1. The king's sleepless night (1-3)

That night, the king couldn't sleep, so someone read his journals to him. He found recorded there the story of how Mordecai had discovered and reported the assassination plot. He had forgotten about this. He found that Mordecai had not been properly thanked. Just then, Haman came in to ask about hanging Mordecai. God's hand in these events is evident.

2. Haman's grief (4-14)

When Haman arrived, the king was looking for a way to honor Mordecai. He asked Haman's opinion. Haman's answer reveals his own ambition. He suggested that the man to be honored be dressed in the king's robe, placed on the king's horse, and led through the city by a high-ranking nobleman. The king then told Haman to do this for Mordecai. He obeyed, then rushed home full of grief.

Application: Lord, you oppose the proud and give grace to the humble. Protect your people from the evil one.
One Word: Man schemes, but God works