This chapter seems like a study in the power of God to control world events in unbelievable ways. I keep thinking about it in regard to our presidential election. What “coincidences” do you see in this chapter that were not just coincidences?

• On that night, the king could not sleep.  Why not?  Also, it must have been toward morning that he gave up and asked for some distraction, since he had just heard about Mordecai’s actions when Haman walked in. 
• Why had Xerxes, a king who was fanatical about honoring loyalty, not honored Mordecai until now (5-ish years)
• Not only could the king not sleep, but he was just finished hearing about Mordecai when Haman walked in.
• Haman totally missed the possibility that the king would want to honor anyone besides him.  Why? Here are a few of my thoughts:
  
  • First, because of God’s provision here.  Fascinating bunny trail is looking at how God chose to humble and break Haman. Romans 9:14-18 is instructive. God apparently chose Haman’s flaming destruction to show his power. Very similar to how God used the Pharaoh in Moses’ time to demonstrate his power (see Romans 9). 
    
    • I think the implications are that although we have freedom of choice, it is God’s prerogative (right) to bring glory to Himself through our choices. It is our choice whether he will get His glory through our submission to His will, or by being shredded by His sovereignty.  Compare with Matt 21:44. 
  • Pride. Does Haman’s desires remind you of Satan in that Haman wanted to be honored like the king himself?
  • An aside–do we ever ask for the king’s robe? Are there ways we do what Satan and Haman did? 
    
    • How does pride blind our common sense?
    • What is pride?
    • What is the antidote for pride?
• What is the effect on the city when Haman is publicly humiliated before Mordecai? What is the effect on Haman and his wife and friends?  Is there application we can draw here for how God will deal with those who would destroy his chosen people?