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?