1717 BIBLE STUDIES
Esther Study
Esther
“Your Word Is Truth” (John 17:17)
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Study • Apply • Discover
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Long-form
Overview
Study: Esther
Theme: A Hero’s Portrait
The exilic book of Esther is different from any other book in the Bible. It never mentions God’s name. But God’s presence is evident in every chapter. (This idea is effectively conveyed in Donald Sunukjian’s article and sermon titled, “A Night in Persia,” which also is known as “My Name Is Harbona.”) Esther’s uncle Mordecai plays a major role in the book; he nudges Esther to step up and play the role of hero. Esther, a young Jewish woman, succeeds Vashti as queen of Persia. She becomes the wife of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and ends up saving the Jewish people from annihilation. Students will learn how discernment helps achieve favor, how courage rises when it is most needed, how love acts in protection, and how joy is found in God’s victory.
How To Use
- Each week has a lesson aim, lesson text, and supplemental text.
- Tabs indicate the week of each lesson.
- Each week features three sections: Study, Application, and Discovery.
- Use the Discovery questions to study, discuss, and apply the Scripture passages in a group or class.
Introduction
Author
The book of Esther does not identify its author, but from the content of the book it seems obvious that the author was a devout Jew. Some have suggested that Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, may have been the book’s author, but that is nothing more than speculation.
Audience
The book of Esther was written to the Jewish people as a reminder of God’s deliverance amid difficult times and to explain the origin of the Jewish celebration of Purim that commemorates their preservation from annihilation at the hands of the Persians.
Date
The events recorded in the book of Esther transpired during the reign of Persian King Xerxes I (486-465 BC) in Susa, the capital city of the Persian Empire. Most scholars agree that Esther was written in the fourth century BC, but various dates have been given for its production. It was likely to have been written between 485 and 435 BC.
Setting
Soon after Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon to establish the Persian Empire, he issued an edict that permitted the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). The first of three groups of Jews returning to Jerusalem departed from Persia under the leadership of Zerubbabel around 538 BC. The second band of travelers set on resettling Jerusalem was led by Ezra the priest, but they did not depart from Persia for nearly 60 years after Zerubbabel’s group had relocated. The third resettlement group, under the leadership of Nehemiah, journeyed to Jerusalem about 13 years after Ezra’s departure.
In the 60 year period between the relocations of the groups led by Zerubbabel and Ezra, many Jews remained in Persia, including Esther (whose Jewish name was Hadassah according to Esther 2:7). During this time, two significant events transpired. First, there seems to have been a change of Persian attitude toward the Jews sometime after Cyrus’ reign, and second, Esther became the queen of Persia (Esther 2:15-18). In her role as queen, Esther was able to save the Jewish people from genocide.
Theme
Although the book of Esther does not mention God or religion, it presupposes the idea of God’s divine leading and preservation of his people. After Esther had become queen, a plot to eradicate the Jewish people was uncovered. Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, called upon her to change King Xerxes’ mind about the Jewish genocide, asking if perhaps she had become a queen “for such a time as this?” (4:14). Esther’s actions delivered the Jewish people from destruction.
Why Study Esther?
Esther is a reminder of God’s providence and leading, even in the most difficult and trying situations of life. Moreover, it calls upon modern readers to consider their areas of influence and to contemplate whether they have been placed in their unique positions “for such a time” as when they may be able to make a meaningful impact for the Lord’s kingdom.
Week One
LESSON AIM: Live in the favor of the Lord.
STUDY: Esther
THEME: A Hero’s Portrait
LESSON TEXT: Esther 2:5-20
SUPPLEMENTAL: Esther 1:16-2:4; Psalms 5:11-12; 84:11; Proverbs 3:3-4; James 4:6
STUDY
WEEK 1
she found favor
by Mark Scott
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Former U.S. Rep. Vicki Hartzler of Missouri often puts in her prayer email that God showed her “favor” in this or that event. She means that God was affirming, supporting, and smiling at her efforts to make a difference. Queen Esther was shown similar favor. Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah (which means “myrtle”), found herself in the horns of a dilemma but remained in God’s favor.
The book of Esther begins with the Jewish people in captivity and Ahasuerus (Xerxes) in power. He governed from India to Ethiopia. He showed his opulence by throwing long-lasting feasts. Vashti, his queen, did the same for the women in her palace. At one point, Ahasuerus wanted to show off Vashti’s beauty to his guests. He summoned her, but she refused to come. This caused the king and his male counterparts in the kingdom to come undone. Vashti was condemned and dethroned. The search for a new queen began (Esther 2:1-4).
Favor with Mordecai
Esther 2:5-7, 10-11, 19-20
Mordecai, whose name means “little man,” was an older cousin of Esther. He was an old man by the time these events took place. He might have functioned as the Jewish representative to Xerxes’ council. Mordecai descended from men who had been carried into exile by Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar many years earlier, during the time Jehoiachin was king of Judah.
Because Esther’s parents had died, Mordecai felt morally obligated to care for her. He treated her as if she was his adopted daughter. Esther was young. She had a lovely figure (fair appearance) and was beautiful. Mordecai did everything in his power to protect Esther. He told Esther to keep her nationality and family background hidden (this is mentioned twice in our lesson text). After Esther became queen, Mordecai would pace back and forth in front of the palace by the courtyard of the harem to check on her. Esther kept her nationality and background a secret, and she did everything that Mordecai told her to do. In doing this, she gained Mordecai’s favor.
Favor with Hegai
Esther 2:8-9, 12-14
Hegai was one of the king’s eunuchs. He was in charge of the king’s harem (women). Esther quickly won over Hegai and gained his favor (the root of this word, chesed, appears four times; it is the word for mercy). Much like Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39:3), Esther continued to succeed in whatever she did. Hegai provided Esther with extra beauty treatments (scraping and rubbing) and special food. Esther received help from seven female attendants and got the best place in the harem.
Esther was naturally beautiful, but she wasn’t free to mosey into the king’s presence. There was a protocol to follow—specifically, twelve months of prepping—six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. She was slick indeed.
Hegai wanted Esther to do well, and he promised her anything from that harem that would help her advance her chances with the king. The normal pattern was for young ladies to spend a night with the king but then never return to him unless he summoned them. It was a “one-and-done” arrangement. After their night with Xerxes, the women even went to another part of the harem overseen by a different eunuch (Shaashgaz). But in Esther’s case, the king was pleased. Did this arrangement cause Esther some grief in light of not marrying within the Israelite family? Of course, but as an exile, what was she to do?
Favor with the King
Esther 2:15-18
When it came time for Esther to enter the king’s presence, she took only what Hegai had suggested that she take. Her simple beauty, in contrast to much opulence, would suffice. Everyone was smitten by Esther’s charm. In the seventh year of his reign (497 BC) Esther came to the king. The wait alone would have been taxing.
Xerxes was attracted to Esther more than the other virgins (women of marital age). He decided to make Esther queen. So, Esther got the royal crown as well as a great banquet. The king proclaimed the day a holiday throughout the provinces (which probably meant that no taxes were due that day).
Esther continued to keep her nationality and family background a secret even from the king—as urged by Mordecai. This was all the Lord’s doing so as to enable Esther to find the favor she would need to deliver her people. And God also would give Mordecai favor in uncovering the plot of Bigthana and Teresh in the verses that follow.
Mark Scott serves as preaching minister with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin, Mo. For 35 years, until 2021, he served as professor of preaching and New Testament with Ozark Christian College in Joplin.
APPLICATION
WEEK 1
to whom much is given
by David Faust
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The book of Esther contains dramatic storylines, interesting characters, and ironic plot twists. It stirs a wide range of emotions, from anger and fear to joy and admiration. Oddly, this inspired book never mentions God by name, but it shows God at work—protecting and caring for his people during a pivotal time in biblical history.
An Unlikely Choice for Queen
Unlike the fictional tale about Cinderella, what happened to Esther is a real-life, rags-to-riches story of an ordinary girl who rose to a high position despite heavy odds that were stacked against her. Her people, the Jews, were captives dominated by the powerful Medes and Persians. Esther (also known as Hadassah) was an orphan whose father and mother had died. Yet, this young woman had a lot going for her. Her wise cousin Mordecai adopted her and cared for her as his own daughter. Esther “had a lovely figure and was beautiful” (Esther 2:7). The king’s attendant lavished her “with beauty treatments and special food,” assigned seven female attendants to care for her, and made sure she lived in “the best place in the harem” (v. 9).
But that was the downside: She had to be part of the king’s harem! Esther was attractive and pampered, but she was neither safe nor free. The pagan king treated this lovely Jewish woman like a trophy wife for his sexual enjoyment. Yet, even King Xerxes seemed to recognize Esther possessed more than physical beauty. “She won his favor and approval” above other women; he put a royal crown on her head and made her his queen; and he held a great banquet and declared a national holiday in Esther’s honor (Esther 2:17-18).
A Lesson for Us
There is much for us to learn in the book of Esther. One practical application we find in the first part of Esther’s story is this: with recognition comes responsibility.
What was the higher purpose of Esther’s extraordinary attractiveness? God didn’t bless her with unusual beauty so she could stare at herself in a mirror and vainly congratulate herself for her good looks. Later in the book, Esther faced risky situations with profound consequences for the Jewish people hanging in the balance. The recognition she gained and the privileges she enjoyed as queen brought with them the heavy responsibility to use her position and power the right way.
Do you ever feel jealous of others who seem specially blessed—the ones who appear to get all the breaks? Do you envy her good looks or his good fortune? Do you wish you were the one who got the promotion, received the public accolades and the big salary, or got the nicer office space? Keep in mind that the higher you climb on the ladder, the more conspicuous your weaknesses will appear, the more criticism you will endure, and the more difficult the decisions you must make will be.
Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). If you are blessed with education, talents, physical skills, and material possessions, you must use those gifts to glorify God and benefit others. Esther’s story reminds us “it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Personal Challenge:
What unique gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities has the Lord given you? How are you using them for his glory?
David Faust serves as senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis.
DISCOVERY
WEEK 1
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
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1. Have you ever tried to keep your identity a secret? Why? What happened when your true identity was revealed?
Ask two people to read aloud Esther 2:5-20, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage.
2. Esther 1 tells how King Xerxes hosted a great banquet in Susa for military officials, princes, and nobles. “For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty” (v. 4). But when he sent for his wife, Queen Vashti, to come and display her beauty to the people he had assembled, she refused.
- What do you think of this scenario? Discuss.
- Was Queen Vashti’s “disrespect” for King Xerxes a harbinger of what was truly likely to occur throughout the land (as described in Esther 1:16-18) unless the king, in effect, deposed her and sought out another queen?
3. Does the prospect of spending a year at the spa receiving beauty treatments (as Esther did) appeal to you? Why or why not?
- If you are a woman, what do you think of the prospect of living in a harem?
4. What do you think was Mordecai’s purpose in forbidding Hadassah/Esther from revealing “her nationality and family background” (v. 10)?
5. What evidence from the lesson text would indicate Esther was a beautiful person inside and out?
6. The king threw a banquet for his new queen, which must have been exciting. But do you sense that being the queen of this kingdom might not have been a fairy tale existence? What misgivings do you have and why?
7. How is Mordecai and Esther’s love, concern, and devotion for one another demonstrated throughout this passage?
8. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Esther 4:1-17. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts and the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Week Two
LESSON AIM: Take courage when threatened.
STUDY: Esther
THEME: A Hero’s Portrait
LESSON TEXT: Esther 4:1-17
SUPPLEMENTAL TEXT: Esther 3; 1 Samuel 17:32-37; 2 Chronicles 32:7-8; Philippians 1:18-21; 1 Peter 3:12-14
STUDY
WEEK 2
she found courage
by Mark Scott
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Challenging situations can foster courage. David disliked God’s name being defied, so he mustered up his courage to take on the giant (1 Samuel 17). Hezekiah was troubled by Sennacherib’s advances, so he courageously reminded his men that the “arm of flesh” would fail (2 Chronicles 32). Paul was disturbed that people would preach the gospel out of spite toward him, but he courageously decided it was most important that the gospel be preached (Philippians 1).
Courage can arise when times are tough.
Times got tough for Mordecai and Esther when Haman went crazy. Haman was Xerxes’ right-hand man—second in command of the kingdom. But Mordecai was the moth in Haman’s Persian rug. Haman was so threatened by Mordecai’s seeming disrespect in not bowing in Haman’s presence, he devised a plan to take advantage of the king’s indifference. Haman designed an edict to kill, destroy, and annihilate the Jews, and he tricked Xerxes into signing it without the king knowing which race of people it concerned. Haman even offered his own funds (which Xerxes refused) to fulfill the demands of the edict.
The Need for Courage
Esther 4:1-3
Mordecai learned about the edict and expressed his sorrow in three ways—by tearing his clothing, wearing sackcloth and ashes, and wailing loudly and bitterly. Mordecai could do this only in the courtyard of the king, for sackcloth was not appropriate apparel when venturing too near to Xerxes.
Word of this edict traveled fast. As the provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom were informed about the destructive edict, other Jews reacted similarly to how Mordecai reacted—by mourning, weeping and wailing, and putting on sackcloth and ashes. There also was fasting. Obviously, someone needed to step up. Courage was needed.
The Plan of Courage
Esther 4:4-11
A great distance between royalty and common folk existed, so Esther seemed slower to realize the effect of the edict than people in faraway provinces. But Mordecai knew something needed to be done—and fast. Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants informed her of Mordecai’s distress. Esther enlisted Hathak, a eunuch who was assigned to her, to take clothes to Mordecai and attempt to find out the problem.
Hathak, probably numb to many of the king’s edicts, had to ask Mordecai what the problem was. Mordecai told Hathak everything—even the amount of money Haman had agreed to pay for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai showed Hathak a copy of the edict. Mordecai requested that Hathak explain everything to Esther and that she go to the king to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.
Hathak explained everything to Esther. Esther’s heart must have sunk. She wanted Hathak to tell Mordecai what was at stake for such a thing. No one approached the inner court of the king unless summoned. The penalty was death. The only deliverance was for the king to extend his gold scepter. Then all would be well. But Xerxes may well have been in one of his mood swings. He loved Esther very much, but he had not called her for thirty days. Mordecai was banking on Esther’s ability to sway the king. The plan was for Esther to bolster her courage and go to the king and plead for mercy.
The Nudge Toward Courage
Esther 4:12-14
Mordecai’s encouragement to Esther was probably more than a gentle nudge. If Esther was at all hesitant, Mordecai gave her a serious reminder of what was at stake. Mordecai prodded Esther in four ways. First, he reminded her that her own life was in jeopardy. Living in the palace was no guarantee she would be spared. Second, if Esther did not step up to secure relief and deliverance for the Jews, then God would bring help from someone or something else.
Third, Esther’s recalcitrance might cause her father’s family to meet their demise even if Esther somehow survived. Fourth, Esther’s current position as queen put her in the providential place to help now.
The Decision Requiring Courage
Esther 4:15-17
Esther might have gulped hard, but then she apparently threw caution to the wind. She requested that her fellow Jews declare a three-day and three-night total fast (not even water). She would encourage her attendants (young women) to do the same. This would no doubt include pagan women. Then came the most famous line in this book. “If I perish, I perish.” All courageous acts come down to a moment of decision. Esther obeyed Mordecai, and then Mordecai obeyed Esther.
Mark Scott serves as preaching minister with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin, Mo. For 35 years, until 2021, he served as professor of preaching and New Testament with Ozark Christian College in Joplin.
APPLICATION
WEEK 2
something worth dying for
by David Faust
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Heavy snow was falling on January 13, 1982, while Air Florida Flight 90 prepared to take off from Washington, D.C.’s National Airport (now called Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport). After being de-iced, the Boeing 737 sat on the runway for another hour while snow and ice built up on its wings. It turned out to be a very short flight.
Immediately after takeoff, the plane shook violently and struck the 14th Street Bridge before plunging into the Potomac River. Seventy-eight people died in the tragic accident, including 74 of the plane’s occupants and four people in cars on the bridge—but four passengers and one crew member survived.
Lenny Skutnik, a government worker standing on the Potomac’s shore, saw a woman losing her grip on a helicopter line, so he dove in and dragged her to safety. Arland Williams, a 46-year-old passenger on the plane, repeatedly passed a lifeline to others in the frigid river before slipping under the water himself. (Williams was posthumously honored by President Reagan, and the 14th Street Bridge was renamed in his honor.)
A Law Imprinted on Our Hearts
What inspires such heroic actions? We all have a strong natural instinct to protect our own lives. If there is no God, and survival of the fittest is nature’s rule, why would anyone jeopardize their own safety to save someone else?
C. S. Lewis answered that question with a helpful analogy. If you are standing on the shore and see someone drowning, two competing impulses arise. Self-preservation tells you to save yourself, but neighbor-love moves you to dive in and rescue the other person.
Why do we instinctively recognize it is more noble to save someone else than to protect ourselves? Lewis contended that the Creator imprinted an intuitive awareness of right and wrong on our hearts—a universal moral law that prioritizes sacrificial love.
The two commands Jesus called greatest—love for God and love for neighbors—lead to sacrifices and blessings a self-centered person will never understand.
Esther’s Brave Decision
Queen Esther faced a tough choice. Tragedy was on the horizon unless someone could persuade King Xerxes to change his cruel edict requiring annihilation of the Jews. Persian law required that anyone—even the queen—who approached the king’s throne without an invitation would be put to death unless the king extended his golden scepter as a sign of acceptance. However, Esther’s cousin Mordecai advised her not to remain silent but to confront the king to seek deliverance for the Jewish people.
Mordecai asked Esther to consider the possibility that God put her in a royal position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). After seeking others’ support in a three-day fast, Esther announced, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
Sacrificial love takes bold risks for others’ sake. The apostle Paul wrote, “For a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).
Esther’s bravery helped to save the Jewish people from annihilation. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). What people, causes, or convictions do you love so much that you would be willing to die for them?
Personal Challenge:
In small ways or large ways, how will you lay down your life for your brothers and sisters this week? (See 1 John 3:16.)
David Faust serves as senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis.
DISCOVERY
WEEK 2
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
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1. Name something you were instructed to do that was extremely difficult. Talk about it.
Ask two people to read aloud Esther 4:1-17, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage.
2. Esther 3 details how King Xerxes honored Haman and ordered the royal officials to bow down to him. Mordecai refused. Upon learning Mordecai was a Jew, Haman plotted to kill all of the Jews.
- Why do you think Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman? Would Mordecai have bowed down to King Xerxes?
- Describe how pride has been an integral part of the book of Esther to this point.
3. What term best describes King Xerxes?
- Gullible? Stupid? Lazy? Ignorant? Some other descriptor? (Share and support your description.)
4. The edict to kill and annihilate the Jews was shared throughout the provinces. Jews everywhere, including Mordecai, tore their clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes. The Jews mourned, fasted, wept, and wailed (v. 3). What does it say about Queen Esther’s existence that she was unaware of this edict?
5. Mordecai instructed Esther to go to King Xerxes “to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people” (v. 8). Esther, through a courier, told Mordecai that doing such a thing could result in her death. Mordecai responded to Esther with his immortal words in verses 13–14. His message had three key points/sentences:
- Restate each of Mordecai’s three sentences more directly. (Example from sentence one: “Your mailing address will not save you. If you do nothing, you will die along with the rest of the Jews.”
6. Esther finally was convinced that she must go to the king. Famously, God is not mentioned by name in the book of Esther. But how do verses 15 and 16 give a clear indication of Esther and Mordecai’s reliance on God?
7. Esther was willing to die—and even break the law—to try to save her people (v. 16).
- Name some other heroes from the Bible who were willing to die rather than betray God or their faith in him.
8. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Esther 7:1-8:8. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts and the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Week Three
LESSON AIM: Pursue life-giving love.
STUDY: Esther
THEME: A Hero’s Portrait
LESSON TEXT: Esther 7:1-8:8
SUPPLEMENTAL TEXT: Esther 5–6; Psalm 63:2-3; Proverbs 21:21; 24:11-12; John 15:11-13; 1 John 3:16-18
STUDY
WEEK 3
she displayed love
by Mark Scott
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Proverbs 24:11 says, “Rescue those being led away to death.” That is what Queen Esther did. Her rescue attempt required courage and love. There may, however, be some dissonance between the lesson title and the lesson text. The title, “She Displayed Love,” sounds soft and gentle. In the text, Esther strongly accused wicked Haman and opted for another edict so that the Jews could at least defend themselves. But love sometimes takes different paths to accomplish its end.
Esther took the bold step of going to the king uninvited. She knew she could perish for doing this. But the king extended the scepter of grace. She invited the king and Haman to the first banquet (which actually is the fifth banquet in the book). At this banquet, she did not reveal her request to the king (Esther 5:1-8). Haman was no doubt on cloud nine as he left the queen’s quarters. But that “high” quickly turned to a “low” when he saw Mordecai and immediately felt disrespected (5:9-14).
While Haman plotted to kill Mordecai, the king’s insomnia prompted him to have his memoirs read (Esther 6:1- 3). The memoirs indicated Mordecai had thwarted an assassination attempt and never been honored for his loyalty to the king. In a significant turn of events, Haman was directed to lead Mordecai through the streets so that the Jew, Haman’s enemy, might be honored (6:4-11). Even Haman’s wife knew this to be a bad omen (6:12-14).
The Gig Is Up
Esther 7:1-10
Haman was fetched for the second banquet. King Xerxes pleaded with Esther to make her request; he lavishly promised to grant to her up to half the kingdom. Queen Esther finally made her request: Grant me my life and spare my people. Esther made her petition (demand or wish) by saying the Jews would be destroyed, killed and annihilated—the very same language used in the edict (see Esther 3:13). She confessed she would not have bothered the king had the matter been less significant.
Xerxes blew his stack. Perhaps he thought back to the edict. That Haman was the villain must not have occurred to him before then, because he evidently had not thought about Esther being a Jewess. Esther did not hesitate; she said, “It is this vile Haman!” Haman was terrified (overwhelmingly frightened), and the king was so mad he had to step outside to gain his composure (or to take a moment to decide how to make Haman pay).
Haman begged Queen Esther for his life and became animated by falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king returned at that moment and assumed Haman was molesting (assaulting or subduing) the queen. The king ordered that Haman’s face be covered (i.e., that the death cloth be placed on him).
Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs, suggested that the gallows built for Mordecai might be available. The king said, “Impale him on it.” The king’s fury subsided as Haman’s body dangled on the pole.
The New Edict Is Composed
Esther 8:1-8
Esther’s courageous love brought about several consequences. Queen Esther received the estate (house) of Haman. This probably meant Haman was now viewed as a criminal. Mordecai was enlisted in the king’s service with a signet ring to prove the appointment. Esther set Mordecai over Haman’s estate.
To eliminate legislative vacillation, a law of the Medes and Persia could not be revoked. So, even though Esther’s cause had been vindicated and wicked Haman had been executed, the original edict about destroying the Jews still was in effect. Esther displayed her love for her people a second time by going to the king. She pleaded, fell at the king’s feet, wept, and begged the king to do something to reverse the dilemma in which the Jews found themselves. The king again extended his gold scepter. The queen wanted the edict overruled (revoked, returned, or turned back).
This could not be done, but Xerxes did the next best thing. He had another decree written with the king’s authority and on behalf of the Jews. This document was also sealed with the king’s signet ring, just like the initial edict. The text guaranteed that the Jews could kill, destroy, and annihilate anyone by defending themselves against any aggression. Beyond that, the Jews were even given the privilege of taking the initiative and going on offense to plunder the people who meant them harm.
Esther demonstrated love by advocating for her people.
Mark Scott serves as preaching minister with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin, Mo. For 35 years, until 2021, he served as professor of preaching and New Testament with Ozark Christian College in Joplin.
APPLICATION
WEEK 3
when Danger threatens those you love
by David Faust
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What do we have in common with Esther? Nearly 500 years before Christ, she lived in a palace, belonged to a royal family, and was extraordinarily good-looking. Most of us don’t do anything newsworthy and heroic, but God used her to save thousands of lives—and a book of the Bible was even named for her!
Yet, like other characters we meet in the Bible, Esther and her problems are surprisingly relatable. Do you ever wrestle with tough decisions or complicated situations that seem unresolvable? Do you ever feel like you are in over your head? Do you ever worry because someone you love is in danger?
The Destruction of Families
Esther had good reason to worry. An evil manipulator named Haman persuaded King Xerxes to order the execution of the Jews. Mixing logical arguments with earnest emotions, Esther pleaded for the king to rescind his terrible edict. She concluded her case by asking Xerxes, “For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?” (Esther 8:6).
We are separated from Esther by time, culture, and circumstances, but we all can relate to her worries. We don’t want people we love to see disaster. We don’t want our nations, churches, or families to be destroyed. Many anxious parents and grandparents could echo Esther’s worried words, “How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?”
Satan delights in destroying families, dividing churches, and tempting our kids to give up their faith. How can we protect our children from wolves in sheep’s clothing who prey on their minds, souls, and bodies? How can we resist unbiblical ideas our culture embraces as normative? How can we prepare our kids for the daunting spiritual challenges they will face in the future?
The Intervention of God
Psalm 127:4 compares children to “arrows in the hands of a warrior.” To shoot an arrow, you must aim it and then release it. That’s what parents do with our kids: Aim them the best we can, then release them. Once you release the arrow, you have no direct control over it; but as someone has said, “You still can pray for a favorable wind!” Parents can’t control our grown-up children and the decisions they make, but we can aim them in the right direction and pray for God to blow “a favorable wind” their way.
Esther’s burdens seemed unbearable, but she boldly brought her concerns to the king; and by God’s grace, Xerxes listened to her plea and reversed his edict, saving the lives of the Jews. Aren’t you glad we have another throne and a far better King we can ask for help? Through his Son’s death and resurrection, it’s as if the Father has extended to us “the golden scepter,” allowing us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
When we are worried about our families, we can seek God’s intervention. If our burdens feel too heavy to bear, we can bring them to the King of kings “who daily bears our burdens” (Psalm 68:19)—even when the burdens seem unbearable and the problems seem unresolvable.
Personal Challenge:
What is the biggest worry or the heaviest burden you are carrying right now? Through prayer, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
David Faust serves as senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis.
DISCOVERY
WEEK 3
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
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1. Have you ever seen someone who treated you badly get their comeuppance? Describe what happened.
Ask two people to read aloud Esther 7:1-8:8, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize these verses.
2. Our lesson text describes the second banquet Queen Esther prepared for the king and Haman. The first banquet is described in Esther 5:1-8. Immediately after that first gathering, Haman was “happy and in high spirits” (v. 9).
- Review what occurred after that first banquet and before the second banquet (Esther 5:9—6:14).
- Have you ever known a person like Haman, who allowed one negative in their life to override and ruin all the positives? (See Esther 5:10-13).
3. Why do you think Esther didn’t present her petition and request to her husband, King Xerxes, during the first banquet?
- After Esther made her petition and request to the king, why do you think Xerxes left the second banquet to go out into the palace garden?
4. Many of the developments in Esther 5–8 occurred almost in sitcom fashion.
- Discuss some of the ironic and/or humorous elements to this story.
5. In the end, what reasons did King Xerxes have for executing Haman?
6. King Xerxes decided a new decree must be written “in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews” (Esther 8:8). How did that new decree ultimately save the Jewish people?
7. In his Application column this week, David Faust noted that King Xerxes ultimately helped the Jews. But Faust observed: “Aren’t you glad we have another throne and a far better King we can ask for help? Through his Son’s death and resurrection, it’s as if the Father has extended to us ‘the golden scepter,’ allowing us to ‘approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need’ (Hebrews 4:16).”
- Based on our study and discussion, how is God reaching out to you, and how will you reach back to God this week?
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Esther 9:18-32; 10:1-3. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts and the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Week Four
LESSON AIM: Celebrate the Lord’s victories with joy.
STUDY: Esther
THEME: A Hero’s Portrait
LESSON TEXT: Esther 9:18-32; 10:1-3
SUPPLEMENTAL TEXT: Esther 8:9-9:17; Psalm 147:1-7; 1 Peter 1:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:4-7; Luke 15:1-32
STUDY
WEEK 4
she brought joy
by Mark Scott
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When oppressed people are liberated, they are joyful. That was certainly true for Esther, Mordecai, and their fellow Jews following the victory over Haman’s evil and deceitful edict. King Xerxes very much took a “do whatever you want” attitude with the new edict. The Jews’ fear of the people was reversed and became the people’s fear of the Jews. Some people even declared themselves to be Jews—even though they were not—so they would not be harmed (Esther 8:17). The very day of doom became the actual day of victory for the Jews (9:1).
Purim Established
Esther 9:18-28
Moses commanded three feasts to be observed by the Jews: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The Feast of Purim, however, did not come about until the time of Esther during the Jewish captivity. The word pur means “lot,” as in casting lots to discern God’s will. The Jews cast lots to see what day(s) to celebrate God’s reversal of their circumstances . . . of God’s deliverance of his people. This feast was to be celebrated on the 14th and 15th of the month of Adar.
The celebration consisted of joy, resting, feasting, and the giving of presents, specifically gifts to the poor—a type of Hanukkah celebration. Word traveled slower in those days—thus allowing more than just one day for the festival to be observed. Mordecai took care of the details. He not only recorded (to write down or to enroll) the events, but he also sent letters through the provinces. The Jews were to celebrate that their sorrow had been turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
One might say the Jews were celebrating the irony of God. Wicked Haman had cast lots to see what day to kill, destroy, and annihilate the Jews. But there was a reversal that came back onto his own head, for ultimately Haman and his sons were impaled on poles. Therefore, Purim became a national holiday celebrated every year. The Jews wanted to be sure the day was never forgotten. Joy came to the Jews by God’s grand reversal.
Positions Established
Esther 9:29-32; 10:1-3
Not only did the Jews thwart their enemies, the events that Purim celebrates also propelled Esther and Mordecai into even more significant positions of authority. Esther was already queen, but she used her position of influence to write a second letter concerning the future celebration of Purim. This became an official document that ensured an ongoing annual celebration for, as the text said, it was written down in the records.
Mordecai’s influence and power were enlarged. He continued to correspond with the Jews in all 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom. These official government documents were written with words of goodwill and assurance and also designated times of fasting and lamentation. Esther 10:1-3 indicated that accurate records were kept of all these proceedings. The book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia is lost to us today, but it was still well-known at the time of the writing of Esther.
Mordecai was second in rank to King Xerxes. Not only was he preeminent (delightfully respected) by the Jews, but the people of Xerxes’ kingdom also had to respect him. He was the Jewish advocate from this time forward.
Perspective Established
While the way the book of Esther ends pleased the Jews, it can create intellectual challenges for Christians today. After all, it is estimated that 76,000 people lost their lives by virtue of the Purim reversal. As this is being written, the nation of Israel has killed more than 35,000 people in their war against Hamas. The terrorists killed just over 1,200 Jews in the original incursion of Jewish territory (October 7, 2023). How are Christians to think about such things?
Sometimes God’s people can become overly zealous and are more interested in being right than in being righteous. The Bible Knowledge Commentary (by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck) states that nowhere in the book of Esther does it say that “Mordecai was a righteous individual or that he was careful to follow the Law.” Did Mordecai go too far? While the Jews did not plunder, they did kill. Was this killing commanded by God or permitted by God? When Ezra held his mass divorce session, was that what God intended or did Ezra go too far (Ezra 10)? These are hard issues for Christians to think through. Remember, not all things recorded in the Bible automatically have God’s approval.
Mark Scott serves as preaching minister with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin, Mo. For 35 years, until 2021, he served as professor of preaching and New Testament with Ozark Christian College in Joplin.
APPLICATION
WEEK 4
when The tables are turned
by David Faust
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“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
Things looked grim. The evil official Haman persuaded King Xerxes to issue an edict calling for the annihilation of the Jews. But when Esther bravely confronted the king and explained the situation to him, Xerxes changed his mind; and what initially looked like impending disaster turned into a day of victory and celebration.
“On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them” (Esther 9:1).
That’s an interesting phrase, isn’t it? “But now the tables were turned.” The expression comes from the old practice of playing board games like backgammon or chess at a table. If “the tables were turned,” players had to accept what previously had been their opponent’s position. We use the expression to describe a significant role reversal or a change of outcome—a comeback in which an underdog gains the upper hand. When the tables are turned, the weak become strong, losers become winners, and disadvantages turn into advantages.
The Lord, the Table-Turner
Although God remains unnamed in the book of Esther, it’s clear he turned the tables for the Jews. Instead of being destroyed, the opposite occurred as the Jews gained mastery over their enemies.
At crucial moments in history, the Lord has turned defeat into victory and misery into joy. He turned the tables when Hebrew slaves plundered the Egyptians before marching to freedom in the Promised Land, and when David defeated the giant Goliath. Jesus literally overturned tables in the temple courts because merchants and money changers had corrupted God’s house and turned it into a shopping mall (John 2:15).
The greatest table-turn of all happened when Jesus was crucified. It looked like the powers of darkness had won a decisive victory. The Great Physician was killed, the Master Teacher silenced. The disciples wept while the Messiah’s body lay lifeless in a borrowed tomb . . . but joy came on Sunday morning.
The Table-Turn Ahead
At the end of time, the Father’s righteous judgment will set this upside-down world aright. The tables will be turned. The last will be first. The overlooked will be honored. The weak will be strong. The poor in spirit will be richly rewarded. Mourning will change to morning. Long, dark nights of weeping will dissolve in the glow of God’s glory. Mortals will be clothed with immortality as death gives way to life.
Those who can’t walk will run and jump. Those who love music, but can’t carry a tune, will sing in harmony with heaven’s worship choir. The weary will rest. The sad will be comforted. Those who have been abused, misunderstood, neglected, or belittled will be enveloped in God’s abiding love. The blind will behold heaven’s glorious colors. The deaf will hear God’s voice. The paralyzed will leap with joy. The lonely will enjoy never-ending companionship.
For nearly 2,500 years, the Jews have celebrated the Feast of Purim and retold the story of Esther. But because the Lord turned the tables when he saved us by his grace, there is a far greater feast ahead. “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:9).
Personal Challenge:
Can you think of a time in your life when God intervened and turned a near-disastrous situation into victory? Are there any circumstances right now that move you to call on the Lord to intervene and “turn the tables” so righteousness will triumph over evil?
David Faust serves as senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis.
DISCOVERY
WEEK 4
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
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1. Have you ever experienced a time of mourning that soon became a time of celebration? Or, in the case of a death of a loved one, mourning that became a time of happy reminiscence? Describe what happened.
Ask two people to read aloud Esther 9:18-32; 10:1-3, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize these verses.
2. After the events of our last lesson (Esther 7:1—8:8), orders were written and distributed that allowed the Jews to protect themselves from the annihilation authorized by the first irrevocable order. Read Esther 8:11-13 and discuss why and how the second edict protected and empowered the Jewish people.
3. Describe and discuss Mordecai’s metamorphosis throughout the book of Esther. In Esther 2, he seemed to spend much of his time at the king’s gate. In the middle chapters, Mordecai and his people are almost killed. At the end of Esther, Mordecai is the second-most powerful ruler in Persia.
- Does Mordecai’s story arc remind you of any other biblical heroes?
- What positive attributes did God surely see in Mordecai?
4. How did Purim, which is both a festival and feast, get its name? (Hints: it is also known as the Feast of Lots. See Esther 3:5-7.)
- Why is Purim a two-day celebration?
5. What good and bad examples of the use of authority are evident in the book of Esther?
- Consider the authority you have as a Christ follower and/or as a church leader. How will you exercise the authority you have been given?
6. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
For Next Week: This week’s lesson bring this unit of study to a conclusion. Look for additional “1717: Your Word Is Truth” studies, for use with your Sunday School classes, small groups, or personal studies, at ChristianStandard.com.
