Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional: August 6th

 Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional: August 6th

Morning

“He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.”

Esther 6

Esther 6:1

he who commanded a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, could not command a little sleep;

Esther 6:1

To while away the weary hours, and help him to slumber.

Esther 6:2

Singular was the providence which led to the reading of this record; the hand of the Lord was in it.

Esther 6:3

The monarch was impressed with the great service which Mordecai had rendered, and perhaps struck with the stern uprightness for which he was famous; and he felt that so loyal an adherent ought not to have been passed over and left unrewarded.

Esther 6:5

He was up betimes to make a halter for the man he hated, but the Lord thought not so. Providence had brought him where he would mix for himself a bitter cup.

Esther 6:6-9

He went as far as he well could, imagining that all these honours were intended for himself.

Esther 6:12

Not at all elated, he took his old place.

Esther 6:12

As full of spleen and malice as he could hold.

Esther 6:13

This was cold comfort. He had been the dupe of the soothsayers, and now they render him no consolation.

Esther 6:14

Little did he know how that banquet would end, and little do the enemies of the Lord know how surely and terribly they will be overthrown. May grace prevent our ever fighting against God!

He can raise the poor to stand

With the princes of the land;

Wealth upon the needy shower;

Set the meanest high in power.

He the broken spirit cheers;

Turns to joy the mourner’s tears;

Such the wonders of his ways:

Praise his name for ever praise.

Evening

“So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord.”

Esther 7

Esther 7:1-4

This was well and boldly spoken, and Haman must have writhed in agony as he heard it.

Esther 7:8

As a condemned man, who would no more see the sun. He was so proud that the courtiers were glad to see his downfall; and as his malice towards Mordecai was common talk, they hastened to mention it to the king.

Esther 7:9 , Esther 7:10

But though Haman was dead, the edict for the slaughter of the Jews remained in force.

Esther 8:3-11 , Esther 8:15 , Esther 8:16

Esther 8:8-11

The decree to slay the Jews could not be reversed, but its sting was extracted by the new decree that the Jews might defend themselves, and slay their foes.

Esther 8:15 , Esther 8:16

Thus the seed of Abraham lived on, despite the plots of Satan and of Haman; and so shall the Church of the living God triumph over all the assaults of Rome and hell. Praise ye the Lord!

Crowns and thrones shall perish, kingdoms rise and wane,

But the church of Jesus constant will remain;

Gates of hell can never ‘gainst that church prevail,

We have God’s own promise, and it cannot fail.

Study FurtherRelated passages, insights, and questions for personal reflection.

Take today’s devotional further. Explore related Scriptures and open any verse in the Study Desk for deeper study.

    Proverbs 26:27: One who digs a pit will fall into it, And one who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
    Digging a pit, one falls into it—Haman's own gallows.
    ↳ What scheme are you plotting that could ultimately trap you instead?
    Psalms 7:15: He has dug a pit and hollowed it out, And has fallen into the hole which he made.
    The wicked's mischief returns upon his own head.
    ↳ Where might your own wrongdoing be quietly preparing your downfall?
    Proverbs 16:18: Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
    Pride goes before destruction—Haman's downfall illustrated.
    ↳ Which prideful attitude in you needs humbling before it causes a fall?
    Galatians 6:7: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.
    God not mocked; men reap what they sow.
    ↳ What seeds are you sowing today that you'll later have to reap?
    Matthew 16:18: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
    Gates of hell cannot prevail against Christ's church.
    ↳ How does Christ's unshakable church strengthen your confidence amid opposition?

Copyright Statement
This resource was produced before 1923 and therefore is considered in the "Public Domain".