My women’s Bible study is walking through Esther, which is a political tale if there ever was one. Covert plots, the rise and fall of leaders, executions, royal edicts, justice—this little book has it all!
As we discussed chapter 6 today, I was struck by the following verse:
“Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered” (Esther 6:12).
This isn’t likely to be a Sunday school memory verse, but it proved enormously convicting and encouraging to me—particularly as today is Election Day.
The Story
Just before this simple statement is a scene of tremendous irony. Earlier in the story, Mordecai—a Jewish man living and working in Persia—exposes a plot against the king. The king quickly forgets this kindness and Mordecai carries on in his usual duties. One night, as the king struggles to sleep, he has his royal chronicles read to him. This “bedtime story” turns out to be a record of Mordecai’s great service to him.
The king realizes that he has not properly honored Mordecai, so he asks his advisor, Haman, what he should do for “the man in whom the king delights to honor” (Esther 6:6).
Haman is the epitome of arrogance and assumes the king is talking about him. He gives the king an elaborate list of ways to exalt such a man—including dressing him in royal robes and parading him around on the king’s horse while shouting, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor” (Esther 6:9).
Much to Haman’s dismay, the king is not talking about him but about Mordecai, who Haman hates for personal and racial reasons. Obeying the king, Haman dresses Mordecai in royal robes and parades him around the city square. This is (at this point in the story, at least) Haman’s most humiliating defeat and Mordecai’s greatest triumph.
The Outcome
Esther 6:11 is a deeply satisfying scene. Justice is served. The humble man is exalted while the prideful is brought low. But what happens after this great and terrible moment?
Haman runs home to complain to his wife and advisors. It’s easy to imagine him railing and stewing with more murderous intent. We are given ample detail about how Haman feels throughout the story and especially in the wake of this humiliation.
Meanwhile, Mordecai goes back to the gates.
He returns to his post. We are given no insight into how he is feeling. We are simply told what he does: he quietly and dutifully goes back to work.
Mordecai has just been celebrated with all the pomp and circumstance (and sweet ironic justice) of the king. I don’t know about you, but I would be tempted to grab a celebratory coffee and call my friends to give them the details—and maybe gloat a bit.
But Mordecai just goes back to work.
In the end, all Haman’s tumultuous plotting comes to nothing, but Mordecai’s faithfulness prevails.
Conclusion
Esther 6:12 offers a simple, crucial reminder as Election Day 2024 draws to a close. Whichever candidate wins, many Americans will feel exultant. Others will be shocked and furious. That’s putting it gently.
Readers, however we feel tomorrow and in the coming days, we must return to our posts. We must return to our jobs, our families, our churches, our friendships—our ordinary lives—with quiet, steadfast diligence.
Whether you feel triumph or humiliation or anger or resignation tomorrow, “return to the king’s gate.” Tend calmly and diligently to the duties given to you by the King.
Ryanne Molinari 