The answer is: Read the history books

Esther 6:1

In Esther 6:1, when King Ahasuerus couldn’t catch a wink of sleep, he turned to the royal records – a fascinating move that’s both practical and telling of his character! Imagine a royal tossing and turning in bed, resorting to history books as his bedtime reading. That speaks volumes about Ahasuerus; rather than simply seeking distractions, he looks to his nation’s past to find solace.

Diving into those records was more than just a pastime; it set off a chain of events that would change the course of history for the Jewish people living in exile. Just a simple sleepless night led him to rediscover the loyalty of Mordecai, who had once saved his life from an assassination plot (Esther 2:21-23). This seemingly small action would lead to profound consequences, culminating in Mordecai's honor and the eventual downfall of Haman, the villain of the story.

The royal history archives served another purpose too—calling to mind the theme of remembrance throughout the Bible. This echoes back to other key moments, such as in Psalms, where the act of recalling God’s past deeds instilled faith and hope. So, the king's historical reading isn't just quaint; it connects with foundational truths in the faith discussion about how the past shapes our understanding and can inspire courageous future actions. What memorable lessons might we learn just from reflecting on our own histories?