Welcome, Fam, to a new day that the Lord has made; may we rejoice and be glad in it.
Like most of you, I have read the book of Esther several times but never paid attention to the role Haman’s wife, Zeresh, and his friends played. So, now that I have delved a bit more into it, a question beckons: What advice do you—a wife, sister, friend or colleague—give when asked? Is it one that builds or destroys? Zeresh is portrayed in the scriptures as even more wicked than her husband, Haman. She was the one who advised Haman to kill the Jews, as punishment for Mordecai’s refusal to bow to him. Haman heeded her advice, and ended up hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.
Here is my impression of Zeresh’s words to Haman: “If this man (Mordecai) of whom you speak is of Jewish descent, you will not overcome him; so you must act wisely against him.” And here is my impression of her thoughts:
If Haman drops him into a fiery furnace, his God will save him, like he did Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego.
If he throws him into the lions’ den, he may come out unscathed, like Daniel.
If he cast him into prison, he may emerge greater, like Joseph.
If he exiles him to the wilderness, he may turn out fruitful, like the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied in the harsh desert.
And if he plucks out his eyes, he may still be dangerous, like Samson was, eventually killing many more Philistines.
“Hang him on the gallows,” she must have said, “for we have not heard of a Jew who was saved from hanging.”
“Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman, and he caused the gallows to be made. – Esther 5:14.
Later on in chapter 6:13, this transpires:
“And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, ‘If Mordecai is of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.”
Wise women are celebrated in Proverbs 14:1, “The wise woman builds her house.” The rest of the verse speaks of wicked women like Zeresh: “But the foolish tears it down with her own hands”.
In a similar account, in Job 2:9, Job’s wife tells her suffering husband: “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”
Job’s response, thank God, was: “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
And to Husbands: Who are your friends? Do they give you wise advice or foolish counsel. We know the end of Haman and his family. The advice of his wife, Zeresh, and his friends, doomed his entire generations.
A word for today:
Do not be hasty in making decisions. Do not be in a haste to offer counsel. “Give careful thought to the path for your feet” says Prov 4:26a. Wives, be builders, not destroyers. Friends, be mindful of the advice you offer! Husbands, sift through your friends, and be wise. James 1:19 TPT counsels: “My dearest brothers and sisters, take this to heart: Be quick to listen, but slow to speak. And be slow to become angry.”
In conclusion, always pause and ponder what advice you are about to give or take. Your careful thought will save the day.
Drop me a comment if this Bible Study Series has blessed you. Do not hesitate to share your perspective as it’ll minister to others. Have a blessed day and productive rest of the week ahead.
May God help us!
Great points.. the role close acquaintances have on our decision making and the role of spouses can never be overlooked. The influences sometimes subtle have great consequences
I just spent the weekend with friends and we exchanged advice the whole time I think...this makes me think that I need to be slower to speak. How quick we are to give advice or try to instruct...and to receive it. Both need God's stamp of approval.
Wow! Another dimension to the story; Zeresh is often overlooked though one of the key characters in this story.Like Jezebel,she's a manipulator that eventually destroys her home/entire family...As wives our Actions affects a whole generation (either positively or negatively)...Proverbs 14:1...Watch out!
Thanks for this message may we be filled with wisdom to build and keep our homes, many times women mislead their husbands for their selfish purpose, as a Godly women let us be careful of the advice we give ,not only to our husbands but also to the children, may we not be a tool of destruction in Jesus name.