This document summarizes and discusses the biblical book of Esther. It recounts the key events where Haman plots to kill the Jews but is instead hung on the gallows he built for Mordecai. The document then reflects on themes of not panicking but listening to God, not limiting God but trusting in his sovereignty, and not becoming bitter but relying on God's justice.

1. Today
‘Haman is hoisted by his own petard’
Esther 7
‘Esther – a beauty that’s more than skin deep’

2. •Mordecai persuades Esther to go to the king and reveal her Jewish identity - Est 4:14
Recap of events
•3 days of prayer & fasting
•‘You can have want you want up to half the kingdom’ - Esther doesn’t reveal request

3. •Esther invites King & Haman to 2nd banquet
Recap of events
•Haman boasts of his vast wealth - 75ft high gallows built
•Xerxes can’t sleep – annals read – Mordecai unrewarded – Xerxes wants to honour a man

4. •Esther meets for 2nd time with Xerxes and Haman - king asks her again what she wants
Synopsis of Esther chapter 7
•Esther replies that the Jews have been threatened with annihilation and the perpetrator is Haman
•Haman is terrified - begs Esther for his life

5. •The king returns to find Haman pleading with Esther - thinks Esther is about to be molested
Synopsis of Esther chapter 7
•Harbona mentions the 75ft high gallows made for Mordecai - the king instructs his officials to hang Haman from these same gallows

6. A personal story

7. If I have found favour with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life – this is my petition. And spare my people – this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated Est 7:3-4a
Don’t panic – keep listening for God’s voice

8. “How do we live in a fog without panic … especially during the times when we don’t hear His reassuring voice”
Don’t panic – keep listening for God’s voice

9. O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? Psalm 13:1
Don’t panic – keep listening for God’s voice
But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me Psalm 13:5

10. So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided Est 7:10
Don’t limit God – keep trusting in His sovereignty

11. Why do the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him Psalm 115:3
Don’t limit God – keep trusting in His sovereignty

12. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails Prov 19:21
Don’t limit God – keep trusting in His sovereignty

13. When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers Prov 21:15
Don’t become bitter – keep relying on God’s justice

14. Do not fret because of those who are evil … Trust in the Lord and do good … Take delight in the Lord ... Commit your way to the Lord … Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him Refrain from anger Psalm 37:1-9
Don’t become bitter – keep relying on God’s justice

15. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ 2 Cor 5:21 NLT

16. Don’t panic – keep listening for God’s voice
Don’t limit God – keep trusting in His Sovereignty
Don’t become bitter – keep relying on God’s justice