Chap. 2:21 -- Mordecai obtained a position of importance -- "sat in the king's gate."     We don't know exactly what it was but he was promoted after Esther's coronation to a higher position and probably because of strong ethical principles, honesty, goodness, kindness, good citizenship and trustworthiness. All of these we see in this man's life. Bigthan was probably the Bigtha of 1:10 and Teresh- 6:2 as such they were keepers of the King's doors and were in a good position to slay him.

Mordecai and Esther both showed that they were willing to help others in time of need. They weren't like some who stand by and see others or doing our duty as citizens is dangerous and costly but we shouldn't hedge on this responsibility.

Vs. 23 -- These men were apprehended and Mordecai went unnoticed and unrewarded. But his deed was written in the King's record and later he would be rewarded. Ch. 6:1-3. "lthough we may do things that are good and they go unrewarded and unnoticed, we know God is recording them in His records and there will come a day when we will be rewarded. Romans 2:6.

3:1 -- Satan's followers often have and are more likely to have the superior positions of government as Haman so pictures. Haman, the Jew enemy -- vs. 10, existed as a result of a Jew's disobedience. I Samuel 15:1-9. Haman was a descendant of Agag, an Amalekite. Note: Generations that follow us may be hurt by our sins. Mordecai was a Benjamite and thus was of the same tribe as Saul. Amalekites were always enemies of God's people. Numbers 24:7, 20; Deuteronomy 25:17-19.

Vs. 2 -- God's people were not and are not to bow to mortal man. Deuteronomy 6:12-15. Haman was set up as a god and Mordecai would not so esteem him. Deuteronomy 6:4,5; Exodus 20:3.

Vs. 3 -- When we stand true to God and place Him above all others, the world will take notice and become inquisitive. Then opportunities are presented for us to witness.

Vs. 4 & 5 -- People wanted to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand. Of course they will stand as he stands with and for God who is "able to make him stand." "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world". I Jn 5:4. Haman, a man of pride, couldn't let one man fail to honor him. Here again we see "Pride goeth before a fall." Haman will fall. Ch. 6 & 7; James 4:10. It is sinful to become angry over our persons being belittled. II Samuel 16:15-14; James 1:14, 15; Ephesians. 4:26.

Vs. 6 -- Haman allowed his wrath to become extreme in its desire for revenge. It is much better to leave the matter in the hands of God. Hebrews 10:30,31.

Vs. 7 -- This was 5 years after Esther was made queen. By casting lots Haman's men chose the 12^th month as the month in which to bring revenge on the Jews.

Vs. 8 -- The certain people were God's people and distinguishable from all others. God's people are a peculiar people. I Peter 2:9. Haman lied. It's to the benefit of every nation to have a number of God's people in it. It is God's people who raise the moral and ethical standards of a nation.

Vs. 9 -- Haman so hated the Jews that he was willing to pay a sum equivalent to 25 or 30 million dollars of today's money for the privilege of annihilating the Jews. As such he reveals to us the hatred Satan has for God and His people. Satan was behind the plot for Satan wanted to destroy the Jews and thereby prevent the Saviour from being born, for He must come as a Jew. Genesis 3:15; Deuteronomy 18:15. Satan and his followers hate God's people today.           Ephesians 2:2 ; Matthew 6:24; Luke 11:23.

Vs. 10 -- The king showed his heart in that money was more important to him than the live of God's people. I Tim. 6:10. Xerxes could well have needed the money, for his expedition against Greece had been very costly. It is better to starve and do without things than to harm the people of God. What are some ways we can harm them?

Vs. 11 -- Isn't it good to know that God never does like this with Satan to His people? For God loves us and God has a hedge about us so Satan can't bother us except as He wills and that will be done only for our benefit. Romans 8:28; I Corinthians. 10:13; Job 1:6-12. The king also gave Haman the silver, their wealth and goods) of the people who would be slain. He was giving away something that didn't belong to him. This is still occurring, especially in government circles today.

Vs. 12 -- No plan for the evangelization of the world was ever carried out with more precision and attention to detail than we have here. Not one province was overlooked. As Christians with a great message, we should desire and determine to so carry the gospel message out as they have here.

Vs. 13 -- "Letters sent by posts" refers to the Pony Express system of their day as was similar to the Pony Express system of early America. They sent the message out in haste.

Vs. 14 -- All people throughout the empire heard the message. If Satan's crowd can get his message to all people, certainly, we, with God's power with us (Matthew 28:18-20), can get His message to all people if we will determine to do so and be willing to pay the price necessary for such an endeavor.

Vs. 15 -- The message came from headquarters, the palace. The king and Haman were both unconcerned over the plight of the people. They were only concerned with self. The people of Shushan were greatly disturbed by the decree. The Jews were upset for soon they and all their families were to be killed. The Babylonians were upset for if the king could and would do this to the Jews, certainly they might be next. We should all be disturbed when our government becomes too powerful.