INTRODUCTION: In this lesson, the providence of God is clearly seen. The king received Esther and came to her banquets. The king could not sleep and this resulted in him be reminded of the favour done to him by Mordecai. Haman unwittingly gave the honour to Mordecai that he wanted for himself. We can see that God was in the process of giving a great victory to Mordecai and to the Jewish people.

1. ESTHER’S REQUEST FOR A BANQUET (Esther 5:1-8 [1] Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. [2] And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. [3] Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. [4] And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. [5] Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared. [6] And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. [7] Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; [8] If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
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1. Esther’s Approach to the King (Esther 5:1-2 [1] Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. [2] And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
   See All...; Esther 4:11All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
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1. She entered the inner court (Esther 5:1Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
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1. On the third day, after the time of fasting (Esther 4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
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2. With her royal apparel on – she got properly dressed for the occasion.
3. She stood in the inner court of the king’s house.
1. Where the king sat on his throne
2. Over against the gate of the house
2. She obtained the king’s favour (Esther 5:2And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
   See All...; contrast Romans 5:1-2 [1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
   See All...; Ephesians 2:18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
   See All...; Ephesians 3:12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
   See All...; Hebrews 4:15-16 [15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
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1. The king saw Esther.
2. The king held the golden scepter out to Esther.
3. Esther drew near and touched the scepter.
2. Esther’s Banquet for the King and Haman (Esther 5:3-5 [3] Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. [4] And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. [5] Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
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1. The king’s offer (Esther 5:3Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
   See All...; compare Mark 6:21-24 [21] And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; [22] And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. [23] And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. [24] And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
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1. He called the queen by name.
2. He sought to know the queen’s request.
3. He promised to give it to the half of the kingdom.
2. The queen’s banquet (Esther 5:4-5 [4] And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. [5] Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
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1. She requested the king and Haman attend a banquet (Esther 5:4And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
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2. The king quickly granted the request and called for Haman (Esther 5:5Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
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3. Esther’s Request for Another Banquet (Esther 5:6-8 [6] And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. [7] Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; [8] If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
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1. The king’s offer repeated (Esther 5:6And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
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1. He asked the content of her petition.
2. He reaffirmed the extent of his offer.
2. The queen’s second banquet (Esther 5:7-8 [7] Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; [8] If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
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1. She prolonged the king’s wait (Esther 5:7-8 [7] Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; [8] If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
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2. She promised to ask her petition tomorrow (Esther 5:8If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
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2. HAMAN’S JOY CONCERNING HIS FORTUNE (Esther 5:9-14 [9] Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. [10] Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. [11] And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. [12] Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king. [13] Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate. [14] Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
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1. Despite the Stubbornness of Mordecai (Esther 5:9-10 [9] Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. [10] Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
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1. Haman’s joy (Esther 5:9Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
   See All...a; Job 20:4-5 [4] Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, [5] That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
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2. Haman’s anger (Esther 5:9Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
   See All...b; Esther 3:5And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
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1. He saw Mordecai.
2. Mordecai refused to move.
3. Haman was full of indignation.
3. Haman’s restraint (Esther 5:10Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
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1. He refrained himself.
2. He returned home and called his friends and wife.
2. Concerning His Treatment by the Queen (Esther 5:11-12 [11] And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. [12] Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
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1. The greatness of his position (Esther 5:11And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
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1. The glory of his riches
2. The multitude of his children
3. His promotion by the king above the princes
2. His favour by the queen (Esther 5:12Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
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1. His banquet with the king and queen
2. His invitation to the second banquet
3. Concerning His Plans for Mordecai (Esther 5:13-14 [13] Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate. [14] Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
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1. His hatred of Mordecai (Esther 5:13Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.
   See All...; Proverbs 4:14-17 [14] Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. [15] Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. [16] For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. [17] For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
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1. His despair of one thing
2. Mordecai still sat at the king’s gate.
2. His building of gallows (Esther 5:14Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
   See All...; Psalm 7:15-16 [15] He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. [16] His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
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1. A gallows of fifty cubits high – seventy-five feet; Note: Haman is often given all the credit for the horrible plans to kill Mordecai, but the plan was actually developed by his wife and friends.
2. The plan implemented before permission
1. Tomorrow Haman would seek the king’s permission.
2. He began to build the gallows before seeking permission.
3. THE KING’S DESIRE TO HONOUR MORDECAI (Esther 6:1-6 [1] On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. [2] And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. [3] And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him. [4] And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. [5] And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in. [6] So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
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1. His Discovery of Mordecai’s Service (Esther 6:1-3 [1] On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. [2] And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. [3] And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
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1. The reading of the chronicles (Esther 6:1On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
   See All...; Esther 10:2And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
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1. The king could not sleep.
2. The king listened to the reading of the records.
2. The record concerning Mordecai (Esther 6:2And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
   See All...; Esther 2:21-23 [21] In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus. [22] And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name. [23] And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
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1. The assassination attempt of Bigthana and Teresh
2. The saving testimony of Mordecai
3. His desire to reward Mordecai (Esther 6:3And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
   See All...; Proverbs 3:27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
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1. He asked what had been done for Mordecai.
2. He was regretfully told that nothing had been done.
2. His Request of Haman’s Advice (Esther 6:4-6 [4] And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. [5] And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in. [6] So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
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1. Called into his house (Esther 6:4-5 [4] And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. [5] And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
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1. Who was in the court? (Esther 6:4And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
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2. Haman was in the court to request to hang Mordecai (Esther 6:4And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
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3. Haman was invited in (Esther 6:5And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
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2. Asked of his advice (Esther 6:6So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
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1. The king asked Haman how a man might be honored.
2. Haman thought the king must be referring to him (Haman’s pride – Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
   See All...; Proverbs 18:12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
   See All...; Obadiah 1:3The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
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4. HAMAN’S JOY TURNED TO SHAME (Esther 6:7-14 [7] And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, [8] Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: [9] And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. [10] Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. [11] Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. [12] And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. [13] And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. [14] And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.
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1. The Honour Given to Mordecai (Esther 6:7-11 [7] And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, [8] Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: [9] And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. [10] Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. [11] Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
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1. Haman’s unknowing suggestion (Esther 6:7-9 [7] And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, [8] Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: [9] And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
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1. Put on him the apparel of the king (Esther 6:7-8 [7] And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, [8] Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
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2. Ride through the streets of the city (Esther 6:9And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
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3. Declare his honour from the king (Esther 6:9And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
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2. Haman’s unusual dishonour (Esther 6:10-11 [10] Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. [11] Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
   See All...); Haman is commanded to do so for Mordecai.
2. The Beginning of the End (Esther 6:12-14 [12] And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. [13] And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. [14] And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.
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1. The shame of Haman (Esther 6:12And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
   See All...; Proverbs 3:35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
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1. He went home mourning.
2. He covered his head.
2. The discouragement of friends (Esther 6:13And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.
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1. This was the beginning of his fall.
2. More bad would quickly come.
3. The call to the banquet (Esther 6:14And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.
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1. While they were yet talking
2. Servants came to take him to Esther’s banquet.

CONCLUSION: We now see that God was turning all of Haman’s plans against him. But besides being a good story, we need to see the lesson for us. Many times, we cannot see how things will work out. We cannot see how they could improve. Yet, if we will trust in the Lord, He will work them out for good. We must learn to trust in Him.