Haman already planned to kill as many Jews as possible across the Persian Empire. However, he was personally enraged by the king’s servant Mordecai, who in quiet virtue and dignity refused to bow to Haman. Despite Haman’s own privileges in the palace, he declared, “All this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate” (Est. 5:13). He was delighted by the suggestion to hang Mordecai.

But then came a sudden turn of events. Overnight the king remembered Mordecai’s past loyalty, so he asked Haman how best to honor a faithful servant. Haman, thinking the tribute was for himself, proposed a grand display of royal favor. That very day Haman had to clothe Mordecai in the king’s robe, set him on the king’s horse, and proclaim throughout the city, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!” (6:11). The man marked out for death was instead highly exalted.

This book of the Bible bears Esther’s name, but it is the story of Mordecai’s exaltation as well. In chapter 8, he was permanently clothed in royal apparel (8:15); in chapter 9, “his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent” (9:4). And the final verse of Esther declares that everyone knew Mordecai’s greatness as he sought the good of his people and spoke peace to his countrymen (10:3).

We too know One who was marked out for death. The Lord Jesus Christ once hung upon a tree, but God has highly exalted Him. In a coming day His greatness will be seen and known by all as He establishes righteousness and speaks peace. He is worthy of every honor!