4. To teach the immutability of God's laws. Vs. 6,8, 11-13.

INTRODUCTION: Summarize the fall of Haman from last week's lesson. After the death of Haman, Esther was sure of her deliverance from the decree (3:13) but what of her people: the Jews?  In this chapter we will see Esther's great concern for them and what was done to bring about their deliverance.

Vs. 1 -- When a criminal was executed, everything that belonged to him became the property of the Crown and was disposed of according to the king's pleasure. Esther revealed to the king that Mordecai was her cousin and this helped place Mordecai in very high esteem with the king. Note: It pays to help others. Mordecai had raised Esther and now he was to benefit greatly. Galatians 6:9 & 10.

Vs. 2 -- The king gave Haman's possessions, his household and his servants to Esther and now Esther was very rich. Mordecai was given the position that formerly was Haman's. The (King's) right was taken from Haman before his death.

Vs. 3 -- Esther had a great compassion (a broken heart) for her people. The former decree had not been rescinded. Her actions are an example to us of the great concern we should have over the plight of the lost. For Satan hath devised mischief against them (II Tim. 2:14-16; Ephesians 2:23; I Peter 5:8) and as she did, we should beseech (beg) the Lord on their behalf. I Samuel 12:33.

Vs. 4 & 5 -- Esther asked that the request be granted only if 4 things were fulfilled.

1. If it please the king -- We should want nothing done by our Lord if it doesn't please Him.

2. If I have found favour -- We should seek to be always in his favour, and in His direct will as opposed to His permissive will.

3. If the thing seem right -- We should not want God to do anything that is not completely in accord with His holiness.

4. If I be pleasing -- We should not expect God to answer our prayers if we are not pleasing to Him. Isaiah 59:1 & 2.

Vs. 6 -- Esther requested something that was against the set policy of the nation, i.e. to change a law that had been made by the king, known as the law of the Medes and Persians. It was an unchanging law and pictures God's unchanging decree that "the soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezek. 18:4; Romans 6:23

Esther's heartfelt plea is continued, "How can I endure to see the evil that shall come?" Sinners are going to Hell. Revelation 21:8. How can we endure to see it and not do all we can to keep them from having that awful day come upon them?

Vs. 7 -- Here it is revealed that the reason the King had Haman killed was because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Genesis 12:3. God will protect the Jews because He promised to, because He loves them -- Hosea 3:1; because they preserved His Word, Romans 3:2, because it was through them the Saviour was given to the world.

Vs. 8 -- A decree sent out by Mordecai was just as precise and specific as to its intended destination as Hamans had been. 3:12. This reminds us that God's decree of deliverance (the Gospel) is to go into all the world. Mark 15:16.

Vs. 10 -- No expense was spared in getting the message out and so should it be with us, with the gospel.

Vs. 11-13 -- The decree of deliverance was that the Jews could stand on the day appointed for their doom and defend themselves and fight for their lives. They could even have the possessions of those of their attackers that they killed.

This was good new for it was backed by the king's authority and was an unrescindable decree. This is like the gospel for it is good news, backed by God's authority and Word (Titus 2:3) and is unrescindable. Hebrews 13:8.

Vs. 14 -- These riders played an important part in effecting the Jews deliverance. What if one or some had dallied along the way and had not gone forth to their appointed cities with haste? Some of the people would not have heard the good news. It is important that we do what we should to see that every person on the earth hears before it is too late. Pro. 24:11,12.

Vs. 15 -- Mordecai was now manifesting his position of prominence (royal apparel) and the city of Shushan rejoiced because now righteousness would characterize the government, for Mordecai would be in command.

Vs. 16-17 -- When the tide of evil turned, great advantages flowed to the Jews. So when people turn to Christ they will find that similar results will follow.

1. Light -- They will see the meaning of God's Word and Life.

2. Gladness -- True gladness because of his salvation. I've never met a Christian who wasn't glad that he was saved.

3. Joy -- Happiness to a greater extent than just gladness.

4. Honor -- People respect a true Christian.

5. Usefulness -- Their influence is extended. "Many people became Jews."

6. Safety -- "The former enemies were afraid to touch them". Evil powers will not be able to attack Christians except as God allows. Romans 8:28.