Session XVI, Day 3

And with this, our study of Ruth and Esther comes to a close.  Have a blessed summer and we look forward to studying again with you in the fall.

ASSIGNMENT:
READ 9:29- 10:3
ANSWER the following questions in your notebook...
1. At the beginning of the story (2:15), Esther was referred to as the _______ Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail. Here in 9:29, she is referred to as _______ __________, daughter of Abihail. The decree confirming the traditions of Purim were referred to as __________ _________ in 9:32.

No other woman in biblical history wrote anything close to being called a decree – much less a decree that established a practice that still stands today.

2. What was Mordecai’s “claim to fame” as recorded in the closing portion of this book?

Today Jews still celebrate Purim in Feb/March. They gather and read the complete book of Esther and have a rowdy time. During the reading, noisemakers are used, people cheer at the mention of Mordecai’s name and boo and hiss at the mention of Haman’s. Some write the name “Haman” on the bottom of their shoes and “stomp” all over him.

Notes regarding Holy War and the Battle in Esther
The following notes are taken from comments by Karen Jobes (commentator referred to earlier):

Most Jews find reassurance from reading the book of Esther that they will survive as a people against powers that want to destroy them. The battle that occurred in Esther between the Jews and their enemies is seen within the context of God’s Holy War against evil.

With the birth of Jesus – Holy Wars ceased – there was no longer any reason for them to continue. God’s redemptive purpose for all of mankind was fulfilled through the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.

Israel, of course, has as much right as any country to defend herself in an effort to secure her people and borders. However, these conflicts do not come within the concept of a continuing Holy War.

As was said earlier, most Jews find Purim to be a reassuring celebration. However, because of the Holocaust, many do not. These Jews believed that God abandoned them during that tragic period in history.

We know that the cross was God’s answer to all the agony that has ever occurred in any race or ever will occur. In Jesus’ resurrection, all men – including the Jewish race are offered eternal life.

Closing Thoughts:
As we live our ordinary, every-day lives, God sits on the throne and continues to work out His plan in spite of the mistakes we make and the sins we commit. He is bringing His people to that day when (as in the words from Esther 9:22) “all our sorrow will turn into joy and our mourning into celebration!!”

Blessed be the name of our Lord God!

And all God’s women say, “Amen.”

Session XVI, Day 2

Can you believe that there are only 2 days remaining in our study of Esther?  As our conclusion looms near we find ourselves reading about events surrounding another conclusion.  This of course is the conclusion of  the oppression the Jews had experienced because of Haman's evil plot against them.

Enjoy your time in God's word today.  I will see you back on Friday to wrap things up!


ASSIGNMENT:

READ 9:16-28

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR NOTEBOOKS,,,

1.  Three times in chapter 9, the author specifically mentions the fact that the Jews took no __________.  (notice how Mordecai’s edict in 8:11 dealt with this matter).

Earlier in our study we read in I Sam. 15 that God had instructed Saul (through Samuel) to wipe out the Amalekite army and their herds.  Because of Saul’s disobedience in this matter – he lost his position as king over Israel.

Under Joshua’s leadership when the children of Israel engaged in battles as they took control of Canaan – they had strict orders from God to take nothing for their personal gain.  Any precious articles that were found were to be put into the Lord’s treasury.  Personal looting was not allowed – because the land and the bounty all belonged to God. 

Although the author of Esther does not point out the significance of leaving the plunder, do you think they were abiding by God’s past instructions?

 2.  :17 – 19  Why did the Jews who lived outside Susa celebrate on Adar 14^th and the Jews in Susa celebrated on Adar 15^th?

3.  :22  What was the reason given for the Jews’ new annual celebration?

A contemporary Jewish scholar writes this:  “The festival of Purim does not celebrate victory in battle … but the fact that they (Jews) gained relief from their enemies and that life was transformed for them from sadness to joy and mourning to a holiday.”

4.   Notice the use of “rested” in :17 and “relief” in :22.  Now READ Deut. 25:19.  God promised that Israel would receive ______ when they __________ the Amalekites.

The themes of “sorrow into joy” and “promised rest” are themes that run all through the Bible.

5.  What was the celebration called and why?

6.  :22  Giving _________  and  __________to each other and to the poor was symbolic of God’s provisions for His people.  This tradition continues today among Jews as they celebrate Purim.  They give Purim Baskets to friends, family, associates, etc.

Session XVI, Day 1

Today we begin the final two chapters of Esther. This is a book, which in itself, is a final chapter in the ongoing centuries of conflict between Israel and the Amalekites (represented by Haman).


In the Intro to Esther taken from the NIV Study Bible you read, “Haman’s edict was the final, major effort in the O.T. period to destroy God’s chosen people.”  Had the story continued in the direction it began – under the worldly and incompetent King Xerxes and his evil advisor, Haman – and without God’s providential intervention – the ancestors of Jesus would have been destroyed.  The “battle” between evil Haman and the Jews in Persia was another battle in God’s holy war against evil. From the first battle in Genesis until Jesus died on the cross – God’s wars were about the survival of the Messiah’s race.

Upon reading Esther’s story we discover it is one more example of how God continued to honor the covenant promises He made to Abraham generations earlier through the protection of the Jews in Persia in the 5th century BC.

ASSIGNMENT:
READ Gen. 12:2-3 – as a reminder of those covenant promises.

1. What are the 7 promises in this covenant?
2. Which of the 7 promises do we see being played out in the story of Esther?

READ Esther 9:1-15
3. :1 What is significant about the date of Adar 13th?
4. Who were these “enemies of the Jews” and “those who hated them?”
5. :5 The author writes that the Jews struck down all their enemies …. And “did what they pleased to those who hated them.” READ Deut. 7:2 and comment on this possible cruelty in Persia in light of God’s commandment to Israel in earlier times.
6. :13 Mordecai and Esther’s “counter” edict (8:11-12) allowed for the Jews to kill only those who might attack them on Adar 13th. What does Esther request of Xerxes? (Her request appears to us to be downright barbaric.) Any comments?

Karen Jobes, author of The NIV Application Commentary on Esther, pointed out that it is not unusual to reveal the “darker side of God’s chosen leaders – often just at their shining moment.” King David’s adultery is such an example.

She continued, “Perhaps Esther’s request shows that she had begun to feel the heady intoxication of the power she had so remarkably attained.” However, other commentators think that Esther’s reasons may have been legit – albeit unknown to the author.

7. Note the differences in the bargaining between Esther & Xerxes in 9:12-14 compared to 8:3-8.
What conclusions can you draw from comparing these two conversations – regarding the attitude of Esther? Of Xerxes?

Session XV, Day 3

Since the beginning of our study of Esther, we’ve been looking for indicators of whether Esther, Mordecai and the Jews of Persia were “good or bad” (i.e. obedient to the Law of Moses).  To this point in our story, there has been no mention of God, no reference to prayer, keeping the Law, etc.  As we come to the part of the story that describes the rescue of the Jews, it may be a good time to remind ourselves that God did not rescue these people because they were good or kept the Law, etc.  He rescued them because He WAS/IS faithful to His covenant.

ASSIGNMENT:

READ Deut. 9:1-5 and answer the following in your notebooks:

1. Moses is addressing the Israelites prior to going into Canaan and taking the Promised Land.  What does Moses remind them that God has promised? (:3)
2. What is the factor that does NOT play a role in possession of the land? (:4-5)
3. What factor DOES play a role?
4. God promised to drive out the Canaanites to accomplish what “He ______ to your _________ …..” 
5. Do you see any connection between the events described in Deut. 9 and God’s protection of the Jews in the Persian Empire in the 5^th century BC?
6. What part did God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob play in the rescue of these Jews in the Esther story?

Session XV, Day 2

Today we see how Esther's perseverance pays off as King Xerxes' counter-edict goes out to all of the provinces of his Kingdom.  As we read this, let us not forget how God, using the bravery of one woman, has saved all of her fellow Jews in the kingdom.  What a testament this is to what the Lord can do when we allow him to use us for his work!


ASSIGNMENT:

READ Esther 8:9-17

Answer the following questions in your notebook...

1. What are the specifics of the “counter-edict?”
2. Mordecai’s dress continues to be important in our story.  How did he dress after Haman’s edict (4:1)?  After the counter-edict, he “left the king’s presence wearing ____________  ______________....”
3. How did the Jews react to Haman’s edict (4:3)?  To the counter-edict?
4. The statement, “many people of other nationalities became Jews …” has raised some questions among students of Esther.  Do you think they were actually converted to Yahweh and began obeying the Law?  What do you think is a possible interpretation of this statement?

*If you have any ideas on question #4 I encourage you to post your thoughts on the discussion board.

ATTN: Bible Readers

The Wednesday morning Ladies class is having their end of the session potluck lunch this Wednesday at Avalee Walker's home starting between 11:30-12noon.  They have kindly extended an invitation asking us to join them.  If you are interested please let me, Megan Drennon, know TODAY so Avalee can plan accordingly.  Childcare can probably be arranged if you need it.

I hope you can make it!
Megan

Session XV, Day 1

Welcome back ladies.  Can you believe we are starting week 15 of our study of Ruth and Esther?   As the end of Esther comes nearer I urge you to stay steadfast in your Bible study and see this task that you have begun to the end.  That is exactly what we see Esther do as we read the passage for today.  The Jews in the Persian Empire are still in trouble.  Although the evil Haman is dead, his edict remains in effect.  We learned in chapter 1, that once a Persian/Mede law had been enacted, it could not be revoked (according to the author of Esther).  It is apparent from Xerxes’ display of favor toward Esther and Mordecai that they are exempt from the death decree that still looms over all other Jews. At this point, Xerxes is probably ready to move on to something else – like another banquet!!  However, Esther is far from ready to move on until her quest to save her people is complete.


ASSIGNMENT:

READ Esther 8:1-8

In your notebooks, please answer the following questions...

1. Chapter 8 begins with that same day… What occurred earlier that same day?
2. Xerxes rewarded Esther with ___  ________  __  ___________; and  gave Mordecai his __________  ________.  Esther, in turn, appointed Mordecai  head over  ___________  _________.
3. As far as Xerxes was concerned, he probably believed he had been extremely generous with Esther and Mordecai; but from Esther’s perspective, he had not provided what was really needed.  What are some of the key words in :5 that describe Esther’s state of mind?
4. How did the king respond to Esther’s request that another order be written to overrule Haman’s decree? 
5. Is Xerxes’ attitude similar to the manner in which he has approached every issue in our story so far?  In what way?