1. The special principle revealed in Romans 8:28 is illustrated in the book of Esther. 2. Review of ch.1-7: a. (ch.1) Ahasuerus, king of Persia, removed Vashti as queen. b. (ch.2) Esther, a beautiful young Jewish woman, was chosen to be the new queen. c. (ch.3) Haman devised a plot to destroy the Jews, and he manipulated the king into making an official law that would accomplish his desire. d. (ch.4) Mordecai involved Esther in the situation that had developed. e. (ch.5) Esther asked the king and Haman to attend a banquet she had prepared, and, at the banquet, she asked them to attend another one the following day. f. (ch.6) Between the two banquets, the king honored Mordecai, and Haman was humiliated. g. (ch.7) Esther exposed Haman's wickedness, and he was put to death. 3. In ch.8, another law was enacted that would allow the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. Discussion: I. (vs.1-2) MORDECAI WAS PROMOTED
A. (vs.1a) The king gave Haman's possessions to Esther. B. (vs.1b) Esther revealed her relationship with Mordecai to the king. C. (vs.2a) The king gave Mordecai the position that had been given to Haman. D. (vs.2b) Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman's possessions that the king gave to her. E. To fully appreciate the events taking place we must keep in mind the circumstances that had developed. 1. After Mordecai was promoted, it seems that things were much better for the Jews. 2. However, the law designed to destroy the Jews was still effective (3:12-14). 3. Persian laws could not be altered (1:19; Daniel 6:8b, 12b, 15). II. (vs.3-6) ESTHER APPROACHED THE KING ON BEHALF OF HER PEOPLE
A. Esther asked the king to reverse the law. B. Since no Persian law could be altered something else had to be done. III. (vs.7-14) A NEW LAW WAS ENACTED
A. (vs.7-8) The king gave Esther permission to make a new law on behalf of her people. B. (vs.9-13) Mordecai wrote the law in such a way that the Jews would be allowed to defend themselves against their enemies. C. (vs.14) The new law was published throughout the empire. IV. (vs.15-17) THE JEWS WERE FINALLY ABLE TO REJOICE
A. They enjoyed "a feast and a good day." B. Many people were converted to the Jewish religion (Exodus 12:48-49). Conclusion:
1. In addition to Romans 8:28, these events illustrate the truthfulness of many passages such as Proverbs 10:27; 13:12; 16:7; 29:2. 2. In ch.9-10, the Jews destroyed their enemies.
