Esther Bible Study

Outline

THE FEASTS OF XERXES (1:1-2:18)
Vashti Deposed (chapter 1)
Esther Made Queen (chapter 2:1-18)
THE FEASTS OF ESTHER (2:19-7:10)
Mordecai Uncovers a Plot (chapter 2:19-23)
Haman's Plot (chapter 3)
Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help (chapter 4)
Esther's Request to the King: The First Banquet (chapter 5:1-8)
A Sleepless Night (chapter 5:9-6:14)
Haman Hanged: The Second Banquet (chapter 7)
THE FEASTS OF PURIM (8:1-10:3)
The King's Edict in Behalf of the Jews (chapter 8)
The Institution of Purim (chapter 9)
The Promotion of Mordecai (chapter 10)

Most of us really want to feel secure, even though we know that security in this
life carries no guarantees. Possessions can be destroyed or lost, beauty fades,
relationships can be broken, and death is always waiting. So what we hope will
bring security doesn't really last. Real security has to be found in Someone
else. Only when our security depends on God's unchanging love for us can we face
the challenges that life is sure to bring our way.

Esther 2:1-18 Esther Made Queen
In Esther's day, kings could have any and as any wives as they wished, but
Esther became King Ahasuerus' queen. God placed her in a special position to
represent her people, the Jews, who were in danger. What incident made Haman
want to kill all of the Jews in the Persian kingdom? Esther 3:1-6

Esther 5:1-8 Esthers Request to the King
Esther had to risk her own life and security to help others. Esther made her
plans carefully. She got help. Knowing she needed God's help too, Esther had all
her people fasting and praying. Realizing God is with us is the best medicine
for the feeling that we're all alone. As you read her story, you will be amazed
how God and Esther worked together.

God was behind the scenes, but He made things happen! The way Esther acted
showed how much she depended on God for her security. Do you depend on God for
your security?

Esther 9:18-32 Purim Celebrated
1. P--ersian decree against Vashti
2. U--ncle Mordecai saves the king
3. R--evenge plotted by Haman
4. I--ntercession made to Esther
5. M--aking dinner for Ahasuerus
6. F--avor shown to Mordecai
7. E--sther requests her life
8. A--hasuerus gives Mordecai promotion
9. S--ons of Haman hanged
10 T--estimony to Mordecai's greatness

What assurance does the book of Esther give to Christians?

Esther 3:1-6

What incident made Haman
want to kill all of the Jews in the Persian kingdom?

As I think of Haman it reminds me of all the people in our world where pride becomes their downfall. Haman couldn't handle the fact that Mordecai would not bow before him. Actually, I believe Haman's greed in his heart made him even feel higher than the King. Yes, Haman was not given the honor he believed he deserved. This stirred his jealous, brutal, and unclean heart for power and worship from man. Haman is a prime example of desiring the praise of men than the praise for God. Jealousy if left unchecked to me leads to murder if the person doesn't surrender it to the Lord. The anger so burned in his heart he not only thought of plotting to kill Mordecai but he gave his anger vengeance to destroy all the Jews. So I see here that the first attempt to anniliate the Jews had begun in the heart of Haman.

I am always troubled when anger becomes the breeding ground for murder. If we do not surrender our anger to the Lord it can lead to utter devastation of the person we are angry at and also can rob us of joy and peace in our Lord. Haman chose to be overcome with his own pride and power. Here again is another lesson for me: pride in anything I do or accomplish can lead me to lose it all. If I am to have pride it is in the Lord and what he has done in my life. I would choose to give glory to God than to rob God of his glory. Haman not only wanted to get glory but he chose to deny God's people the right to give their God glory. Haman wanted them to bow before him instead of them bow to the one true God.

The lesson here for me is: never let my anger go unchecked, always humble myself under the mighty hand of God, and seek to honor others instead of myself. I would rather hear my Lord say: "well down thy good and faithful servant." Recognize: God has placed me along with others in this world and I must not put myself above others. Yes, pride comes before a fall.

Do you depend on God for your security?

I cannot imagine not depending on God for everything that has been given to me. Choosing Christ Jesus to provide for all my needs is the best peace I know. In this world there is much turmoil but our God is still in control and trusting him to work through it all is a lot better than trying to fix it myself. All I have is given through God's love. In the last three years I have been learning to depend on him in all circumstances. He has shown me that to trust him for tomorrow relieves me from anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Esther knew God had plans for her because she chose to seek him in prayer and fasting. She knew her life depended on trusting God in all things. I can't imagine this young maiden displayed before this gentile king and that she would be chosen to be Queen. Her queenship gave her many rights but she chose to seek God and not abuse the power she had been given. Esther is a example when we trust God even if it doesn't feel right that God will fulfill what he promises. Yes, she depended on God for her people and God put her in the place where she could intercede on their behalf.

What assurance does the book of Esther give to Christians?

When we choose to trust the Lord even though we cannot see how in the world he can work in difficult situations, we are assured he will help us through it. We cannot depend on feelings that God is not working for he works in our lives according to his purpose and will. We have God's promises to hold onto and claim. We too are in a world that tries to pull our worship of God away with a worship of power and things. But God has given us a way to escape anything that would rob us of knowing he cares for us.

Never underestimate how God will use me. He may put me in a situation purely so I will learn to trust him and place my hope in him. He may place me in a situation where I would have to make a decision that isn't favorable by others. He may also put me in a situation where I would have to take a stand for righteousness sake.

Esther knew God was her deliverer. Because of that knowledge and trust God used her to deliver his people.

A simple maiden, Jewish heritage, adopted, yet obedient to her God. She denied herself and her nation was delivered. What a precious assurance for me as God's child: that if I deny myself God will use me to tell others about him. God will even use me to share the Good News....

She risked her life so others could be released from Haman's plot. I liken this to being willing to die for my children.

Haman died for his sins, Esther lived and so did her people. God is worthy of all our worship, trust, and praise.