The Table Turns

Esther 7:1-8:17

As we continue our series, Sharing God in Godless Times, we discover that if we could place a blanket theme over Chapters 7-8, we could title this section, The Great Reversal. We will see so many circumstances reverse in our study tonight and we will learn that God can reverse our circumstances even in times when it appears evil is winning.

Tonight, we discover that Haman’s scheme to destroy the Jews backfired on him and he is destroyed by his own wicked schemes.

On the other hand, or at the other end of the spectrum or so Haman thought is a man named Mordecai, marked for death who was wearing sackcloth and ashes, no is in a position of authority and royalty and dressed the part. And God’s people who were earmarked for total annihilation are given hope. The great reversal or the great turn of events.

I want us to make a key observation tonight:

God doesn’t just take action to bring our lives from danger and it stop there. He does it in a fashion that brings glory to Himself.

Background:

Esther 5-6

Let’s recap:

Esther had risked her life approaching King Ahasuerus.

Haman had constructed a gallows approximately 75 feet high to execute Mordecai.

The king experienced a sleepless night and discovered that Mordecai had never been rewarded for saving his life.

In an extraordinary reversal, Haman was forced to publicly honor the very man he intended to kill.

Let me ask you a question tonight:

Have you ever encountered a situation or circumstance that by your interpretation was going totally wrong, only to learn later that God was working through those circumstances to bring a better outcome?

Ill. Career Change-Luke

Romans 8:28 “28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Oh listen, this verse doesn’t mean that every situation we are confronted with is good, it means God can be working behind the scenes to work it to His good for us.

The situation is chicken manure and He can turn it into chicken salad.

Joseph said to his brothers,

“What you intended for evil, God intended for good.”

Tonight, in very explicit fashion we see this reality come to fruition.

1. God Brings Hidden Evil into Light (Esther 7:1-6)

Someone please read Esther 7:1-6

Esther 7:1–6 NKJV

1 So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther. 2 And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!” 3 Then Queen Esther answered and said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. 4 For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king’s loss.” 5 So King Ahasuerus answered and said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?” 6 And Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!” So Haman was terrified before the king and queen.

Tonight, we find ourselves sitting at the table of the 2nd banquet. This is the scene where Esther climactically makes her request known.

A. Esther shows great wisdom in her timing (vv. 1-3)

1st banquet-Notice that Esther did not outrun God. She waited for the King to ask her request.

Esther 5:6 “6 At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!””

She takes that same approach the 2nd time. Look with me:

Esther 7:2 “2 And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!””

I do believe our King, King Jesus, our God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is embedded into this story. I believe the story teaches how we approach our King.

Esther was not pushy, forward, or run in flying off the handle making accusations about Haman. She sensed God’s timing in making her request. Speaking to our King requires patience and preparation and prayer.

We have read where Esther accomplished that in prior chapters before this meeting. She prayed, she fasted, she prepared for what she was going to say. She waited on the right opportunity. We are to work in God’s timing.

App.: There are times when we must speak up, but wisdom helps us know how and when that is to take place.

Proverbs 15:23 “23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”

Ecclesiastes 3:7 “7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;”

B. Esther Demonstrates Courage in her Request (v. 4)

Esther 7:4 “4 For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king’s loss.””

Esther not only reveals that her people have been sold out to destruction, but she revealed her own Jewish identity. She openly identified herself as a person of God, Yahweh. She came to a point regardless of Mordecai’s counsel to stay quite about her background that now the time had come to speak up.

App.: There are many times in life that saying nothing would be so much easier, but we have to heed the Holy Spirit’s tap when He calls us to speak up.

C. Esther Identifies the Enemy (vv. 5-6)

Esther 7:6 “6 And Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!” So Haman was terrified before the king and queen.”

Can you see Haman’s teeth just about drop out of his mouth? One moment He senses he is the man right under the King and that the King is going to praise him. The next moment, the very man that he wants to destroy, now the King has ordered to offer praise to Mordecai and ride him through town with a royal robe, a crest, and on the king’s horse. And then this, he thinks he sees enough positive to stomach on through the unfortunate turn of events because he still sitting at the table with the King and the Queen. And now, he is called out as the one who is to martyr the whole Jewish population of the 127 provinces. He hailed his life in pride in one moment and the was horrified for his life in panic the next.

Let me ask you a question: Why do you believe people think they can conceal their wrongdoing indefinitely?

Pride, power, the belief that nobody knows, or the assumption that consequences will never come out of that action.

Numbers 32:23 “23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.”

Hebrews 4:13 “13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Luke 12:2 “2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.”

Oh listen, you may conceal stuff from me and I might conceal something from you, but none of us will conceal anything from God. *take up here next time***

2. God Can Reverse the Plans of the Wicked (Esther 7:7-10)

Someone please read:

Esther 7:7–10 NKJV

7 Then the king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden; but Haman stood before Queen Esther, pleading for his life, for he saw that evil was determined against him by the king. 8 When the king returned from the palace garden to the place of the banquet of wine, Haman had fallen across the couch where Esther was. Then the king said, “Will he also assault the queen while I am in the house?” As the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 9 Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, “Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.” Then the king said, “Hang him on it!” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.

This is the grand reversal, the grand climax of Haman’s story and the idea of what goes around, comes around.

Haman is hung on the very gallows that he built to hand Mordecai. The great reversal we will read of in the time ahead. Mordecai takes Haman’s role in the Kingdom.

Oh listen church, this idea of invincibility and pride will catch up with us.

A. Pride Leads to Destruction

Proverbs 16:18 “18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Oh yes, Haman was a bright man, a resourceful man, a man of influence, political prowess, wealth, prominence, and recognition among his peers, and a man of authority.

All of those qualities and those qualities are great will not protect him or us from the consequences coming to us when we act in such fashion.

B. Evil Often Carries the Seeds of its Own Destruction

Someone please read:

Psalm 7:14–16 “14 Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. 15 He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His trouble shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.”

"He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made."

We say, you made your bed, now lie in it.” Isn’t this what Haman did?

He literally constructed the instrument of his own destruction.

C. God accomplishes His purposes even through imperfect people and Imperfect Powers

The king was not necessarily a godly man. His actions were often impulsive. Yet God worked through these events to preserve His people.

This does not mean every decision made by the king was righteous. It means God's providence is not limited by the righteousness of human rulers.

Ill. Friend Dr. Sam-Pension

Question:

What are some things people place their confidence in today that can disappear almost overnight?

Wealth, political influence, employment, physical strength, reputation, or popularity.

Ill. Oakridge Boys, the Statler Brothers, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Alabama

Oh dearly beloved, our security must rest in the Lord than the temporary advantages we may have in this life.

3. God's Deliverance Often Involves Our Responsibility (Esther 8:1–8)

Someone please read:

Esther 8:1–8 NKJV

1 On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. 2 So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman. 3 Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews. 4 And the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king, 5 and said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?” 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews. 8 You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke.”

There is an important truth for us in this section we could easily overlook.

Haman is dead. Mordecai has ben elevated in position. Esther has been given Haman’s estate. All appears wonderful and things could stop right there?

Is that life should be? We look out only for ourselves and our securities and fial to look out for our fellow man?

Oh listen, the Crisis is Not Over.

There is still a decree out among the 127 provinces and the clock is ticking to destroy all of the Jews.

A. Esther refuses to become comfortable while others remain in danger (vv. 3–6).

Look at verse 6:

Esther 8:6 “6 For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?””

Don’t you know that it would have been real easy for Esther to settle into her new estate, enjoy the comfortable relationship with the King, eat good and be merry on her way?

Esther had been spared, Mordecai had been spared, and Haman was gone. All is well or is it?

Esther understood that her personal welfare had not diminished her need to use her role and her gifts and talents for the kingdom (God Kingdom). She had a responsibility to her people. If God had given her such position and the ability to influence authority, she was going to use it for the welfare of God’s chosen people.

There is a difference between being thankful for our blessings and becoming satisfied while others remain in need.

B. God positions people to become instruments of His provision (vv. 7–8).

Esther 8:7–8 “7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews. 8 You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke.””

Who was given the King’s signet ring? Who was given a new found authority?

Remember that Mordecai challenged Esther in Chapter 4 with these words:

Esther 4:14 “14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?””

Esther and Mordecai are now in positions where they can make a difference for their people.

Question:

What are some ways God has placed us in positions to help others that we might not have recognized?

Possible answers: Encouraging someone in grief, helping a struggling family, witnessing to a coworker, serving in the church, or using our resources to meet a need.

Application: Sometimes the answer to another person's prayer involves our willingness to be used by God.

4. God Provides Hope When Circumstances Seem Hopeless (Esther 8:9–14)

Someone read:

Esther 8:9–14 NKJV

9 So the king’s scribes were called at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and it was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews, the satraps, the governors, and the princes of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one hundred and twenty-seven provinces in all, to every province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. 10 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king’s signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding on royal horses bred from swift steeds. 11 By these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather together and protect their lives—to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions, 12 on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province and published for all people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14 The couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s command. And the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel.

Here is an interesting twist.

Under the Persian legal system as presented in Esther, the original royal decree could not simply be revoked. There had to be a new decree issue to revoke the prior decree.

The decree authorizing the destruction of the Jews remained in place.

But Mordecai was authorized to issue a second decree allowing the Jewish people to assemble and defend themselves.

A. The danger was real, but provision had been made.

The Jews still faced opposition.

They would still need to prepare and defend themselves.

God's deliverance did not mean they would experience no struggle.

B. God's provision did not eliminate the need for action.

The Jewish people were given the legal authority to defend themselves, but they would have to exercise it.

This provides an opportunity to discuss the relationship between trusting God and taking responsible action.

Nehemiah 4:9 offers a helpful parallel:

"Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night."

Nehemiah prayed, but he also posted guards.

Discussion question: "How do we distinguish between trusting God and simply doing nothing?"

Help the congregation see that genuine faith frequently produces obedience, preparation, courage, and responsible action.

Application: Faith does not excuse inactivity when God has given us responsibilities to fulfill.

5. God Can Turn Mourning Into Joy (Esther 8:15–17)

Someone read:

Esther 8:15–17 NKJV

15 So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. 17 And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.

This is a wonderful conclusion to tonight's study.

Notice the contrast between the earlier chapters and the closing verses of chapter 8.

Earlier in Esther

Now in Esther 8

Haman held authority

Mordecai holds authority

The Jews were mourning

The Jews are rejoicing

Fear filled the people

Hope spreads among the people

Destruction appeared certain

Deliverance becomes possible

Sackcloth and ashes

Royal garments and celebration

Esther 8:16 (NKJV):

"The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor."

A. God is capable of changing our circumstances.

Read Psalm 30:5:

"Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning."

This does not promise that every earthly difficulty will end as quickly or dramatically as Esther's crisis. But it reminds us that sorrow does not have the final word for God's people.

B. God's work among His people can become a testimony to others.

Verse 17 describes people throughout the provinces becoming Jews because fear of the Jews fell upon them.

The text does not establish the sincerity of every individual's response, but it clearly shows that the reversal had a public impact beyond the Jewish community.

Application: When God works in our lives, other people are often watching. Our response to His goodness provides opportunities to testify to His faithfulness.

Final discussion question:

Can you remember a season when you were discouraged, but later you could look back and see evidence of God's faithfulness?

Conclusion:

God's name is never explicitly mentioned in Esther, but His providence is evident throughout the story.

Consider everything that had to happen:

Esther became queen.

Mordecai uncovered an assassination plot.

The king experienced a sleepless night.

The royal chronicles were read at precisely the right moment.

Haman's plan to destroy Mordecai was reversed.

Esther found favor before the king.

Mordecai was elevated to a position of influence.

The Jews received the opportunity to defend themselves.

Individually, these events might appear coincidental.

Together, they reveal the remarkable providence of God.

I would close with three statements:

1. When you cannot see God's hand, you can still trust His character.

2. When circumstances appear to be working against you, God has not surrendered His authority.

3. When God places an opportunity before you, be willing to act faithfully.

Read Proverbs 3:5–6 “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”