Session XIV Day 3

We're getting close to the end of our story.  Haman is about to see what all of his planning is going to get him. Isn't it amazing to see how God works for the good of his people?


ASSIGNMENT:

Read 7:6-10

1.  There is a bit of irony here as Haman falls down before Esther.  What is it?

Historical Note

In Persian protocol, the king was the only man who could be left alone with a woman of the harem.  Even in the presence of others, a man was not to approach a woman of the king’s harem within 7 steps.

The fact that Haman was close enough to fall on the queen’s couch was unthinkable!  Xerxes’ quandary as to what to do with Haman is resolved.  Haman’s serious breach of protocol is enough to condemn him to death.

2.  What was the king’s state of mind after Haman was hanged?

What does this say about the source of his concern?

Xerxes was probably mostly ________ that Haman had deceived him … so ridding himself of Haman, relieved his _______ .

3.  Haman, probably like all evildoers, believed himself to be justified in his evil actions because he believed he had been  ___________.

Haman had all the resources of the empire on his side as he schemed and plotted, but it all came to nothing because of a king’s night of  _________ (i.e. God’s intervention).

4.  The irony of the story continues:

1)  The Jew who would not bow down – wears the king’s robe and sits astride the king’s horse … led through the city by  _________.

2)  The banquet Haman regarded as the ultimate personal honor, becomes his

L _ _ _.

3)  The 75 foot gallows Haman had erected on which to hang Mordecai is used to hang _________.

5.  Generations before Haman began plotting Mordecai’s death, God had already decided upon the destiny of the Amalekites (Deut. 25:17-19). You may recall that Haman was (assumedly) a descendant of Agag, who was king of the Amalekites during Saul’s reign.

During the time of the wilderness wanderings, God had promised He would “blot out the ____________ of _______ from under heaven.”

Session XIV Day 2

We've reached the middle of another week, and another day to study the word of God.  Monday we left Haman feeling pretty good about himself and thinking he was about to be honored by Xerxes.  Today we'll see how Haman's plans actually play out.


ASSIGNMENT:

Read 6:10-14

1.  Xerxes refers to Mordecai, the Jew …At this point, do you think Xerxes is aware that Haman’s edict called for the annihilation of all Jews in the empire?

2.  After his “parade” through the city, humble Mordecai returned to the  _____  ________.  (Evidently Mordecai returned to doing what he did every day – whether that was recording figures in a ledger or guarding the palace gate.)

3.  Why do you think chapter 6 has been called the “pivot point” in the story of Esther?

Read 7:1-5

Consider Esther’s response to Xerxes question, she chooses her words carefully and does not accuse Haman of any evil.  She begins with how she will be impacted by the edict.

4.  After Esther asks Xerxes to spare her life & the lives of her people, what does Xerxes demand to know?

Xerxes’ question indicates this is either the first he has heard of this plan or else he has forgotten about it.

Trivia Question:  What surprising thing does Haman learn about Esther in this scene?

Session XIV Day 1

I hope you were all blessed with a wonderful weekend and are ready to begin another week!

ASSIGNMENT:
Before we tackle Esther 6 & 7, let's take a minute to reflect on a psalm that might give us some insight into the Esther text.
READ Psalm 89: 30 - 37.

Consider what the psalmist writes regarding God’s punishment of sin (remember that the Jews in “Esther’s Persia” are there because of the sins of their Jewish ancestors).  As you read, pay attention to how God is described.  Although He does punish sin … He does not withhold His love … nor violate His covenant.  (note especially :32-34)

As God provided deliverance for the Jews in Persia, He was also protecting “David’s line” and honoring the covenant He had established with Abraham.  

Intro to Esther 6 and 7

If the Esther narrative were being read within a polytheistic (multiple gods) context, the story could be interpreted as an all-out tug of war between the gods.  Prior to chapter 6, the pagan gods were winning; then in chapter 6, after Xerxes’ bout with insomnia, the Jewish “gods” gain control.

However, we (believing readers) realize that the events in Esther (from beginning to end) are under God’s control.  This is the story of God’s providential preservation of His people who were the ancestors of His Son  - Who was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.

Read 6:1-9 and answer the following questions in your notebook.

1.  What is the setting?  Identify “that night” in 6:1.

2.  Why is Haman visiting the king so early on this particular morning?

3.  What does Xerxes fail to share (probably unintentionally) with Haman?

(Do you recall an earlier event when Haman kept a significant piece of information secret from Xerxes?)

We almost feel sorry for Haman.  He is so full of himself, he cannot even imagine anyone other than himself being worthy of such honor.

Session XIII Day 3

I hope your week has been blessed.  Let's continue our journey with Esther.


ASSIGNMENT:

READ Esther 5:9-14

1.  What are some of the words/statements that indicate Haman’s mood following the banquet?

2.  5:14  What solution did Zeresh, Haman’s wife, and his friends suggest?

Historical Note

The gallows spoken of in 5:14 was not the platform-type gallows some of us may remember from the old American cowboy movies.  It was a large stake upon which the victim was impaled.  Sometimes death took several hours as the weight of the body forced it to slide down the stake little by little.  This method of capital punishment was a precursor to the Roman crucifixion.

3.  The Esther narrative has many examples of irony.  What do you see in the situation between Xerxes and Vashti in chapter1 and Xerxes and Esther in chapter 5 that could be considered ironic?  (Notice it involves risks that each of these women take).

Concluding thoughts on Esther’s statement,

And if I perish, I perish, (4:16b)

In times of challenge and crisis, we may trust God to rescue us from what we fear most – or trust Him to prevent it from happening in the first place.  However, a mature faith causes us to trust Him no matter what … even if our worst nightmare befalls us …even if/when we perish!!

(adapted from a statement by Beth Moore).    

Session XIII Day 2

We last saw Esther making preparations to go to the king, even though she has some concern for her life.  Remember 4:16 "And if I perish, I perish."  Now we'll see how God works as Esther requests an audience with King Xerxes.


ASSIGNMENT:

READ Esther 5:1-8

 1.  5:1  On the 3^rd day (of the fast), Esther put on her  ___________ _________ and stood in the inner court of the palace in front of the king’s hall.

Historical Definition and Note

Midrash (Hebrew) means “to search and interpret.”  Midrash refers to a type of biblical interpretation found in ancient rabbinic literature such as the Talmuds or the “midrash collections.”   We might compare them to our modern-day Study Bibles and Bible commentaries.

A Jewish midrash on Esther 5:1 (re reference to the third day) reads, “Israel is never left in dire distress more than three days.”  They use the example of the miraculous deliverance of Isaac after a three-day journey to the mountain where Abraham was to sacrifice his only son … and then God intervened.  Another example was that of Jonah’s deliverance out of the whale’s belly after three days.

On the third day of the fast, Esther was granted life instead of death.  (notes taken from the NIV Application Commentary on Esther). 

READ Proverbs 21:1 

2.  Consider the application of this proverb to the scene in Esther 5:2-3.  What can we reasonably conclude is going on here?

 3.  5:4  Instead of voicing her request, Esther invited Xerxes to a banquet.  Our first reaction to her behavior might be, “she is getting cold feet.”

But what is otherwise indicated in :4?  ___________________________________

 4.  5:6-8  At the banquet, Xerxes repeated his question and earlier offer.  Instead of responding, Esther issued an invitation to a second banquet the following day … “If the king regards me with  _____________ and if it pleases the king to  ___________  my  _____________ and  ______________ my request.”

We will not understand the rationale behind the two banquets and Esther’s reluctance to make her request of Xerxes until we read chapter 6.  Then we will learn that God is working all things together for good for Esther and her people.

Session XIII Day 1

Welcome back to another week of our study of Esther!  Today we'll take some time to review what we've already learned about Esther in the first four chapters.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Looking back, how would you describe Esther in chapters 1 – 2?

The only real clue to her character appears in 2:10 & :20.  What do those verses tell us about Esther?

Haman, Xerxes #1 man, became enraged when Mordecai would not bow down to him.  With Xerxes’ concurrence, Haman issued a decree that called for the annihilation of every Jew in the Persian Empire on a particular day, eleven months hence.  Evidently Queen Esther did not know of that decree until she investigated the cause of Mordecai’s weeping in public and wearing sackcloth and ashes.  The two began “messaging” each other through a court eunuch and Mordecai asked Esther to go before the king and beg for mercy for their people.

2.  4:11  What was Esther’s initial reaction to Mordecai’s request?

3.  Compare 2:20 and 4:17.  What changes in the behavior of our two main characters?

4.  4:14 & 16  There are two memorable statements in chapter 4.  

In :14, Mordecai says, “For if you (Esther) remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from ___________  _________ … who knows but that you have come to __________ position  for ______________________.”

In :16, Esther says, “… if I ____________, I _____________.”

Session XII, Day 3

We left off Wednesday with Mordecai warning Esther of the plot against the Jews, and asking her to risk her life to go before King Xerxes and plead the case of the Jewish people.  To this Esther immediately thought of the personal risk involved.  I'm sure we can all relate to this very human reaction when we think back on times we have been faced with a difficult situation.  Today we will learn the importance of having people in our lives who can remind us of God's bigger picture just as Mordecai does for Esther.


ASSIGNMENT:
Read Esther 4:12-17
In your notebooks please answer the following quesitons...

1.  Mordecai responded to Esther, “Do not think that because you are in the  ________  ___________ you alone of all the Jews will escape.  For if you  ___________  __________ at this time,  _______ and _____________ for the Jews will arise from ____________ _________,  but you and your father’s family will _________. 

2.  Some interpret a threat in Mordecai’s statement in :14.  What could that be?

3.  Mordecai continues his message to Esther with what has become the book’s most beloved statement (4:14b).  Complete that statement:

“And who knows ….._________________________________________-.”

The NIV Application Commentary on Esther states:  “In this moment, Esther has to decide who she really is.”  Another source points out that Esther is the only person in the story with two names:   Esther and Hadassah.  The first name was Persian and the second, Hebrew.  Perhaps these two names are indicative of an identity crisis that occurs in chapter 4.  Esther is being called upon to choose: 1) whether she will ignore the challenge, abandon her people, and retain her Persian position; or 2) expose her heritage, attempt to rescue the Jews, and possibly lose her own life. 

4.  What were Esther’s instructions to the Jews in Susa?  What could these instructions imply regarding her faith or covenant loyalty?

5.  What does she say that indicates great courage on her part?

6.  There has been debate among scholars and seminary students as to the main character in the book of Esther:  Mordecai or Esther?  Before reading chapter 4, who would have received your vote? 

After reading chapter 4, do you see a change beginning to emerge in their roles?

What occurred in :15-16 that could indicate a change?

Session XII, Day 2

Happy Wednesday!  Monday we read about Mordecai's grief stricken response to the king's edict.  Today we will look at how Esther responds to Mordecai's actions and requests.


ASSIGNMENT:

Read Esther 4:6-11

Answer the following in your notebook...

1.  After Mordecai explained the situation to Hathach (the king’s eunuch) and provided him with a copy of the annihilation edict, what request did he send to Esther?

2.  What was Esther’s first reaction to Mordecai’s request? 

According to this response, what would you surmise is her major concern?

Historical Note

From the Greek historian, Herodotus, we learn about Persian court protocol for an audience with the king:  a request for an audience with the king was sent through the king’s messenger-eunuch and, if approved, the king would issue an invitation to the one seeking an audience.  There were only 7 men in the court (known as the King’s Friends) who were permitted to approach the king without invitation.  Haman had such access to Xerxes, but Esther did not.

Session XII, Day 1

Welcome back this beautiful Monday!  The clouds are rolling away and we can look ahead to another week God has blessed us with.  At this point in the book of Esther, the outlook for the Jews was much more dire.  In your reading today make a special point to notice the differing reactions to the edict calling for their annihilation.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Esther 3:14-4:17

2.  Complete the following fill in the blank...

In 3:14-4:3, we see how different people reacted to Haman’s edict.  Fill in the blanks below and notice how those reactions varied:

The king and Haman ______  down to  ________, but the city of Susa (the general population) was ____________ (the NASB says the city was in confusion). Mordecai __________  his  ___________, put on ____________  and  _________, and went out into the city ____________ loudly and bitterly.

There was great ____________ among the Jews, with _________,  ________,

and ___________.  Many lay in _____________ and _____________.

Note from Harper Collins Bible Dictionary:

The practice of tearing one’s clothes, “putting on sackcloth and ashes” or sprinkling dust upon the head acknowledged either the death of a relative/a national figure or times of national crisis.  

3.  His own impending death was reasonable cause for Mordecai’s reaction; however, his grief may have been compounded by his recognition that his __________ to bow down to __________ could possibly lead to the death of all the Jews in the Persian Empire.

4.  . READ 4:4-5.  Esther, also was in great distress.  At this point, what appears to be the reason for her distress? 

5.  What do these verses tell us about Esther and her “little world” at the time?

Session XI, Day 3

We wrap up this week with a short assignment in hopes that the saved time you will be able to find a quiet moment for personal reflection.

ASSIGNMENT:

Read Esther 3:10-15

Answer the following in your notebook...

1.  Notice the wording in Haman’s orders (carrying the king’s seal).  What statement in those orders would aid Haman in placing “ten thousand talents of silver in the royal treasury”?

2.  At this point, how would you characterize the following:

a.  Mordecai?

b.  Xerxes?

(Do you see examples of a common thread in Xerxes “ruling style” in each of the first three chapters?  How would you describe his style?  What similarities do you see in the advice he receives from his advisors in each situation?)

c.  Haman? 

For Personal Reflection

We’ve already observed that God’s name is not mentioned in Esther;  neither is Satan’s , although we can see an evil force at work against God’s people.  However, we will also see an even greater force (God) at work protecting the Jews from annihilation.

There is a lesson for us in this.  Even if we are not aware of God working in our lives and circumstances, Paul promised in Rom. 8:28 that He is working all things for good for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.  We may need to be reminded that what is good (in God’s eyes & according to Paul) may be defined as “conformed to the likeness of His Son…”

Dear Sisters:  have faith that our Heavenly Father is at work in your life and trust that it is for your good. 

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that HE IS and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Heb. 11:6 

Session XI, Day 2

I hope you found yesterday's reading of 1 Samuel as interesting as I did.  I have really enjoyed looking more closely at the history behind the story of Esther, and have appreciated the way that knowledge helps to provide such rich context to my readings.

ASSIGNMENT:
Read Esther 3:2-9
Answering the following questions in your notebook...

1.  Does the text tell us why Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman?

 The NIV Study Bible comments on this section of scripture:  “Obedience to the second commandment is not the issue in Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman, for Israelites were willing to bow down to kings (see I Sam. 24:8) and to other persons (see Gen. 23:7)”  (Some take issue with this statement)

2.  What is the “second commandment” to which the above statement refers?  (see Ex. 20:4-5)

Commentary Note

Some commentators have suggested that Haman (being a pagan), may have worn an emblem of an idol on his garment (which was not unusual) – and it was that which caused Mordecai to refuse to bow.

Literary Note

Hebrew narratives usually introduce a person by using words that describe his character and are important to the understanding of his/her role in the story.  Notice again how Haman is introduced in 3:1.

3.  Look back at Esther 2:5 - how was Mordecai introduced?  What clue do these introductions give us as to what may follow in the story?

 4.  In 3:6 we learn that Haman looked for a way to destroy the Jews, “______________  the whole  _______________ of Xerxes.”  What could have been the long-term result of destroying all the Jews in the Persian Empire?

Historical Notes

Through archaeological discoveries, we learn purim (plural for pur) were clay cubes inscribed with either cuneiform characters or dots that were similar to modern dice.  These purim were used to consult the gods.

5.  Was Haman completely honest in his report to King Xerxes?  What facts did he omit?

6.  Why do you think Haman refrained from specifically mentioning Mordecai’s disobedience?

Session XI, Day 1

In the words of a friend, "How blessed we are that he arose!"  I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend, and  were able to find time to reflect on the truth of the above statement.

Today we jump into Chapter 3 of Esther.  Five years have transpired between the events of chapters 2 and 3.  Chapter 2 recorded the crowning of Esther as queen of the Persian Empire and ended with the hanging of two of the king’s officials who were discovered to be planning his assassination.  Mordecai had overheard of their plot and informed the king via Esther.  There is no mention of any reward for Mordicai, only that the event was recorded in the annals of the king.  This neglect on the part of Xerxes to honor Mordecai will come back to haunt him and will be a factor in the deliverance of the Jews from the threat of genocide.

If you have read all 10 chapters of Esther’s story, at this point, you probably realize it is a fascinating story and reads like a novel.  However, it is so much more.  Some commentators have referred to the story as “another expression of the holy war” that has been ongoing since the Israelite slaves escaped from the Egyptians – approximately 1,000 years earlier. 

In chapter 3, we will see the “gathering clouds” of the battle.

ASSIGNMENT:

Read Esther 3:1

Background Information...

- Most scholars believe that Haman was of Amalekite descent and carried the age-old grudge of his ancestors against the Jews.

 - Originally, the Amalekites lived in the Negev/Sinai region and were the first people who attacked the Israelites on their way to Canaan.  God told Moses (Ex. 17) that He would be at war with them from generation to generation.

 - Five hundred years before the story of Esther, Israel’s King Saul destroyed the Amalekite army under King Agag.  The story is told in I Samuel 15.  We will look more closely at that now...

Read 1 Samuel 15

Answer the following questions in your notebook.  These fill in the blanks are taken from the NIV translation.

1.  :1-3   Samuel brought a message from the Lord which instructed Saul to  ____________  the  ______________ for what they did to ____________  when they waylaid them as they came up from  ____________.

2.  :7-8  Saul took _______ alive and spared the _______ of the livestock.

3.  :10  The Lord said to Samuel  “I am ____________ that I have made Saul king because … he has not carried out my instructions”

4.  :23b   Samuel said to Samuel,  “Because you have ____________  the word of the Lord, He has  _____________ you as  __________.

Historical Information

The reference of Haman, son of Hammedatha, the Agagite by the author could have one of two possible explanations:

1)  Haman may have been a descendant of King Agag, the Amalekite king during Saul’s reign.

2)  The term may have been used (as it often was over the centuries) as a general reference to any enemy of Israel.  Even as late as the first century – when the Romans were in power and in control of Israel’s homeland - Jewish secular writers referred to the Romans as Agagites.

Session X Day 3

Happy Easter weekend!  I pray God blesses your study on this Good Friday.


ASSIGNMENT:

READ Esther 2:12-23

1.  How are the duties of Hegai (vs 3) and Shaashgaz (vs 14) different?

Historical Note:  The virgins in Xerxes’ harem were  allowed to choose fine clothes, jewels, aphrodisiac potions (to enhance the king’s pleasure), etc. to take with them for their one night with the king.  It was possible that the young woman was allowed to keep those items as “payment for services rendered.”

2.  What does the text say about where the young woman would reside after her night with the king? 

Historical Note:  If the king never called for a young woman again, she would live in luxurious seclusion for the remainder of her life.  She would never be allowed to return to her family, marry, or have a normal life.  Any children born to a concubine were raised to serve in a high position in the king’s court  - but were not legitimate heirs to the throne.

3.  Xerxes made Esther  ____________ and gave a  ____________  __________  in her honor.

4.  Esther is now queen of the vast Persian Empire … but what appears to remain unchanged in her life?

5.  Mordecai was _____________  __  ___   ______   ___________. 

6.  He uncovered a plot to _________________ King Xerxes.  Xerxes was alerted, the conspirators were _____________ and “All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.”

Concluding thoughts:  In later years, Esther may have looked back on some of the episodes in her life with regret; or she may have looked back knowing she had no choice at the time.  Regardless of how she viewed her actions in the past, she must have realized that God had been in charge all along.

We need to continue to remind ourselves that God is working all things for the good of those of us who love Him … and His goal is that we become conformed to the likeness of His Son.  (taken from Rom. 8:18-29)