Introduction
In this session, Esther 7:1-10, we focus on understanding the tension and dramatic climax of the Book of Esther, where Haman’s plot is exposed, and justice is served. After Esther risked her life by approaching the king, she revealed her request during the second banquet. Haman, expecting honor, enters the second banquet only to have his murderous plot exposed. The tables turn against him, and he faces the wrath of the king, who commands him to be hanged—just as he had prepared for Mordecai.
Objectives
By the end of this session, the learner will have:
- Understood the risk and strategy involved in Esther’s approach to King Xerxes.
- Recognized the themes of divine providence and justice, even in situations where God seems silent.
- Analyzed the consequences of pride and the “reversal of evil ” in Haman’s death
- Applied the lesson of courageous action to modern-day challenges of injustice.
Outline
- Divine Providence
- Courageous Advocacy
- Reaping what you sow
Group Study Time
Esther 7: 1-10
Connecting
- Gather with two or more people for a community discovery bible study session.
- Start with a heartfelt prayer, inviting God to guide and bless your understanding.
- Explore the passage by reading it at least twice, using different Bible versions if available, then retell the story together as a group.
- Reflect and share the challenges and blessings you experienced from the previous study.
Comprehending
- Read Esther 7:1-4. What was Esther’s request? Why did Esther wait until the second banquet to make her request? What does this tell us about her wisdom and strategy?
- Read Esther 7:5-6. How does Esther identify the enemy? Why was it crucial to call him “this wicked Haman” rather than just a faceless enemy?
- Read Esther 7:7-10. Describe the irony in Haman’s death. How does this passage demonstrate reaping what you sow?
- Read Esther 7:8. How did Haman’s attempt to beg for his life ironically make his situation worse? What can we learn about protecting our hearts from prideful attitudes?
Committing
- Engage with the Bible—read, study, memorize, meditate, pray, listen, and live it out.
- List three lessons you have learnt as an agent of change that you would like to put into practice and teach others about.
- Take time and worship Jesus with the attributes revealed about Christ.
- Use the SPACEPETS model, to assist you in putting God’s word into practice. Look for:
- Sin to confess
- Promise to claim
- Attitude to change
- Command to keep
- Error to change
- Prayer to make
- Example to copy
- Truth to obey and
- Something praiseworthy
Communicating
- Identify one person you can connect with and share the valuable insights and lessons you gained from this session.
- Reach out to a new believer—either in person or by phone—and pray with them to support them through their challenges, including any concerns about attending church.
- Create a new group and guide others through this study to help them grow in their understanding.
Post Lesson Teaching Summary
Great job completing the study! Take a moment to listen to this summary to reinforce your group’s understanding of the text and ensure you’re all on the same page. We’re here to support your learning journey!
Haman’s Murderous Plot Exposed, the King Executes Him
Esther 7: 1-10
Audio Summary
Esther 7:1-10
Context
- At the second banquet, Esther finally reveals her request after building favor with the king.
- Haman is present, unaware his plot is about to be exposed.
Haman’s Plot Exposed and Judgment (Esther 7:1-10)
- The King’s Question: During the banquet, King Xerxes again asks Esther what her petition and request are—even up to half the kingdom.
- Esther’s Revelation: If I have found favor, spare my life and the life of my people—this is my petition and request. We have been sold to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated.
- The King’s Fury: Who is he and where is he who would dare to do such a thing? Esther replies, “The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman.”
- Haman’s Terror: The king rises in rage; Haman begs for his life on Esther’s couch. The king returns and interprets it as an assault on the queen.
- Justice Served: Harbona mentions the 50-cubit gallows Haman built for Mordecai. The king orders Haman hanged on it. The king’s anger subsides.
- Purpose: God sovereignly reverses evil plots; pride and hatred lead to self-destruction while the righteous are vindicated.
Application
- Trust God’s perfect timing—He exposes hidden evil and turns tables on the wicked. Speak truth courageously when the moment comes. Reap what you sow; pride goes before destruction.