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?