of the Jews from impending ruin.

The wicked Haman seeks the destruction of God’s people. Obtains a decree for its execution; and there seems no way of escape for them, from it. God, however, by a series of wonderful events, works for their rescue.

Esther, a beautiful Jewess, is chosen queen of the Persian monarch. Through her influence, her countrymen are finally delivered; and their ferocious persecutor perishes on the gibbet.

It was death, by the law, for any one to venture into the king’s presence, without the royal invitation: chap. Est_4:11. Mordecai urged on Esther the solemn duty she had to discharge: Est_4:13, Est_4:14. Esther then resolves to risk her life in this service: 15, 16, &c. God directed her steps, &c., chap. Est_5:1. The sceptre is stretched out.’97She found favor. Obtained the gracious and munificent promise of the king’97as given in the text. The sequel you will find in the concluding chapters of this book.

Let us, however, now turn aside from the Persian king, and contemplate,

I. The Divine Majesty.

Think of his,

1. Regal glory.

King of kings! Prince of the kings of the earth! His dominion universal’97supreme’97everlasting. "He ruleth over all." "Doeth according to his mind," &c.

2. Think of his greatness and glory. Not surrounded by the tinsel of worldly magnificence; but dwelling in high, eternal, cloudless light. "Inhabiting eternity!" Seraphim and Cherubim his guard and attendants. No being clad with flesh, &c., could see his face, and live.

3. Think of his spotless purity.

Just, and holy, and true! Pure. Heavens, as it were, unclean in his sight.

4. Think of the throne on which he is seated.

Not on the throne of dominion merely’97but the throne of grace: Rev_4:2, Rev_4:3.

From Esther, we will now turn,

II. To the anxious sinner.

(1.) Conscious of his guilt.

(2.) Exposed to death.

(3.) Trembling for his safety. Yet, without mercy from the Divine throne, there is no escape. For the decree is gone forth’97the soul that sinneth shall die’97condemned already.

What shall he do?

1. Humble himself before God. Chapter Est_4:16.

2. Resolve to venture on the King’s clemency.

"If I perish, I perish." Can only do so, if I am rejected.

3. Be found in the way of access to him. Chap. Est_5:1, &c. In the closet. House of God. Reading the word.

We now turn from the reception of Esther,

III. To the acceptance of the humble believer.

1. God looks with mercy on the contrite. "The king saw Esther," &c. "To that man," &c.

2. The sceptre of mercy is extended. Est_5:2. God’s free, reconciled love in the gospel. He invites, beseeches sinners to come to him.

3. Saving faith is exercised.

"So Esther drew near," &c.: Est_5:3. "Let us draw near," &c. "Come boldly," &c.

4. Munificent promises are given.

See Est_5:3, &c., in relation to Esther. Joh_14:13-14; Joh_15:7-16; Joh_16:23, &c. Thus, to believing prayer, the key of earth and heaven is given. "All things are possible," &c. "All are yours," &c.

Learn,’97

1. How God is glorified by the exhibition of his grace.

2. How precious is Christ, as our way to the Father.

3. How effectual are faith and earnest prayer.

4. How rich and happy, and secure, are God’s people.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS