The Bible in a Year
“And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.” — Esther 3:15
The book of Esther often reveals how fragile earthly governments can become when pride, hatred, and selfish ambition replace wisdom and righteousness. In Esther chapter three, Haman manipulated King Ahasuerus into issuing a decree that would lead to the destruction of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. What makes the scene even more disturbing is the contrast Scripture presents. While innocent people were facing fear and confusion, “the king and Haman sat down to drink.” The leaders celebrated while the citizens suffered. Shushan, the capital city, became “perplexed,” disturbed, and troubled by the chaos that unrighteous leadership had unleashed.
As I read this passage, I am reminded that government was always intended by God to restrain evil and encourage justice. Romans 13 teaches that rulers are meant to be ministers for good. Yet throughout biblical history, when leaders rejected wisdom and accountability, nations suffered deeply. Pharaoh hardened his heart against God and brought judgment upon Egypt. Saul’s insecurity wounded Israel. Pilate compromised truth for political convenience and handed Jesus over to crucifixion. Human authority becomes dangerous when it no longer fears God.
The decree against the Jews in Esther also reminds us of God’s covenant promises concerning Israel. In Genesis 12:3, the Lord told Abraham, “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.” Throughout history, governments that embraced hatred toward the Jewish people eventually brought destruction upon themselves. The twentieth century provides painful reminders of this reality. Hatred never remains contained. It spreads fear, suspicion, and violence across entire societies. Esther shows us that prejudice empowered by political authority becomes especially destructive.
One insightful aspect of this chapter is how disconnected the rulers became from the condition of the people. While the city was disturbed, the king and Haman drank comfortably inside the palace walls. Leadership without compassion always creates distance between rulers and those they serve. The commentator Matthew Henry observed, “Carnal mirth is often the cover and support of the greatest wickedness.” That statement fits Esther 3 remarkably well. The men responsible for terrorizing thousands attempted to silence conscience through indulgence and pleasure.
Scripture also warns repeatedly about intoxication and leadership. Proverbs 31:4-5 says, “It is not for kings… to drink wine… lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment.” Alcohol itself is not the primary focus in Esther 3; rather, it is the carelessness and moral dullness that accompanied it. Leaders who lack sobriety—whether physical, spiritual, or moral—often lose the ability to judge wisely. Decisions made without discernment eventually trouble entire communities.
Yet even in this dark chapter, God was quietly at work behind the scenes. Esther had not yet stepped forward, Mordecai had not yet been vindicated, and deliverance had not yet appeared visible. Still, the Lord had not abandoned His people. That truth comforts me whenever I watch confusion unfold in the world around me. Governments rise and fall, policies change, and cultures shift, but God’s sovereignty remains steady. Earthly authority is temporary; the kingdom of God is eternal.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken.” Esther teaches believers to trust that wisdom even when events appear uncertain. The people of Shushan were perplexed, but heaven was not confused. God was already preparing the answer before the crisis fully unfolded.
Today’s reading encourages me to pray faithfully for leaders, seek justice, reject hatred, and remember that no earthly system can replace the righteous rule of God. When governments forget compassion and truth, believers must continue reflecting the character of Christ through wisdom, integrity, and steadfast faith.
For additional study, consider this article from GotQuestions.org discussing God’s sovereignty in the book of Esther.
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