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Entries in Esther (7)
Esther Lesson Six
Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 08:03AM Esther Study Week 6
Esther 9:16-10:3
Bible Verse to be recited for this week:
Esther 8:17
17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.
The remainder of the Jews in the king's provinces gathered together and protected their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of their enemies; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. And on the fourteenth of the month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
But the Jews who were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day, as well as on the fourteenth; and on the fifteenth of the month they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
Why did they assemble for the extra day?
What day did the Jews gain victory over their enemies in the provinces?
Upon what day did the Jews in the provinces rest?
What day did the Jews gain victory over their enemies in the city of Sushan?
Upon what day did the Jews in the city rest?
Therefore the Jews of the villages who dwelt in the unwalled towns celebrated the fourteenth day of the month of Adar with gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and for sending presents to one another.
Who are these Jews of the villages? Can you figure it out by the day that they rested upon? Why do you think they sent presents to one another?
And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus,
to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar,
as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.
Why did they send gifts to the poor? What kind of gifts do you think they probably sent?
So the Jews accepted the custom which they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them,
Why do you think it is important that the writer of Esther mentions that the Jews accepted the custom?
because Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to annihilate them, and had cast Pur (that is, the lot), to consume them and destroy them;
but when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letter that this wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them,
the Jews established and imposed it upon themselves and their descendants and all who would join them, that without fail they should celebrate these two days every year, according to the written instructions and according to the prescribed time,
that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants.
Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim.
These verses tell us why the book of Esther was written. Why do you think it is so important to the Jews that there is a written record of this observance? What makes it different from other Jewish religious days and holidays?
And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
Why is it important that it records that the letters Mordecai sent were words of “peace and truth?”
to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had prescribed for them, and as they had decreed for themselves and their descendants concerning matters of their fasting and lamenting.
So the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book.
AND King Ahasuerus imposed tribute on the land and on the islands of the sea.
What does it mean to impose tribute? Why do you think this was mentioned here and why do you think he imposed this tribute?
Now all the acts of his power and his might, and the account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.
What is pur? What is Purim? Who established it? Why was it made perpetual?
Why is Haman said to be the enemy of all the Jews? (3:10; 8:1; 9:10, 24-25)
Who delivered the people?
Can you think of any other Jewish men who, like Mordecai, gained authority, influence, and honor in the service of a foreign King?
These lessons were written for elementary aged students. You can find all of the Lessons in Esther here.
Esther Lesson Five
Friday, May 18, 2007 at 05:57AM Esther Study Week 5
Esther 8:1-9:15
Bible Verse To Be Recited this week:
Proverbs 2:10-12
10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech,
Est 8:1
On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her.
Why do you think that the King gave Esther Haman’s property?
Est 8:2
And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
Why do you think that the king gave Mordecai the ring? Who has the power all of a sudden?
Est 8:3
Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews.
Why do you think that Esther waited until this point to finally talk to the king about averting Haman’s plan?
Est 8:4
When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther,
Est 8:5
Esther rose and stood before the king. And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king.
Est 8:6
“For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”
Why does Esther ask for another order to be written? Why doesn’t she just ask the king to dismiss Haman’s decree?
Est 8:7
Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews.
Est 8:8
“But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.”
Why do you think that the King doesn’t write his own decrees?
Est 8:9
The king's scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day. And an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded concerning the Jews, to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language.
Who actually wrote the new decree? Why do you think it was Mordecai and not Esther? Why was it important that the decree be written “to each province in tis own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language? Look at Haman’s decree in Chapter 3, verse 12. What do you notice that is different?
Est 8:10
And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king's signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud,
Again, what do you notice that is different from the last time a decree was sent out by Haman? Why is that important?
Est 8:11
saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods,
Notice that the Jews are allowed to plunder. What does it mean to plunder?
Est 8:12
on one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
See Haman’s decree Esther 4:12-15 What do you notice about this day?
Est 8:13
A copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies.
Est 8:14
So the couriers, mounted on their swift horses that were used in the king's service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel.
Why were they in a hurry? Why was the decree issued in Susa, the citadel, too? (Read verse 15 and compare to verse 3:15)
Est 8:15
Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.
What is the significance of the royal robes? Why do you think the people of Susa rejoiced?
Est 8:16
The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.
Est 8:17
And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.
Now, think about this for a minute. Why are the people rejoicing already?
Chapter 9:1-15
Est 9:1
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.
What are some of the ways God has totally reversed things in favor of the Jews?
Est 9:2
The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples.
Est 9:3
All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.
Who is helping the Jews now? Why?
Est 9:4
For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful.
Where did Mordecai receive his power from? What kind of power did Mordecai desire? Compare that to the desires of Haman.
Est 9:5
The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them.
Who did the Jews kill and destroy?
Est 9:6
In Susa the citadel itself the Jews killed and destroyed 500 men,
Est 9:7
and also killed Parshandatha and Dalphon and Aspatha
Est 9:8
and Poratha and Adalia and Aridatha
Est 9:9
and Parmashta and Arisai and Aridai and Vaizatha,
Est 9:10
the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they laid no hand on the plunder.
Why do you think they didn’t plunder their enemies? They were given permission but verse 7 says they did as they pleased against their enemies. What does that say about their motivation?
Read 1 Samuel 15:17-19 and compare the differences, both in what happened and in the outcome.
Est 9:11
That very day the number of those killed in Susa the citadel was reported to the king.
Est 9:12
And the king said to Queen Esther, “In Susa the citadel the Jews have killed and destroyed 500 men and also the ten sons of Haman. What then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces! Now what is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what further is your request? It shall be fulfilled.”
Est 9:13
And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day's edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.”
Why do you think Esther asked for another day of killing? Why do you think she asks for the ten sons of Haman to be hanged when they are already dead?
Est 9:14
So the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged.
Est 9:15
The Jews who were in Susa gathered also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and they killed 300 men in Susa, but they laid no hands on the plunder.
They laid no hands on the plunder. This is the third time this was stated. Why do you think this is important?
Bible Verse to be Memorized for next week: Esther 8:17
17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.
These lessons were written for elementary aged students. You can find all of the Lessons in Esther here.
Esther Lesson Four
Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 08:32AM Last Week’s Bible Verse to Recite:
Bible Verse: Psalm 94:21-22
21 They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 22 But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.
Chapter Six
Est 6:1
On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.
Why do you think the king could not sleep? Was this a mere coincidence?
Est 6:2
And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.
Read Esther 2:21-23
Est 6:3
And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”
Est 6:4
And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
It was morning by this time. What do you think about the timing of the discovery of the record of Mordecai’s having saved the king? Was this “just a coincidence?” How about the king asking who was in the court? Another coincidence?
Est 6:5
And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.”
Est 6:6
So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?”
(notice that the King has concealed the identity of the one who was to be honored. Compare this to Esther 3:8—who was concealing then?)
Est 6:7
And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor,
Est 6:8
“let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set.
Est 6:9
“And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’”
Do you remember the story of David and Jonathan? (1 Samuel 18:1-4) (significance of clothing. . .)
What did Haman seek above all else?
Est 6:10
Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.”
Est 6:11
So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”
The honor that Haman wanted for himself was given to the one he hated the most.
Est 6:12
Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.
Est 6:13
And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”
This is a strange thing for his wife to say to him. Remember, Haman was an Amalekite. Why do you think she said this to him about the Jewish people? Can you think of any Bible stories that support the idea that the Jewish people cannot be overcome?
Est 6:14
While they were yet talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried to bring Haman to the feast that Esther had prepared.
Chapter Seven
Est 7:1
So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther.
Est 7:2
And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”
Est 7:3
Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.
Est 7:4
“For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.”
Esther tells the king that “we have been sold.” Read 3:9 and 4:7.
She also uses the words, “destroyed, killed, annihilated” just like it the decree. Why doesn’t the king remember that?
Then she mentions “the loss to the king.” What did Esther know was the thing that the king most sought after? To what interest of the King did she appeal?
Did it take faith for Esther to make her request to the King? Why?
Est 7:5
Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?”
Est 7:6
And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.
Should the king have been surprised? (Read Esther 3:8-11)
Est 7:7
And the king arose in his wrath from the wine-drinking and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king.
Why do you think the King left the banquet? Why did Haman beg for his life from the Queen and not the King?
Est 7:8
And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman's face.
Look at verse 6:12—Haman covered his face in shame, now his face is covered in judgment.
Est 7:9
Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.”
Est 7:10
And the king said, “Hang him on that.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.
Did he think for himself? Has he ever done anything at all without consulting other people? Who did he listen to before? Who is he listening to now?
Lets discuss the way God providentially acted to bring about His plan in this situation.
Next Week’s Bible Verse to Memorize:
Bible Verse: Proverbs 2:10-12
10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech,
These lessons were written for elementary aged students. You can find all of the Lessons in Esther here.
Esther Lesson Three
Friday, April 27, 2007 at 08:50PM Chapter Five
We’ll briefly review the first four chapters, looking for God’s hand in what is happening so far.
Last Week’s Bible Verse to Recite:
Esther 4:14
14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Est 5:1
NOW it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.
Q: Do you remember what would happen if someone came into the King’s presence uninvited?
Why do you think Esther put on her royal robes?
Remember Queen Vashti? What happened to her when she wouldn’t put on her crown and come to the King when he invited her?
Est 5:2
So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.
Q: What does it mean to “find favor in the sight of the King?”
Est 5:3
And the king said to her, "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you--up to half the kingdom!"
Q: Do you think he’d really give her anything “up to half the kingdom?” What do you think he meant by that?
Est 5:4
So Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."
Q: Did you notice how she asked him?
Est 5:5
Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
Est 5:6
At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, "What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!"
Est 5:7
Then Esther answered and said, "My petition and request is this:
Est 5:8
"If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said."
Again he asks her what she requests of him but she doesn’t mention the decree against the Jews. Why do you think she hasn’t asked yet?
Est 5:9
So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai.
Q: Why was Haman “joyful, with a glad heart?” What do you think Mordecai was doing by the king’s gate? Why was Haman mad at Mordecai?
Est 5:10
Nevertheless Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh.
Est 5:11
Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king.
Est 5:12
Moreover Haman said, "Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king.
Q: Why did Haman gather his wife and his friends together?
Est 5:13
"Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate."
Q: Do you think that Haman is acting reasonably? Why or why not?
Est 5:14
Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet." And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made.
Q: Why did this plan please Haman? Why did he think he could get the King to hang Mordecai? Did he have the authority to have the gallows built?
Review Chapter Five
Can you tell me what God's providence means? Do you see signs of God’s providential care and His ruling over people and events? Can you name some?
Next Week’s Bible Verse to Memorize:
Psalm 94:21-22
21 They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 22 But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.
These lessons were written for elementary aged students. You can find all of the Lessons in Esther here.
Esther Lesson Two
Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 01:57PM Esther Week Two Chapters 3-4
People to Know:
Haman
Hathach
Chapter Three
Est 3:1
AFTER these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him.
Q: After what things?
Est 3:2
And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.
Q: Why not?
Est 3:3
Then the king's servants who were within the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you transgress the king's command?"
Est 3:4
Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai's words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.
(they knew that the Jews would not bow to anyone except the One True God)
Est 3:5
When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath.
Q: Why did that make Haman mad?
Est 3:6
But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus--the people of Mordecai.
Q: Why wouldn’t Haman go after Mordecai on his own? He had the power to do it! (3:1)
Q: Haman decides not ONLY to destroy Mordecai, but all the Jews. What does this remind you of from last week’s lesson?
Est 3:7
In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
Q: What does it mean to “cast the lot?” Who was casting the lots? Has the King weighed in on this yet?
Est 3:8
Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain.
Q: Do you remember why the Jews were dispersed into other lands in the first place? Why don’t they keep the laws of the land? How does this relate to what Mordecai did to make Haman mad in the first place?
Est 3:9
"If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king's treasuries."
Q: What two things did Haman know about the King (from Chapters 1 and 2) and how he operates or what is important to him? (hint: why did Haman ask for a written decree and why does he promise silver for the king’s treasury?)
Est 3:10
So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.
Q: What is the significance of a signet ring? Did you notice how the writer of Esther is describing Haman now? (listen to the Jews’ reaction to the name of Haman even today when the book is read aloud on Purim)
Est 3:11
And the king said to Haman, "The money and the people are given to you, to do with them as seems good to you."
Q: When did we see the king asking a similar question? What do you think that says about King Xerxes’ kingly rule?
Est 3:12
Then the king's scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded--to the king's satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king's signet ring.
Q: Do you remember why it was important for the decrees to be written in the writing and the language of every people? Why is it important that the decree was sealed with the king’s signet ring? Who sealed the decree?
Est 3:13
And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.
Q: What did the decree say? (about who was to be killed and about the timing). What does this say about the planning of the attack against the Jews? Did you notice that this is a command? They HAD to do it, by law.
Est 3:14
A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day.
Est 3:15
The couriers went out, hastened by the king's command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the citadel. So the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
Q: Why do you think the writer of Esther tells us that the king and Haman sat down to drink?
Chapter 4
WHEN Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry.
Q: Why did Mordecai tear his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes? Why did he go into the midst of the city? Why did he cry with a loud voice?
Est 4:2
He went as far as the front of the king's gate, for no one might enter the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
Q: Why not?
Est 4:3
And in every province where the king's command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
Est 4:4
So Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them.
Q: What did they tell her? Do you think she knew about the Kings decree? Why or why not? Why wouldn’t Mordecai accept the clothes that Esther sent him?
Est 4:5
Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was.
Q: Do you remember what a eunuch is? Who’s eunuch is he? What does it say about Esther that she had the power to command the king’s eunuch?
Est 4:6
So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square that was in front of the king's gate.
Est 4:7
And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries to destroy the Jews.
Est 4:8
He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people.
Q: Why did Mordecai tell him all that had happened and give him a copy of the decree? What did Mordecai command? Based on what you know about Esther so far, do you think she will obey him?
Est 4:9
So Hathach returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
Est 4:10
Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai:
Est 4:11
Est 4:12 "All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days." So they told Mordecai Esther's words.
Q: What was Esther telling Mordecai?
Est 4:13
And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews.
Est 4:14
"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Q: What do you think about what Mordecai answers? Does this surprise you? Why does he think that deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place? What does he mean when he says, “for such a time as this?”
Est 4:15
Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai:
Est 4:16
"Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"
Q: Why does she call for a fast? Who is supposed to fast? What made her change her mind?
Est 4:17
So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him
Q: Now, who’s obeying who?
Last week’s verse (memorized for today)
Bible Verse: Esther 4:14
14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Next week’s verse (memorize for next week)
Bible Verse: Psalm 94:21-22
21 They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 22 But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.
These lessons were written for elementary aged students. You can find all of the Lessons in Esther here.
Esther Lesson One
Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 01:55PM Esther Week One Chapters 1-2
Introduction:
Author: Unknown
Time: 400-500 B.C. In the third year of King Ahasuerus’ reign
Theme: God’s Providential Plans for His People
People to Know:
King Ahasuerus (Xerxes)
· Known for his building projects and wars against the Greeks
· Consolidated his father, Darius’, kingdom into 20 satrapies and 127 provinces.
· Ruled Persia from India to Ethiopia (capital city, Sushan or Susa)
Queen Vashti
· King Ahasuerus’ queen
· Disobeyed a command
· Was removed as Queen
7 eunaches (servants to the King)
7 Princes of Persia and Media (nobility—counselors to the King)
· Memucan—the spokesman for the Princes
Mordecai
· A Jew
· Of the tribe of Benjamin, of the family of Kish (a descendent of King Saul)
· Carried off to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar (King of Babylon)
Esther
· Orphaned
· Raised by her uncle, Mordecai
· She was beautiful
· She was obedient
7 choice maidservants
· Given to Esther by Hegai to help in her preparations to meet the King
Hegai
· Custodian of the women
Shaahgaz
· Custodian of the concubines
Places to Know:
Persia (127 provinces, 20 satrapies)
Sushan (Susa)
Babylonia
Lesson:
1:1-9
Introduce characters
180 day feast for all of Persia
7 day feast for all of Sushan
King was generous
King was showing off
Description of wealth and riches
10-12
King A commands his 7 servants to bring the Queen to show her off (he was saving the best for last)
13-15
Queen Vashti refuses to come. King is furious.
King calls in the 7 Princes of Persia and asks: “What shall we do to Queen Vashti according to the law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the 7 eunaches (servants to the king)
16-22
Mumucan “stirs the pot.” (vs. 16) He expands the issue from the King’s personal dishonor and embarrassment to the whole country and from the King and Queen’s personal issue to that of all the husbands and wives in the land.
See Mumucan’s answer (vs 19)
Consequences to Vashti
Consequences to women
Read vs 22 “each province in it’s own script, every people in it’s own language” Why is this important? We will need to remember this!
2:1-4
Choosing a new queen
5-7
Mordecai and Esther
8-14
Making the Choice
Vs 9 concerning Esther
Vs 10 concerning Mordecai
15-18
Esther becomes Queen
19-20
Esther’s obedience to Mordecai
THE PLOT
21-23
The Plot of the Doorkeepers
Mordecai hears—saves King through Esther
These lessons were written for elementary aged students. You can find all of the Lessons in Esther here.
Esther Study 6 week plan
Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 01:53PM Esther 6 Week Study
Outline and Bible Verses
Week One, April 15
Chapters 1 and 2
Bible Verse: Psalm 4:5
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
Week Two, April 22
Chapters 3 and 4
Bible Verse: Esther 4:14
14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Week Three, April 29
Chapter 5
Bible Verse: Psalm 94:21-22
21 They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 22 But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.
Week Four, May 6
Chapter 6 and 7
Bible Verse: Proverbs 2:10-12
10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech,
Week Five, May 13
Chapter 8-9:15
Bible Verse: Esther 8:17
17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.
Week Six, May 20
Chapter 9:16 and Chapter Ten
No Bible verse
These lessons were written for elementary aged students. You can find all of the Lessons in Esther here.