When God Turns the Tables
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. - Esther 9:1
The second half of the book of Esther reads like the final act of a divine drama. The stakes are high, the villain is rising, and all hope seems lost for God’s people. But then - just when defeat looks certain - God turns the tables!
It starts in chapter 6, when King Xerxes can’t sleep. It seems that he just happens to read the royal records - but we know there’s no such thing as coincidence. Through God’s divine inspiration, the king reads of Mordecai’s unrewarded loyalty. Meanwhile, Haman is plotting Mordecai’s death. But instead of seeing Mordecai hanged, Haman is forced to honor him - leading him on horseback through the streets in royal robes. It’s the first chink in Haman’s armor.
In chapter 7, Queen Esther boldly reveals Haman’s plot to destroy her people. The king is enraged, and Haman’s downfall is swift. He is hanged on the very gallows he constructed for Mordecai - a vivid picture of divine justice.
But, the threat isn’t over. The original decree to destroy the Jews is still in place. Under Persian law, a King’s edict could not be revoked. And that’s when, in chapter 8, Esther and Mordecai are empowered to write a new decree - one that gives the Jews the right to defend themselves. What once was a day of dread becomes a day of deliverance.
That leads us to Esther 9:1, where we read- “The opposite occurred” - or as the NIV puts it, “the tables were turned!”
The people of God were not only spared - they were victorious. Mourning was turned into joy, fasting into feasting, and fear into honor. What was meant for their destruction became cause for celebration.
The book ends in chapter 10 with Mordecai promoted to second-in-command of the Persian Empire! A Jewish man - once marked for death - is now using his influence to bless and protect his people. It’s a full-circle moment only God could write.
God is always working - even when we can’t see Him. We don’t see the name of God mentioned once in this book - yet it’s clear His presence is unmistakable. The sleepless king. The perfect timing. The reversal of Haman’s plot. The empowerment of Esther. All of this was part of God’s divine plan.
Maybe you’re in the middle of a story that doesn’t make sense yet. Maybe the edict has been written against you and it seems irreversible. But the Esther story reminds us that God can turn tables!
Wait on Him. Walk by faith. Even in silence, He is present. Even in darkness, He is writing redemption.
Ask Yourself:
What part of my life feels out of control or hopeless right now?
How can Esther’s story strengthen my trust in God’s hidden providence?
What “divine reversals” have I already experienced that remind me of God’s faithfulness?
Heavenly Father, that You for being the God who turns tables. When things feel dark, remind me that You are the author of the story. You know exactly how it’s going to end. Help me to trust You like Esther did, to stand in faith like Mordecai did, and to believe that the final word belongs to You. In Jesus name, Amen.
