12/05/2026
Chapter 6 Esther recap
As you read through Esther chapter 6, most scholars say this is the turning point in the narrative. They call chapter six the “centre of a Chiasm” (which I will explain in our last session).
For example 6:1 opens with “that night the king could not sleep” which triggers a series of unique events.
Reversals – In chapter 6 we see lots of reversals. The whole book of Esther has reversals, but chapter 6 makes reversals obvious. For example banquets(feasts) are key events in the whole narrative which involve food and alcohol. They have been the scene for bad stuff, but in chapter 5 there is a reversal where Esther uses the first of two private banquets to her advantage. The narrative of Esther is full of reversals, and it is important to recognise them, because they are in God’s Word for a reason. In the artwork below, the reversal is exaltation shifting 180 degrees between Haman and Mordecai:
Esther: Chapters: 9, 10 – Seachord
Application for us - In our own lives in hindsight, we can eventually recognise reversals, which help to make sense of life. In counselling theory, one role of the counsellor is to help the person recognise reversals that have occurred in the past. Technically it is called “re-framing”, which then leads to healing. https://www.verywellmind.com/reframing-defined-2610419 .
Let me briefly explain how I practice this in my life, without a therapist. Each year I buy an A4 sized diary which is one page dated per day. Each day I quickly write the raw data of what happened. I don’t think about it, I just write dot points. I also draw simple diagrams. Later, at the end of a period of time, I go over what I have written, looking for links and patterns and timing. Eventually I recognise “providence” in my life working out. More on this topic as we progress through our study.
Coincidence – when you look up the definition of coincidence, and please do this yourself, note that there are two aspects: 1) timing and 2) events. The narrative of Esther is full of coincidences, and see if you can recognise them as you re-read.
In our own lives, when we reflect back, we can detect coincidences. They are never obvious at the time because life just keeps going on and on. Take a moment to reflect on these:
“While I was…… , it just so happened that……”.
Or “Isn’t it funny that…..”
Or “Hey, you’re not gonna believe this, but …….”
Or “you know how we were talking about so and so, well guess what, I just happened to bump into them…”
Providence – this is a word that has been mentioned on and off in our studies, and it is worth looking up the meaning up yourself. In our last session we will unpack providence.
Patience and God’s timing in Esther Chapter 6 - YouTube
Jesus - Let’s think about how all this applies in the life of Jesus. In “The Chosen” series, the directors have skilfully employed reversals and coincidences. We have the DVD set if you want to
borrow them, and there is a set in The Mission church library, but you will need a DVD player. I think you can watch The Chosen online as well. Find an episode and see if you can spot the coincidences and reversals, that add to the drama, and make the story come alive.
The cross was the biggest reversal of all. If Satan had have known that the death of Jesus would bring his demise, he would have never plotted the ex*****on. Paul writes:
And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Cor. 2:4-9 NKJ)
Reframing involves changing distorted thinking to alter how you experience things. Cognitive reframing can help people see things from a different perspective.
