Esther 1
The book of Esther opens with King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia giving a feast for all his nobles and officials 1-3. It must have been some celebration to last 180 days 4. The culmination was a 7 day celebration at which the king commanded Queen Vashti to come and display herself so the men could look on his beauty 9-11. She refused and the king got angry 12. After consulting the officials, Vashti was disposed as Queen and a new queen was sought 13-22. The motivation for the king's ruling was the upholding of a male dominated society where the man's word was to be 'law' 22. Note: It must be remembered that this was a pagan society without God's law. However, the people of God (the Jews) were living in the land as a result of the Babylonian exile. They were allowed to return to the land of Israel and only 50,000 did under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-6). The events of Esther occur between the record of Ezra chapter 6 and 7. This is the background or setting to what unfolds in Esther.

Esther 2
Beautiful young virgin women were sought to be a new queen for Xerxes. The one who pleased him and he chose would be his new wife and queen 1-4. Enter Mordecai, a Jew who was raising his cousin Hadassah (Esther) 5-7. She was beautiful, and became part of the king's harem 8-9. Esther, does not reveal her nationality at the command of Mordecai 10. Esther was liked and won the favor of all who saw her 11-15. She was taken to the king and he was attracted to Esther more than to the other women 17. Esther was made queen instead of Vashti 17b. This was celebrated with a feast 18. Note: Here is one example in Scripture of God sovereignly working through the choices that a man (king) made. Though this is not explained or even stated, God was at work 'behind the scenes' and in the actions and choices that were made. While God's sovereignty is superintending these events, He does not violate the free will choices one makes. The same is true in our lives. We are called upon to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ so as to be saved (Acts 16:30-31, Romans 10:9-10,13) That is a choice and a decision each one of us must make for ourselves. Another one is to follow Him with obedience and a holy life (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). Mordecai uncovers a plot to overthrow the king. He makes this known to Esther 19-22. The king is spared and Mordecai is given credit in the official record of the king, yet is not recognized. Note: Keep this detail in mind !

Esther 3
Here we are introduced to Haman, who is an Agagite and enemy of the Jews 10. He is arrogant and can not tolerate the fact that Mordecai refuses to bow to him 2-5. Because of this Haman seeks to not only destroy Mordecai but all of the Jews 6. Haman sets a date to have all the Jews attacked and put to death 7,9,13. He uses his position (political) to influence the king and to get him to issue a decree, which can not be changed or revoked, to destroy all the Jews on a particular day (the one determined by the casting of the lot 7,13. Note: Why does Haman (and others like him throughout history) hate the Jews and desire their destruction ? One reason is they are God's chosen people and others don't like that. Second, if the Jews could be wiped out, how could God fulfill all the promises He made to them as His people and as a nation ? The devil knows this and will use any 'willing person' who will join him in this work of destruction. The devil seeks to kill, to devour, and destroy the people of God and  to thwart the purposes of God. The same is true for the believer and the church today. We are in a spiritual battle with an enemy of our souls who wants our destruction. We must do battle God's way, with His armor through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-18). Note: When the Jewish people read this account, when Haman's name is mentioned, everyone in the room says 'Boo...' Note: One last thought, it is amazing what laws are passed or enacted that appear to be 'reasonable' or 'rational' but are really evil and destructive in the end 8-9. The people are bewildered by this edict 15.

Esther 4
Mordecai learns of this and puts on sackcloth and mourns 1-3. Esther investigates and discovers the plot against all the Jews 4-7. Mordecai gives her a copy of the royal edict  and is urged to go to the king and plead for mercy 8. Esther objects to doing this because to enter before the king without being summoned could mean her life 9-11. Mordecai reminds Esther that she would not escape the edict just because she is queen. In fact, she may have come to her position (as queen) for 'such a time as this' 14. (GOD brought her to the throne for this very reason) If she refuses, deliverance would come another way (by God's grace). Esther takes time to fast (and pray, implied) and agrees to go to the king even if she perishes 15-17. Note: God has put each of us in places where He can use us to accomplish His plans and purposes. Are you fulfilling the role that God has given you ? Are you willing to do what God commands, even at the risk of your own life ?

Esther 5
Esther appears before the king and is received 1-3. She requests that the king and Haman come to a banquet 4-5. They come and she asks that they come again to another banquet at which she would make her petition known. They agree 6-8. Note: The 'stalling' gave her more time to think how to word her petition. Note: Are you glad, God gives us more than one opportunity to do His bidding and what is right ? Haman, puffed up and proud goes home to boast to his family of 'his own greatness'. This is spurred on because Mordecai will not bow to him. 9-13. Note: It is easy to not like Haman and those like him. His wife, 'comforts' him by suggesting a gallows, 75 feet high, be built to hang Mordecai on. (some wife). He does this  and is made happy 14  ?

Esther 6
That very night as Haman purposed to ask to have Mordecai hanged 4-5, the king could not sleep 1. The record books were brought out and Mordecai's deed of saving the king is read. The king asks if he was recognized for this and finds he was not 1-3. Haman appears, just then (perfect timing) as is asked what should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor 6 ? Haman thinks the king is taking about him so he makes it good ! 6b-9. Boo, Haman! The king orders that at once Haman is to do all he suggested for Mordecai  10 ! After his jaw hit the floor (my imaginative editorial comment), he did all the king command 11. Haman runs home after this and pouts 12. Interestingly his advisers and his wife realize he is headed for a downfall because Mordecai is a Jew 13. He is, at once, hurried to Esther's banquet 14.
Note: Praise the Lord for His sovereignty ! His hand is in all the details we read in this account. Notice that God's timing is perfect, never early nor late. This is also true for each of us who know the Lord Jesus as our savior. He is accomplishing His purposes in our lives with precision and perfect timing (Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 1:6)

Esther 7
King Xerxes and Haman come to Esther's banquet 1. Esther makes her petition and plea known to the king, 'her life and the lives of her people' 3-4. The king asks 'who would dare such a thing' 5 Answer 'the adversary and enemy is this vile Haman' (boo...) 6. Haman pleads for his life as the king leaves in a rage 7. Upon return, his posture suggests that he was attacking the queen 8. The king has him removed and it make known that Haman built a gallows at his house. The king orders that he be hanged on it 8b-10. Note: This may appear to be 'poetic justice' but in reality is the working of God who will judge all His enemies, including the Devil, and all who have come against the people of God down through the ages (see: 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10, Revelation 3:9, 20:7-10,11-15).

Esther 8
The king grants the Jews the right to defend themselves from attack, by a new edict, since the first one could not be revoked 1-11. The day appointed for this to take effect was the very day that Haman had chosen (by lot) to destroy the Jews 12. Mordecai was promoted and the Jews celebrate and rejoice because of the edict 2,15,16. Fear of the Jews fell upon the people 17. Much like God had done for His people in the past ! (Exodus 23:27). Note: The Lord can change the laws of any land that will grant His people favor and blessing. There is hope for God's people when they look to Him for grace and deliverance (2 Chronicles 7:14). Ultimately, God's people will be victorious because of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:31-39) ! To Him be all the praise and glory !

Esther 9
The Jews 'got the upper hand' over those who hated them' through the edict of the king who permitted them to defend themselves 1-2. Mordecai grew greater in power and influence for the good of his fellow Jews 3-4. They struck down their enemies, the sons of Haman were put to death 10 and over 75,000 were killed as the Jews defended themselves 16. The day that was set to be their demise turned to be their day of triumph over their enemies 17. Note: Only God could grant to His people a great victory such as this. I wonder if this whole account is a type of the Jews and what they would face throughout their history, even to the present day. God, supernaturally and sovereignly protects and preserves them, though He is not 'named' or noticeably recognized. The Jewish people remember these events in the celebration of the feast of Purim (or Lots), named for the lot which Haman cast for the date of their destruction, which became the date of their triumph over their enemies 20-26. This was to be a perpetual celebration, year, by year 27-28. Queen Esther even made this part of the law of the land 29-32. (No separation of church and state here). Note: God works in our lives by preserving and protecting us from destruction. Our ultimate security is found in Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3-9).

Esther 10
Mordecai is made second in command to King Xerxes. He is becomes a powerful man whose deeds are recorded in with the Media and Persian kings. 1-3. He worked for the good of his people and spoke up for their welfare 3b. Note: Mordecai is a good example of how one life can impact many for the good. God used him and He can use you and me as well. We can    help others by doing them good in the name of the Lord. While this may not be noted among earthly kings, the Lord takes note and He will reward each accordingly.