1. Haman's rage (5-6)

When he was told of Mordecai's refusal to pay him honor, Haman was furious. When he found that Mordecai was a Jew, he decided that he would make this an opportunity to destroy all the Jews. He cast lots ('pur') to find the right time. (Later, the Jews celebrated the Feast of Purim, remembering Esther.)

2. A people who are different (7-15)

Haman told the king that there were some people scattered throughout his empire who were different. They kept their own customs and did not obey his laws. He advised the king to have them destroyed and offered to make a large contribution of money to carry out this task. God's people are still persecuted if they do not follow the ways of the world or accommodate to culture. Haman issued a decree under the king's seal ordering the annihilation of the Jews. Then, he went in and had a drink with the king.

Application: Lord, raise up a people who love you and are willing to be different, a people who do not compromise with the world.
One Word: Dare to be different