So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”
Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”
King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?” Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”
Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.

–Parallel verses:
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭5‬
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

We see here, Esther, in her petition, submits to the king’s authority. She is so humble in her way, she says if she and her people were merely sold into slavery she would not have bothered the king. But she must appeal to King Xerxes for her very life and the life of her people.

And this humility is a stark contrast, standing right next to the haughty Haman. Those who puff themselves up have a hard time being in the presence of a truthful follower of God, because how they behave is so dramatically different.

Though the queen had not seen the king for over 30 days prior to approaching him, now in two short days, she has won him over. Conversely, Haman, who was the right hand man of the king, because of his ruthlessness and pride, stands to be condemned.

And this is why God calls us to act with grace and to love our enemies: Because he wants us to be a light standing next to darkness. He wants people to see the brightness of a holy character in us.

Lord, strengthen my heart to trust you more. May my resolve be to humble myself before your mighty hand, as Esther and Mordecai did. Help me to see your eternal plans in the momentary trials of life, and rejoice in your faithfulness and goodness to me!