Discussion #10 ~ Eshter 3:7-15

1. How long has Esther been queen? (2:16 and 3:7)

2. Describe the method Haman uses to decide when he should present his case before the King. How long does he wait?
See also: Joshua 18:10, Psalm 22:18, Jonah 1:7, John 19:24 and Acts1:26.

3. What is the problem Haman presents to the King? Is it an accurate portrayal compared with what we know from the text?

4. What is Haman's solution that he presents to the King? What methods do you see him employing to persuade the king?

5. How do false embellishments and material incentives weaken someone's trust in your argument? Have you ever been enticed toward a bad decision by these techniques? Did you fall or resist the temptation?

6. How does the King respond?

7. What does the signet ring represent?

8. Describe the communication flow used to get the edict out. What do you learn about the Persian kingdom in vv.12-15?

9. If all comes to pass, what will that ONE DAY look like according to Haman's instructions in the edict?

10. What is the contrast set up in v. 15? Is it consistent with the King's character we've seen so far?

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Discussion #9 ~ Esther 2:21-3:6

Mordecai
1. In 2:21-21, how does Mordecai prove his faithfulness to King Ahasuerus?

2. Look at 2:5, 2:19 and 3:2. What can we learn about Mordecai's job?

3. How is Mordecai honored for his faithful service at this point in the book?


Haman
4. Read Exodus 17:8-16. The Amalekites descended from who? Who does Israel descend from?

5. What do we see about the nature of the relationship between these two brothers? (Also seen in Exodus 17)

6. Read 1 Samuel 15: 3, 9. What lineage does King Agag come from? Before we even see the controversy between Haman and Mordecai, what do we know about their peoples?

7. King Ahasuerus does three things to Haman (look for three verbs). What are they?


Mordecai vs. Haman
8. Why does Mordecai, as a Jew, not bow down to Haman? (See also Daniel 2:28, 3:10-13)

9. How is this like our faithfulness to our own governments? At what point do we as Christians not "bow down and pay homage" to what our governments require of us?

10. In his rage, what plan does Haman begin to scheme for revenge?

11. What does the Lord say to us about revenge? Find two Bible verses.

12. How does Haman's plan affect the faithful remnant that returned to rebuild Jerusalem?