1. In Esther 4:1-3, how did Mordecai react to the king's edict?
2. What did Esther do when she heard about Mordecai's actions? (vv.4-5) What did Hathach find out from Mordecai? (vv.6-8)
3. What was Esther's dilemma? (vv.9-11)
4. What did Mordecai say in response to Esther's message? (vv.12-14)
5. How did Esther reply in verses 15-16? What did Mordecai do in verse 17?
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
1. God's people often suffer greatly in this life. How have you suffered for the cause of Christ?
2. Prayer and fasting are great weapons in God's arsenal for spiritual warfare. When have you taken seriously the idea of prayer and fasting for a specific person or problem?
3. Remaining silent in a time of need can be very costly. Is God calling you to speak the truth in love in a particular circumstance this week?
4. Trusting God in difficult circumstances comes from faith. How can you trust God today in a difficult circumstance?
(Wednesday 04/09/08) Esther - Day 3
(Thursday 04/10/08) Esther - Day 4
1. Read Esther 5:1-8. What took place between Queen Esther and the king? What was the queen's request in verse 4?
2. In verses 7-8, what request did Esther make for the second time?
3. What attitude did Haman exhibit in verse 9?
4. What happened at the king's gate between Haman and Mordecai? What did Haman's family and friends encourage him to do? (vv.10-14)
5. Read Esther 6:1-3, and describe the timely reminder from the record books of a good deed that went unrewarded. (see also Es. 2:23)
6. God's timing is always perfect. Who was in the court early that day, and what question did the king ask him? (vv.4-6) How did Haman respond to the king and why? (vv.6-9)
7. Who had to proclaim, "Thus it shall be done to the man whom the king desires to honor" in the streets of the city that day? (v.10)
8. How did Haman feel after this? (vv.12-13)
9. What happened immediately after his brief conversation with his wife and friends? (v.14)
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
1. The providence of God can be seen in the life of any man, woman, or child God chooses to use. How has the power of God been timely in your life this week? Be specific.
2. God's timing is perfect and just, as it was in having Haman carry out the king's command to honor Mordecai. What are you dealing with that you need to surrender to God for the perfect timing of His justice, mercy, and love?
(Friday 04/11/08) Esther - Day 5
1. Read Esther 7:1-4. What was Esther's petition to the king?
2. In Esther 7:5-7, what question did the king ask and how did Esther reply?
3. What happened to evil Haman? (vv.8-10)
4. Read chapter 8, and describe the events that occurred after Haman's demise.
vv.1-2:
vv.3-4:
vv.5-6:
vv.7-8:
vv.9-10:
vv.11-14:
vv.15-17:
5. From Esther 9:1-17, describe the mighty work of God for the Jews.
6. Explain the celebration of Purim from Esther 9:18-28. Who initiated this festival?
7. According to Esther 9:29-32 and 10:1-3, who documented all these events?
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
1. God uses people of boldness and courage in His plans. When called to act in boldness, how will you respond?
2. Terror will come on those who are deceptive toward God and His people. Those who are in Christ need not fear. Who holds your future--Christ or the world?
3. God is the one who brings judgment; His timing is perfect. Those who are in the world need to be aware of the judgment to come. Who do you know that needs you to pray for them and boldly share the message of salvation with them?
4. God has power to exalt the humble to high places. Do you know someone who has been given a position of authority and is being used of God to display godly character in their sphere of influence? Will you remember to pray for them?
5. Historical records document these biblical events. What do you want history to record of your life?
CONCLUSION
The book of Esther profoundly displays the providence of God. We see divine influence in the actions, motives, and deeds of men in these intriguing chapters. Although the name of God is not mentioned in this book, we see His divine plan worked out in the thoughts and actions of Mordecai and Esther. Esther, an orphan who became a queen, was used to bring about the salvation of the nation of Israel.
In the book of Esther we see parallels to Joseph, who was sold into slavery in Egypt. He too was elevated to a high position in order to save the people of Israel. Esther was willing to give her life for her people. In doing so, she was honored and is remembered by her people even to this day in the festival of Purim.
We can all be encouraged by Esther's boldness. God used her to bring about the salvation of His people. She was willing to pray and fast, then move out of her royal comfort zone in obedience to God. May God strengthen us to boldly and willingly step out in obedience for the sake of even just one who needs to know the plan of salvation in Jesus Christ! Help us Lord to be bold and courageous like Esther in our walk each day.
