LESSON 18
THE BOOK OF ESTHER
A. The events in the Book of Esther occurred between the 6th and 7th chapter of
Ezra, a 60 year period that elapsed, separating the first and second return from
Babylon.
B. Esther's Hebrew name was Hadassah (2:7). Her Persian name, Esther was derived
from the Persian word for "Star".
C. Although the author is not known, it seems likely that a younger contemporary
of Mordecai composed the book.
THE KEY WORD - PROVIDENCE
The Book of Esther was written to show how the Jewish people were protected and
preserved by the gracious hand of God from the threat of annihilation. Although
God disciplines His covenant people, He never abandons them.
Survey of Esther
This is the only book that provides us with a biblical portrait of the vast
majority of Jews who chose to remain in Persia rather than return from
Palestine. God's guiding and protective hand on behalf of His people is
evident throughout this book, even though his name does not appear in it. The
clear emerging message is that God used
ordinary men and women to overcome impossible circumstances in order to
accomplish His gracious purpose.
THE THREAT TO JEWS 1-4
THE TRIUMPH OF THE JEWS 5-10
THE THREAT TO THE JEWS
Chapter 1
In the Palace of Artaxerxes, there is a great feast lasting 180 days. His
magnificence is displayed. A second great feast is made for the people of
Shushan. There is revelling and drinking until the men are drunken. The King is
also intoxicated. The king demands that his wife, Vashti, be brought before him
and his drunken lords, so that he could display her beauty.
1:2_______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
This prompts a decree that all women, throughout the Persian Empire should ever
after obey their husbands.
Chapter 2
A new Queen is sought. Esther finds favor in the eyes of Artaxeres and wins the
royal "Beauty Pageant". A great feast is made unto her while it remained a
secret that she was a Jew. About this time a plot is discovered by Mordecai in
which two of the kings chamberlains plan to assassinate the king. Mordecai
reveals the plot to Esther.
Chapter 3
The promotion of Haman, the Agagite, to be the prime minister introduces the
threat upon the Jews. Mordecai refuses to bow
before Haman. Deu. 5:7-10___________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Haman's anger and wrath is out of control to the point that the death of one Jew
will not do. A decree to eliminate the whole
Jewish nation is granted.
Chapter 4
The grief of the Jew: Mordecai commands Esther to intercede on their
behalf before the king. 4:16________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
The Triumph of the Jews
Chapter 5
Esther appears before the king, taking her life in her own hands, for it
might mean death to appear before the king unbidden. She is accepted. This
incident is to Esther like the experience of Nehemiah in the reign of Artaxerxes,
the son of this same king. Everything seemed to depend on the whim of the
childish king. Esther uses common sense and tact in trying to influence
the king
by preparing a banquet. When Haman complains to his wife and friends about
Mordecai, they recommend a gallows to be prepared.
Chapter 6
Incidents leading up to the honoring of Mordecai. The state records are
read. The story is told of how the kings life had been spared
by a man named Mordecai. 6:3________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Through this incident, Mordecai triumphs over Haman. Haman is humbled and
infuriated by being forced to honor the man he loathes.
Chapter 7
Esther uses two banquets to influence the king's favor before begging for
her life and the life of her people. When the king understood the plot of haman
and what it included, and seeing
Haman on the couch with Esther, Haman is hanged on the gallows he had
prepared for Mordecai.
Chapter 8
Mordecai is then given Haman's position as chief minister and charge over
Haman's house. A counter-decree is made giving the Jews the privilege of slaying
their enemies. It seemed there
was no other way out. There was great rejoicing among the Jews at this turn of
events.
Chapter 9
The day arrives. The Jews are prepared. The nobles help the Jews because a Jew
is now Prime Minister. Israel triumphs over their enemies and the Jewish Holiday
called the feast of Purim is
celebrated.
Chapter 10
This chapter speaks of the greatness of Mordecai, as Prime Minister to the
Persian King.
Now, in reference to the story in Esther, look up the following Scriptures and
see if you understand more completely God's dealings:
Proverbs 21:1_______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Isaiah 54:7__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
REMEMBER: The Old Testament history closes after the accont of Ezra, Nehemiah
and the events of Esther. The rest of the Old Testament
Canon of Scripture is of the main prophecy concerning Israel before, during, and
after the captivity. All of this prophecy shed light on
God's message and the leading of His children Israel. When you comprehend this
fact, the Old Testament becomes easier to comprehend.
QUESTIONS
1. At what point in History does the Book of Esther come in?
____________________________________________________________________
2. What was the purpose of the Book?
____________________________________________________________________
3. Who were the main character in the Book?
____________________________________________________________________
4. Name the two parts of Esther.
____________________________________________________________________
5. What have you learned from this Book?
____________________________________________________________________
For Next Time:
Read the Book of Job.