This is the Bible Book Club, the book of Esther. Welcome to the club.

Last time in chapter three, God moved Mordecai into a position in the court, and

providentially, Mordecai saved the king from an assassination attempt.

However, at the very time the king should have been honoring Mordecai, he had a brain lapse and

instead honored Haman. In his new elevated position, the king commanded that everyone

bowed down to Haman. Well, Mordecai refused. Haman's hatred was set on fire,

and he plotted to kill not only Mordecai, but the entire Jewish population.

Haman then cast lots or purr for the date of the genocide, and then strode off to manipulate

the king into agreeing with him, which he did without question. Then they sat down

for a drink as the dispatch of death was delivered throughout Persia. Okay, set up for this episode.

The author is building the irony in the story. So before we begin, the iconic Esther chapter four,

here are a few details to remember. Esther became queen

in the seventh year of Xerxes reign. Haman conspired against the Jews in the 12th year.

Somewhere in this five-year period, Mordecai foiled that assassination plot, and Haman rose to power.

Mordecai went unrewarded for saving the king's life,

and Haman was remorted by the king with the power to take many lives, including Mordecais.

The irony is growing.

What man intends for evil, God can use for good.

Haman is oblivious at this point. He cannot see that Esther and Mordecai have been providentially

positioned by a king that he cannot control the king of kings God.

And while Haman has been attaining his powerful position through his own manipulation and money,

Aster and Mordecai have attained their positions through the wickedness of others.

...