7. To show through Haman's life that sin does not pay. 7:6.

8. To show that justness shall characterize God's judgment. 7:8-10.

INTRODUCTION: In last week's lesson, we saw that the king offered to give Esther anything she asked, even to the half of his kingdom. She simply asked that the king and Haman come to a banquet the next day. Haman went home joyous over the fact that he had been invited to such a great occasion but on the way home he passed Mordecai who refused to bow to him. Haman became furious and when he arrived home he told his wife and his friends what had transpired. They suggested he build a gallows to hang Mordecai on and then go in the next day and ask the king for permission to hang Mordecai.

In today's lesson we see how God intervened, saving Mordecai and causing Haman to be humiliated and justly punished. It has been well said that although the name of God is not in this book, the hand of God is plainly to be seen throughout. Nowhere is this more plainly seen than in our lesson today. To all appearances, Satan was to have everything his way and God's people would be annihilated but God intervened.

6:1&2 -- The fact that the king couldn't sleep was an act of God. Proverbs 21:1. The fact that the portion of the records that contained Mordecai's act (2:21-23) were read to the king was an act of God.

Vs. 3 -- The fact that Mordecai had not been rewarded before was also an act of God. Romans 8:28. We should not be disheartened if a day's happenings don't seem to be beneficial and rewarding. Payday hasn't come yet!

Vs. 4 -- Haman came to dishonor Mordecai but God was going to see that Mordecai (His faithful child) would be exalted. James 4:6; Galatians 6:9.

Vs. 6 -- Haman told the king those things he would like done for himself.

Vs. 8 & 9 -- Royal apparel shows that he wanted to be dressed as the King. He wanted to be arrayed like the king, ride like the kings, and honored like the king, thus he was to have one proclaiming his greatness as he rode through the city. How like Satan in his desires. Isaiah 14:12-14.

Vs. 10 -- What a shock when it was revealed that Mordecai would be so honored.

Vs. 11 -- What a humiliation for Haman. No doubt his friends (of 5:14) saw him and thousands of the city folks.

Vs. 12 -- Mordecai just went back to his normal duties. He did not become puffed up over his exaltation. If and when we are ever exalted by anything let us remember that if it were not for God we would not have it. Jas. 1:17.

Vs. 13 -- Haman's wife and his friends now turn against him and tell him he's on the downward trail. They could have been a help to him but instead they added to his woes. Christian friends, because they love in a godly manner, would have sought to help. I John 3:14,17; 4:7,12,20,21; 5:1.

Vs. 14 -- Haman, in his discouragement, didn't even want to go to the banquet but he was sent for. Every sinner must stand before the Judge one day. Revelation 20:11-15; Hebrews 9:27; Romans 2:6.

Vs. 3 -- Esther made he request in humility (if I have found favour in they sight). She made her request in a manner that let the king know that whatever benefit she got from the king she knew was an act of grace (undeserved kindness). Such should characterize our prayers to God.

Vs. 4 -- Her request was simple and pointed: "My life and my people's life."

Vs. 5 & 6 -- The king was shocked that such had occurred, that is, that she was included in the previous decree .

(ch. 3). Esther described Haman as "an adversary, an enemy, and as a wickrd person."  Satan is likewise and he was a child of the devil as are all unsaved people. John 8:44; I Peter 5:8.,

Vs. 7 & 8 -- Sin does not pay.  Romans 6:23; Num. 3:21-23.  As a result of his sin, Haman was accused, apprehended, and taken before the king. His face was covered so that he could no longer see the king. Such will be the lot of every sinner who refuses to accept Christ. There will come a day when they will stand before the judge and be cast out into outer darkness. Matthew 7:21-23; Revelation 20:11-15.

Vs. 9 & 10 -- Haman got justice. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth., just what the law demanded.

Exodus 21:24. That satisfied the king's wrath. God is like that. Those who will not accept Christ can expect just such justice for all have sinned. (Romans 3:23) and sinners must die; (Romans 6:23) and in hell they will get justice without one degree of mercy.