Session X Day 2

In the first 2 chapters of Esther, the author does not give us a clue regarding the Persian’s attitude toward the Jews living in their country.  However, we can get a clearer picture of some of the history of that era by reading from the book of Ezra. 

Read as much of Ezra as you can;  especially note Ezra 4 – 6.  (Once you read those chapters – you may not be able to stop.)  You will see how the Persian rulers were easily swayed by the Jews’ enemies in Judah as they attempted to rebuild the temple and restore Jerusalem and the wall.  This history may help us understand some of the dynamics of Esther’s story.

Ezra (a priest/scribe who had been in exile in Babylon) wrote of the restoration struggles that occurred before, during, and after the time of Esther. 

Dates (approximate) and events that are relevant to the story of Esther:

539-38 BC  Decree issued by Cyrus the Great, of Persia, allowing Jews to return to homeland and rebuild temple.

530  Temple work came to a halt because of negative reports sent to Cyrus’ successors.

522  Temple work resumed and was completed in 516 , under Darius I

486-465  Reign of Xerxes (Ahaseuris);  temple had been completed 30 – 40 years earlier; however, work on rebuilding Jerusalem and wall was still in progress.  Xerxes received negative reports regarding the loyalty of the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem.

479  Esther crowned queen in 7^th year of Xerxes’ reign

458  Ezra, Jewish priest/scribe who had been in exile in Babylon; journeyed to Jerusalem with instructions from Artaxerxes’ (I or II?) to take articles for the temple that had been stolen by the Babylonians; to insure the Law of Moses was being taught & followed; and to appoint magistrates & judges in Judea.

ASSIGNMENT:

READ Ezra 4:1- 6:15  As you read, be aware that the events Ezra describes are not always told sequentially.  Remember that you are reading to learn more of the attitude the Persians had toward Jewish exiles (including Mordecai and Esther). 

In your notebook, briefly describe the ongoing conflict as recorded by Ezra.

Ezra 4:6  At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, they (the  _________ of  __________  and _______________- see Ezra 4:1) lodged an accusation against the people of Judah.

Session X Day 1

What wonderful weather we had this past weekend!  I hope you were all able to get out and enjoy it.  Before we tackle chapter 2 of the Esther narrative, let's refresh our memories about what happened in chapter 1.

Chapter 1 began with a lavish feast given by King Xerxes of Persia in the 5^th century BC.  He ordered Queen Vashti to appear before his intoxicated comrades; she refused and was permanently banished from the king’s presence.

There is a 4-year interval between chapters one and two, and history tells us that Xerxes attempted another (unsuccessful) invasion of Greece during that time period.

ASSIGNMENT:

READ Esther 2:1-11.

1.  List the characters mentioned in this section of chapter 2. (You should find 5).

2.  Complete the following:

       a. When Xerxes' anger had _____________, he remembered ______________.  What did his personal attendants propose?

       b. Hegai was the king's __________ who was in charge of the _____________.

       c. Mordecai was a ______of the tribe of _____________. (If the family members listed in vs 5 were Mordecai's immediate ancestors) _______________was his great-grandfather who had been carried into _____________ from Jerusalem by ___________________, king of Babylon. (Date: 597 BC, 110 years before Esther)

       d. Mordecai's cousin, ___________ (Hebrew name) was commonly known as ______________ (from the Persian word for star; or perhaps named after the Babylonian goddess, Ishtar).

Additional Historical Notes:

 Harem - In this ancient culture, the term harem referred to either:

1) the palace women - which possibly included wives, concubines, and slaves  … or  2) to the specific area of the palace in which these women lived.

Palace Eunuchs – As many as 500 young boys from around the kingdom were rounded up annually and castrated to serve as eunuchs in the Persian court.  These young men were the most handsome and healthy – the cream of the crop.

3.  What do we learn about the relationship between Mordecai and Esther from this passage?

4.  Why do you think Mordecai forbade Esther to reveal her Jewish identity?

Session IX Day 3

Happy Friday!  We've come to the end of another week and the end of the first chapter of Esther.  I pray that God continues to reveal Himself to us as we study this powerful story.

ASSIGNMENT:


READ Esther 1:13-22
1.  What is the question posed by Xerxes?  (Note: in vs. 15 of the NIV, it is not clear who is speaking; however, in the NASB, it appears that it is Xerxes).
2.  According to Memucan's reply in vs. 16 who had been wronged by Vashti's refusal?
3.  Consider the problem and the solution described in this chapter.  What do you conclude regarding the moral and maturity level of those in power?

Session IX Day 2

Spring is in the air!  I hope you've been able to enjoy it in one way or another.  Now it's time to dive into the Word and learn more about our wonderful God.

ASSIGNMENT:


Before reading the next section of Esther 1, notice again the excess described in verses 4-7.  Now read Psalm 49 and list every reason you can find against placing too much value upon wealth and "stuff."


READ Esther 1:9-12
1.  What are some of the reasons (from your perspective) that prompted Xerxes to send for beautiful Vashti?
2.  What do you think caused Vashti to refuse Xerxes' order?

Session IX Day 1

Welcome back from Spring Break!  I hope you all stayed warm over the chilly weekend, and are ready to resume our study of Esther.
In our introduction of Esther, we suggested scripture readings that provided glimpses of the rise and fall of three major empires during the 600+ year period between the time of Ruth and Esther.  Before we tackle Esther 1, here are a few more introductory notes.

As you read through the book of Esther, you may have already noticed that there is no mention of God, the Law, or of prayer.  However, this is a story of how God rescued His people from impending annihilation in the 5th century Persian Empire.
"Esther is an example of how, at one crucial moment in history, the covenant promises God had made were fulfilled, not by His miraculous intervention, but through ordinary events." (taken from "The Theology of Esther," NIV Application Commentary/Esther).
The events in Esther's story cover about 10 years - sometime around 460 BC and involve Jews who chose to stay in their captive land of Persia rather than return to Israel (which would have been allowed under Cyrus' decree of 539).  Some of those exiled Jews possibly questioned whether or not they were still God's chosen people.

ASSIGNMENT:
Read Esther 1:1-8 and answer the following in your notebook:
1.  What are some of the words used to describe Xerxes' wealth?
2.  Who attended the banquet?
3.  How was the banquet described?
4.  What were the "rules" for drinking at Xerxes' party?


Historical Notes
We can learn a great deal about some of the customs of this period from Herodotus, a 5th century Greek historian.  Through his writings, we learn that Persia attempted several unsuccessful invasions of the Greek peninsula.  He records a speech given by Xerxes at one of his elaborate parties - which was given for the purpose of securing support from his nobles and military for his next campaign against Greece.  It is possible that the party described in Esther 1 was the same or similar to the one Herodotus referred to in his writings.

We also learn from Herodotus that the Persians drank as they deliberated matters of state.  They would make major decisions involving battles while drunk.  They believed they were more in touch with the spiritual world while intoxicated.  They would then meet the next day - after they had sobered up - and decide if the decisions of the previous night were viable - and if they were - they would act upon them.

Spring Break

There will not be any new assignments this week due to the Spring Break holiday.  See you back on Monday, March 22!

Session VIII, Day 3

Today we are going to look briefly at Israel's history circa 700-400BC.  These are the years leading up the the reign of Xerxes and the story of Esther.  As you read take notice of how God orchestrated these historical events.  You may find yourself humbled by all the evidence of his power and control.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Go HERE to print out a map of the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian Empires.    
    Print out the map.  (FYI to save on paper opt to only print out page 1)

2.   Read II Kings 17:21-23 and briefly summarize those events.  Highlight the border of the Assyrian Empire.

3.  Read Jeremiah 25:8-12 and summarize. Jeremiah, whose ministry began 626 BC, was one of the last prophets in Jerusalem).  Babylon captured Jerusalem, pillaged the temple, and burned the city in 586 BC.  If possible, in a different color highlight the border of the Babylonian Empire.

4.  Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, captured Babylon in 549.  Read Ezra 1:1-5 and summarize what you learn there.  Ezra 2:64 records that a total of 42,360 Jews returned to their homeland; this was in addition to servants and singers. If possible, in another color highlight the border of the Persian Empire.
Ponder This... We do not know how many Jews were living in Persian exile at this time – but there had to be millions born over this 300+ year period.  Why do you think there were relatively so few who returned home?  Share your ideas on the discussion board!

5.  Read Isaiah 45:1-6.  What does God say regarding Cyrus that could be confusing or contradictory?   See vs. 3 and comment on God's "bottom line"  (the reason God gives for enabling Cyrus with such power)?   See also vs. 6, for another "bottom line" statement.  How can Cyrus be "God's anointed" and at the same time "not acknowledge" Him?

Session VIII, Day 2

What a week it has been already!  I hope yours is moving at a slower pace than mine, and that you have had an opportunity to read through the fascinating story of Esther.  Today we are going to look back and learn a bit about the history leading up to the events we will further study in Esther. 

ASSIGNMENT:

Read Ex. 17:8-15 and Deut. 25:17-19 and summarize what you learn about the ongoing Amalekite/Israelite conflict in your notebooks.

Ponder This...

Could Haman’s Amalekite origins/history have played a role in his hatred of the Jews? 

Session VIII, Day 1

Welcome back!  We are so excited to jump into our study of the book of Esther.  Before we begin to dissect the text, we would like for you to have the foundation of a cohesive view of the entire book.  Please start by reading through the brief outline below, and then moving on to read all 10 chapters of Esther.  Do not be discouraged by the seemingly long length.  It is a fascinating story, and the time will fly by!

Esther is the story of God’s providential rescue of the Jews who lived in Sousa in the Persian Empire during the reign of Xerxes. The book is popular among Jews today and is read annually at the feast of Purim, a festival instituted to celebrate that great deliverance.

The story revolves around 4 main characters:

1) Xerxes – The arrogant, yet in many respects, weak king of the Persian Empire in 486-465 BC

2) Haman – the villain, non-Persian (possibly an Amalekite) who had been elevated to 2nd in command in the kingdom and had a deep hatred of the Jewish population

3) Mordecai – the Jewish hero of the story, a court official who uncovered a plot that saved Xerxes’ life. His refusal to bow to Haman set in motion the basic intrigue of the plot: Haman’s plan to annihilate all the Jews of the entire Persian Empire, a plan which ultimately backfired.

4) Esther (Hebrew: Hadassah) – A beautiful, young Jewish girl who had been orphaned and taken in and cared for by her older cousin, Mordecai. She gained the favor of Xerxes and became his queen. It was through her great courage and disregard of her own safety and life that she saved her people from annihilation.

ASSIGNMENT:

Read Esther (all 10 chapters).

Write down any questions you have for the text.

Once you have completed this assignment, note the questions that have been posted on the Discussion Board and jump in – adding more of your own, and/or responding to those already posted.

Session VII, Day 3

As we come to the conclusion of Ruth, it is an excellent time to look back and remind ourselves what we learned in the first 3 chapters.

In chapter 1, 
1) relief from the famine in Bethlehem – which was motivation for Naomi to return home. 
2) Naomi’s attitude was all doom & gloom – she had reason for such an attitude – she had lost a husband and both sons. 
3) However, we as readers saw a glimmer of hope – through the loyalty of Ruth – both her loyalty to her mother-in-law & to the God of Israel. 
Chapter 2
1) See Ruth’s continued loyalty & initiative
2) Are introduced to the upstanding Boaz. 
3) In this chapter we also saw more of God’s providential care of Naomi & Ruth – we notice the language of ch. 2: “As it turned out…” (Ruth ended up gleaning in Boaz’s field; and also “just then ….” Boaz arrived in the field Ruth was working in. 
4) God’s hesed (loving kindness) is expressed through the hesed of Boaz. 
5) At the end of Ruth’s first day of gleaning in Boaz’s field – the story takes a dramatic turn – as we heard Naomi’s blessing of Boaz and her suggestion of the possibility of his serving as the two widow’s kinsman-redeemer.
Then in chapter 3, the story really got moving. 
1) Naomi took the lead, suggested a plan that could provide a husband for Ruth & security for both of them. (Her plan may seem strange to us – but was evidently consistent with the customs of the time.) 
2) Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions and we understand that her actions served as an invitation for Boaz to become their kinsman-redeemer & possibly to take Ruth as his wife. 
3:9 “spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman redeemer"
Some have suggested this request indicated that her period of mourning was ended & she was requesting that Boaz take her under the wings of his protection
The original Hebrew is similar in 2:12 & 3:9 In ch. 2 Boaz refers to Ruth’s choice of “coming under the wings of God for refuge.” In 3:9 the original is translated as corner – as in the corner of the garment. 
3) We get the impression that Boaz was totally in agreement with the request – (3:10-13)
However, Boaz had something else to do first. The author described Boaz as a “man of standing” in ch. 2 – his behavior so far has demonstrated that. And we saw even greater evidence in chapter 4.
__________________________________________
Now that we looked back, it is time to look forward.  We may have come to the book thinking it was mostly a love story between Ruth & Boaz - & it is, but not a romance-novel-type love story. One commentator says, “It is the story of God’s love for Israel & it finds expression in the lives of Ruth & Boaz.”

ASSIGNMENT:
Take time to reflect on what you have learned from the stories of Naomi and Ruth, and consider what could encourage you to remain faithful in God's "larger story". 

For Personal Reflection
Please spend time in I Thess. 5:16-24. I encourage you to explore that passage and discover the message it might hold for you, personally. This has become (for me) an ongoing challenge … and an incredible blessing at the same time.  

Session VII, Day 2

We are only two posts away from completing our study of Ruth.  Yesterday you were asked several questions.  As you attempted to answer each, I'm sure you became aware that some of the questions could have many possible answers.  Below are "informed" speculations to two of yesterday's questions for you to ponder.  Remember, in studying the Bible we are not always told what we want to know, but what we need to know.


"ANSWERS"
#1  4:3  Who appears to own the land at this point?
Several possibilities:
1) Naomi still owns the land - but is destitute & is forced to sell;
2) Elimelech had sold the land before leaving for Moab - & by law, Naomi retains the right of redemption; however, w/no funds to do so – Naomi is dependent upon a kinsman-redeemer to do it for her;
3) One commentary suggested that the land had  been passed from Elimelech to Mahlon (Ruth’s husband) before Mahlon died and - at the death of Mahlon, ownership had then passed to Naomi & Ruth jointly (notice how 4:5 reads)
#3  After Boaz explained "part 2" of the deal, how did the kinsmen respond?  What was his reason?

What could have been the factors in his refusal?
Could Ruth’s Moabite (culture?) been a factor in his refusal?
(another thought – if only Naomi was left & he had been required to marry her (beyond child-bearing age) – do you think he would have been more agreeable?)
Perhaps the “first option” kinsman-redeemer already had property and maybe a son & a wife … ?  He realized that marrying Ruth and fathering male children could complicate not only his own estate – but also his life!!  Nothing is ever said of any family Boaz might have – since he was older – he could have been a widower – no way to know.

Now that your mind juices are flowing let's get started on today's assignment...
ASSIGNMENT:
 Read Ruth 4:7-22
Jot down the answer to the following questions in your notebook...

1.  In verses 7-8  we read about a "sandal removal" custom.  What do you remember about this from the    Deut 25 passage we read that described this practice?
A look deeper...
4:7 refers to the sandal custom of earlier times in Israel of the redemption or transfer of property.  The custom dates back to the days of Abraham & is referred to in some of the covenants that ancient Hebrews could enter into among themselves.
It was an important part in an inheritance covenant – once a father’s blessing had been bestowed upon a son,  4 sandals were placed at the corners of the man’s land – sandals held down by rocks.  These were considered sacred boundary markers & could not be moved by anyone. (optional Deut. 19)
Sandals were also an important part of the Hebrew marriage ceremony.  The groom would remove his bride’s sandals, wash her feet and place new sandals on them – signifying her ownership of all that was his.
2.  The Bethlehem elders issue a three-fold blessing to Boaz.  Fill in the blanks below:
1)  May the Lord make (Ruth) like _______ & ____
2)  May you have standing in _________& be famous in _________
3)  May your family be like that of _____

3. In verse 13 it says “The Lord enabled her to conceive.”  What is the underlying truth here? one we’ve seen  all through this story.

4.  What was the reaction of the women of Bethlehem when Ruth bore a son?  Who received the credit for the fullness that Naomi realized after her years of emptiness?

Extra Credit
Do you know what the significance could possibly be of the number 7 is in verse 15 ?

Session VII, Day 1

What a gorgeous weekend God blessed us with!  I hope you are starting this week rejuvenated and ready to attend to all of your responsibilities.  We left off with Boaz ready to attend to Ruth and Naomi's redemption at the end of last week.  If you will recall, Chapter 3 ended with Naomi’s words, “for the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."

ASSIGNMENT:
Read Ruth 4:1-6
Jot down the answer to the following questions in your notebook...

1. Who appears to own the land at this point?
2. What was the unnamed kinsman’s first response to Boaz’s suggestion?
3. After Boaz explained “part 2” of the deal, how did the kinsman respond?  What was his reason?
4. In your opinion, what was the difference between the motivation of Boaz and the motivation of the “first-option” kinsman?
5. A genuine kinsman-redeemer would have acted out of ___________(original Hebrew for loving kindness) rooted in covenant loyalty.

Here is some additional historical information about town gates.

4:1-2 – The town gate served as the town hall in ancient Israel, and evidently the town elders always hung around to oversee legal transactions. Archaeological Bible notes on city gates say Kings frequently held public audiences there and that is where prophets often addressed the people. In excavations of such gates, benches have been uncovered – perhaps where the elders of the town sat; and also poles that would have held up some sort of canopy – to cover a king or other nobleman as he sat at the gate.