Esther 8

Recap of Chapter 7

- Esther prepares a feast for the King and Haman.

- After the feast the King inquires again as to what Esther’s request is.

- She finally reveals that her identity and that an evil plot has been devised against her people.

- This shocks both Haman and the King.

- The King goes out into the garden to gather his thoughts and Haman begs the queen for his life.

- The King returns and sees Haman throwing himself on the queen.

- He doesn’t react well and has Haman hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

A few weeks ago in chapter six I shared that it was the turn point where action happened that changed the once perceived outcome.

In Chapter 8 we see some of those changes play out.

This morning I want us to see three changes that take place

First, A Change In Riches. (1a)

- When this narrative started Esther was a girl who had lost her parents, and had been taken into the custody of her cousin Mordecai

- Through a series of events orchestrated by God, she replaces Vashti as queen.

- Now after the execution of Haman, the King gives Esther the house of Haman.

- This is similar to the act of plundering…a king goes to battle and after winning he takes anything he wants of his defeated foe.

- In this narrative the King gives Esther the house of Haman. However, it’s not just his home, but his house hold, his riches, everything.

- Esther goes from an orphan…to queen…to having all the riches of her enemy.

Second, A Change in Position (1b-2)

- We don’t know exactly what Mordecai’s position is, other than the fact that he hangs out at the city gate.

- We do know that he fell under the authority of Haman his sworn enemy.

- Esther brings Mordecai before the King and it is revealed who he is in connection to Esther.

- The King then takes the signet ring that had been just a short time ago been on Haman finger and gives it to Mordecai.

- A change from citizen of the Kingdom to second in command.

- Then Esther sets Mordecai over the vast riches that she has just received, the house of Haman.

Third, A Change In Advantage (3-17)

- Coming out of chapter 7 we still have a huge problem…Esther is safe, but not her people.

- So, again she takes a risk and she goes before the King again (3-6)

- She first like Haman falls on her knees before the King, but this time his isn’t filled with wrath and extends the golden scepter.

- She is skilled in her words…If it please the king…If I have found favor in your sight…if it seems right to you…and if I am pleasing to you.

- This is about the King and Esther

- Not about right or wrong/wrong or justice/injustice

- Basically, If you really love me and want to make me happy…revoke the edict against my people.

- The King responds to her request (7-8)

- I killed your enemy and gave you all his stuff

- Me focused (King) -V- People focused (Esther)

- The King doesn’t care about the Jewish people, he is only responding to Esther

- He follows ups by telling them they can write an edict regarding the Jews and use his signet ring.

- In Persian law, an edict from the King was irrevocable.

- I don’t understand how this works, because he is the king, but none-the-less, this is the case it can’t be overturned.

- So the only thing to do is write an edict that could compete with it.

- This becomes Mordecai’s first act as second in command (9-14)

- The Kings scribes are summoned and his fastest horses used to get the edict out as quickly as possible.

- Again, the edict doesn’t revoke the first one, but competes with it.

- Mordecai uses the same language that Haman had used…V11

- To defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, to annihilate any armed force that tried to attack them, and then they could plunder their goods.

- This is a change in advantage, the people who were completely helpless could now under royal edict defend themselves.

- After this Mordecai goes out into the streets with his new rob and the people rejoiced.

- Their feelings had changed…In Chapter 8 they are light, gladness, joy, and honor…As opposed to Chapter 3 when the city was thrown into confusion.

What We Learn about God

He appoints people to their positions of power.

o God was not surprised by King Xerxes or Haman

o They are in those positions under his power.

o God appointed Esther and Mordecai.

o Let us remember this today as we look to those who are in charge over us.

His Son Jesus is a better mediator then Esther

o The best Esther could do was plead and then have an edict issued that competes.

o In the end she couldn’t fully save her people, but only offer then an advantage.

o Jesus offers us more than an advantage he offers us salvation.

How Can We Respond

1. Everything that has happened in this chapter was in response to relationships.

- King directly responds to Esther because of relationship.

- Mordecai is placed over the charge of the Haman’s house because of his relationship to Esther.

- The Jews are given a fighting chance because of the relationship to Esther as Jews.

- God responses to us in directly related to His relationship with Jesus…and…are response to Him is directly related to our relationship to Jesus.

- Do you have that relationship?

2. Look with me one more time at V6.

- Esther could not bare to see the calamity of her people.

- It wasn’t enough for her to be saved, but she also wanted it to be so for her people.

- Don’t let it be enough for you to be saved!

- Do you have a desire for those around you to be saved…

- I asked Jonathan to sing “There is A Fountain” this morning….(1) because it my favorite hymn…(2) there are a couple lines that always jump out to me.

Verse 2

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day; and there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away

Verse 3

Dear dying Lamb, They precious blood shall never lose its power, till all the ransomed ones of God be saved to sin no more.

- I often refer to “Your One”…starting next Sunday we are going to begin 40 days of concentrated prayer for our one’s.

- Give instructions.

3. Let us not neglect praise…

- Often the invitation is seen as somber time of reflection, but it should also be used for rejoicing.

- Let us not be like the Jews who rejoiced in their new found relief, but failed to praise the one who brought it about.