The Book of Esther—Lesson 6.*
Just for your thoughts.*
The Book of Esther—Lesson 6.
Expository Commentary on the Book of Esther
Even if we do not receive an immediate reward for the good things we do, God will grant us our reward at the proper time. A beautiful example of this truth is found in the Book of Esther.
After Esther was crowned queen of the Persian Empire, an important incident took place in the palace. During the days when Mordecai sat at the king’s gate, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway—Bigthana and Teresh—became angry with King Ahasuerus and plotted to assassinate him.
Mordecai learned about the conspiracy and informed Queen Esther. Esther, giving credit to Mordecai, reported it to the king. When the matter was investigated, it was found to be true, and the two officials were executed.
All these events were recorded in the royal chronicles in the presence of the king (Esther 2:22–23).
However, Mordecai, who had saved the king’s life, received no immediate recognition or honor.
From a human perspective, his faithful act seemed unnoticed and forgotten.
Yet this itself was part of God’s profound providence.
Later, in chapter 6 of the Book of Esther, the king could not sleep one night. As the royal records were read before him, the account of Mordecai saving the king’s life was brought to his attention. Then the king asked:
“What honor or recognition has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?”
In this event, both God’s sovereignty and God’s providence are beautifully revealed.
1. God rewards not immediately, but at the right time
Mordecai’s good deed was not forgotten; it was simply reserved for God’s appointed time. If he had been rewarded immediately, the event would not later have become powerful enough to shatter Haman’s pride
2. God rules over human memory and circumstances
A king losing sleep may seem like an ordinary occurrence. Yet God used even that moment to fulfill His divine purpose. The decision to read the royal chronicles was itself part of God’s providential working.
3. God exalts His people on the right stage
The honor given to Mordecai was not merely a personal reward. It became the means for:
Haman’s humiliation,
the deliverance of the Jewish people,
and Esther’s courageous intervention.
Therefore, Mordecai’s reward was not “delayed”; it was “divinely timed.”
From this we learn an important spiritual truth:
People may forget, but God records.
And what God records, He reveals at the proper time.
This is Divine Providence — God quietly working behind the scenes to accomplish His sovereign plan.
Another beautiful example of this truth is found in the life of Joseph in Book of Genesis. While in prison, Joseph helped Pharaoh’s cupbearer. Yet:
“The chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph but forgot him.”
— Genesis 40:23
For two years Joseph remained forgotten in prison. But when the right time came for Pharaoh’s dream to be interpreted, God stirred the memory of the cupbearer. Through that, Joseph was brought from the prison into the palace.
Through these events, we understand:
God does everything according to His timing, His will, and His sovereignty.
Therefore, God never forgets our good works. Even if people overlook them, God sees them. At the appointed time, He will remember and bring about what is good for us.
As Paul the apostle says:
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.”
— Galatians 6:9
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