Discussion #16 ~ Esther 9

Isa! Can you believe it?! We are almost done!!!! I am very excited for you to post questions for Chapter 10.

1. 9:1 begins a new section of our story, it provides transition. What are the clues that show us we are entering a new subsection of the story? What does the verse provide for the story that follows?

2. Chapters 9 & 10 do much to validate the truth of the story. What evidence do you find that shows we are hearing about a real historical event and not a legend?

3. The Jews destroyed their enemies, but only as a defense. Why might it be significant that “they did not lay their hands on the plunder” (vv.15 & 16)?

4. Mordecai gets a lot of press time in the last two chapters. But isn’t this a book about Esther? Who are the persons/groups that prevail in these chapters? What does this teach us?

5. What might the purpose of the book of Esther be?

6. Purim is the holiday established in our story. What third party information can you find about how Jews celebrate Purim?

7. Verses 31-32 show that Purim involves fasting, lamentation, and celebration (v.20). What benefit comes from fasting and lamentation in addition to celebration? What Christian concepts might be a modern way to help our hearts and minds do this same thing?

Discussion #15 ~ Esther 8

1. Esther approaches the King a second time uninvited. How does the King's answer differ from her request?

2. Sometimes "no" is a threatening answer to us. How come? Is there a time when the answer "no" can be trusted?


3. How are God's people required to act by faith? Does this remind you of another time in Israel's history?


4. Make a list of similarities and differences between 3:12-4:3 and 8:10-17.

5. God is full of hope, even though He has exiled Israel as a disciplinary action. How do you see hope for the Israelites in the midst of exile?

5. What truths can we take from this chapter to apply to our lives today?

Discussion #14 ~ Esther 7

1. Why two banquets? We've been asking this question for a while. For further insight, take note of the grammatical structures such as repetition and paralellism. We can discuss further, but having graphed some of the chapter will help.

2. Eshter could have received anything from the King, but what did she ask for?

3. How has Esther shown self-control? How has she acted respectfully toward the King?

4. Nagging requests and high maintenance needs can cause a man to choose to "tune out." What does over-dependence or over-involvement with a man show about our hearts?

5. Where can we place our concerns for the greatest possible outcome?

6. Haman finally gets to be the center of attention. Was it what he expected?

7. Sometimes we want attention from someone/something and in trying to get it we overlook those we are affecting nearby. Can you relate to this statement?

8. What title would you give this chapter?

Discussion #13 ~ Esther 6

1. Immediately after Haman begins plotting Mordecai's death, a counter move is made. What I love about this counter move is that it is completely out of anyone's control. I say God is at work. Others might say circumstance. List the events in vv. 1-5 that you would argue to be of God's handiwork or influence.

2. The King desires to bestow honor to Mordecai and asks Haman's input on what should be done. How does Haman want honor to be given? What might be some of Haman's life values that influence his answer to the King? Compare Haman with the attitude described in Isaiah 14:12-14.

3. How does Mordecai respond? Where do we find him after all is said and done?

4. What draws us as humans to be seen and acknowledged before others? Think of shows like American Idol that bring us the idea of moving from normal to popular. Why do we want things like this so much?

5. In verse 10, Haman gets a different response from his wife and friends (see also 5:14). Why would these Babylonians emphasize "of Jewish origin" in their response to Haman. Historically from the Bible, what would cause them to say such?

6. Esther is in the background, preparing for the second banquet. The focus of the story moves to the King, Haman, and Mordecai. What is significant about this story being placed between the two banquets? How does it influence the outcome?

7. What do you learn about the character of God through studying chapter 6?

Discussion #12 ~ Esther 5

1. What title would you give to Esther 5:1-8?

2. What title would you give to Esther 5:9-14

3. With the tension and fear from chapter4, 5:2 seems to happen quickly. Obviously, Esther was not solely focused on whether or not the King extended the sceptor to her. 5:5 shows us that she already had a plan in place. Note the verb connected with the banquet. What is it and what does it imply? There is also one adverb in the verse that shows time. What is it? (Don't read the next sentence yet!)

If Haman is quickly brought and the banquet was already prepared (completed action), then Esther has already acted in faith that God would hear their prayers and help. Amazing! As a human we don't know for certain how God will act on our behalf in each situation, but we can trust in His character and make our best decisions.

4. Esther plans to go face-to-face with her adversary in the presence of the King. Haman and the King are both invited to her banquet, but she acts confidently. Since we do not have the name of God mentioned in the book of Esther, what evidence can we find in the text that shows us the source of her confidence?


5. One day, we will stand before King Jesus. And our adversary, the Devil, has acted as our accuser (Job 1:8-12; Luke 22:31-34). We may or may not be face to face with him, but his accusations against us may be true, in that we are sinners. What confidence can you have to stand before King Jesus? Cite from the Bible in support of your answer.

6. Write down as many obervations as you can about Haman's character in 5:9-14.

7. Can you relate to any of his sins? How is it a contradiction to God's desired character for us as Christians? Do you have one Bible verse to help show this?

8. Any silly or serious personal story in mind (that you/I would be willing to share) that is a modern day example from our own life?

A Broken Heart (Ezra 1 & Psalm 126)

One night a couple weeks ago as I was praying, I began to remember my life as a kid. I had this specific instance where I was randomly using Jesus' name in vain and yelling it like it was a dirty word. I wasn't even angry, just playing at the lake. My aunt took me aside and gently explained that that wasn't a name to be used that way. 

As I lay there remembering my childhood, the Lord came close to my heart. I saw myself living, playing, being alive - completely content with life. . . and having absolutely no knowledge of Him. I began crying because there was a time in my life that I didn't know Him. And I had no desire for him. No pursuit of him in my mind. I was a lost sheep. 

Later I was talking to Ann (the woman I live with). In staff prayer they had been asking God to have broken hearts for the lost, and she gave me some verses they had been looking at.

Ezra 1:1-5  Cyrus was king before Ahasuerus. Actually Cyrus was the king who triumphed over Babylon. He brought about the official end of the Babylonian captivity of Israel and the beginning of the Persian empire. As you can see in the text, he opened the door for people to return and rebuild the Temple. Zarubbabel brought the first group of Israelites back, and then Ezra the second (book of Ezra). Then Nehemiah later returns and rebuilds the protective walls of the city (book of Nehemiah). 

God had prophesied 70 years of captivity for Israel. And then indicated that only a remnant would return to Jerusalem. A remnant!!! Only a small portion of those who were scattered would give up their lives in the world to return and worship at the place God chose to make a name for Himself in the old covenant - the Temple in the city of Jerusalem.

Psalm 126 is a song thanking God for the return from captivity. It pictures the remnant celebrating - like it was a dream for such a blessed thing to occur after being in exile. The end talks about sowing in tears and reaping in joy. Ezra and the remnant sowed in tears -- because not everyone returned to restore the precious Temple. They had to face the destroyed city with only a few of them present. Yet they would sow and build. . . and hope for the continued promise of God.

Please do look at some other sources for the interpretation of Psalm 126. I wasn't there to hear the staff teaching. I spent my time this weekend on Ezra. 

Esther is in Susa with Mordecai after Cyrus' initial invitation for the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Some people say this is disobedience. I honestly am not drawing conclusions at this time. What I do see, though, is that their presence in Susa is what aggravated Haman's evil hatred of the Jews, but what also enabled a great deliverance. 

Sowing in tears for the lost. Sowing in tears for the amazing God and Lord that they are missing out on. That's where my heart was that night as I remembered being lost. I was without Him. 

We've got a life full of ministry ahead of us, sister. I'm so grateful that you are faithful to Him. The face of Germany will be changed as the Lord uses you. It may feel like a remnant is there with you, but you will reap in joy!

 

Discussion #11 ~ Esther 4

Responding to Evil
1. How do Germans respond to social "evil"? How do you respond to evil?

2. How does Mordecai respond to evil? Why does he refuse Esther's clothes in 4:4?

3. With her people and her family in crisis, what might it have felt like to use a 3rd party to do your communicating?

4. Was it wrong for Esther to reply to Mordecai as she did in v.11? Why or why not?

5. Esther counted to cose of her actions, which is wise. Knowing what she would sacrifice, she valued the lives of her people more than her own life. Can you relate to "counting the cost" in an important decision?

Putting Faith into Action
6. Describe Esther's first step of preparation in going before the King (4:15-17).

7. What is your normal process in making big life decisions?