Observe main characters, people, people groups, author and audience in the book of Esther?
In V:1-9, what observations can be made about the descriptions that are included? (Esther 1:1-9)
In V:1-9 What does the narrator seem to want us to notice about King Ahasuerus and his great feast? (Esther 1:1-9)
In Esther 1:10-15 what did king Ahasuerus request for? How did Queen Vashti respond? (Esther 1:10-15)
What was Memucan’s advice to king Ahasuerus and why? (Esther 1:16-22)
What does the king's young men advise the king in Esther 2:2-4?
What information does Esther 2:5-7 give us about Mordecai?
What do we learn about Esther and God’s favour on her in Esther 2:7-15?
Note the description of the king's response to Esther. How does the author describe the king's delight in her? In what way does the king honour her? (Esther 2:16-18)
What does Mordecai discover in Esther 2:19-23? What is the outcome?
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
What does Esther 1:1 tell us about the power of King Ahasuerus and the vastness of the Persian empire?
In Esther 1:1-9, what does the narrator seem to emphasize?
In Esther 1:10-15, what seems to be the motivation behind the request that King Ahasuerus makes of Queen Vashti? Why might she have refused this request - despite the potential consequences?
In Esther 1:16-22, what seem to be the values and concerns of the king and his wise men?
In Esther 1:22, how does King Ahasuerus demonstrate his immense power throughout his kingdom? How might this subtly point to future events in the story of Esther?
How does the author point to Mordecai in Esther 2 as a character who will be very important as the story continues?
Why might Mordecai have counseled Esther to stay quiet about her Jewish heritage? (Esther 2:10)
Where do we see evidence of the sovereign hand and plan of God in the midst of Esther being in exile in a pagan empire? (Esther 2:9-15)
What does Esther 1-2 teach us about God?
APPLICATION
What will I do?
How is this passage calling us to remember the significance of God’s sovereignty even in the minute details of life? Why is it important for us to remember that God is in control even in the midst of the messy details of our world today?
How should the truth about God’s providence inform our reading of Esther 2? Why is it important to trust God in all circumstances?
Esther was living in a pagan land. What temptations and challenges do we face as Christians living amidst a sinful culture? How can we live boldly and sacrificially for Jesus?
Praise God for his sovereign care and providence, even when you do not readily observe his hand.
Thank God that he is always at work for the eternal good of his people, whom Jesus Christ died to redeem.
