Esther 5

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Esther Goes Before the King

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. “The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord.” Proverbs 21:1

  2. The path of the wicked is in the plan of the Lord.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Remember, God has extended His golden scepter.

QUESTIONS

  1. Although Esther was the queen, she feared going before the king without an invitation. Why?

  2. Recall the stories from the historian Herodotus about Xerxes legendary temper.

  3. What was the king’s reaction when Esther appeared before him?

  4. The name of God is never mentioned in the book of Esther. How is He seen working behind-the-scenes in this chapter?

  5. Why did Esther not expose Haman immediately? Why did she invite him and the king to a second banquet?

ANSWERS

  1. King Xerxes had a reputation for having a bad temper. He had already punished one queen, Queen Vashti, for disobeying his command.

  2. In a bizarre act of revenge after a storm destroyed his bridge, Xerxes ordered his servants to lash the waters of the Dardanelles. Xerxes also ordered a man's eldest son to be killed and cut apart.

  3. He not only held out his scepter, but offered to grant her request by giving her up to half his kingdom!

  4. God caused the king to be in an exceptionally good mood and accept Esther’s invitation for dinner.

  5. We aren’t given an answer from Esther’s perspective. But from God’s perspective, it is evident that God has more planned for Haman and Mordecai.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. God worked behind-the-scenes of the Persian Empire to accomplish His purposes. This is true of government today! See Proverbs 21:1and 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Discuss this truth in light of current events.

  2. Subjects of King Xerxes were afraid until they knew whether he would extend his golden scepter to them. Discuss the contrast to the God of this Universe who has freely extended His welcome to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. Refer to Hebrews 10:19-22

CHALLENGE

  1. Haman thought he had gotten away with his evil plot. His pride caused him to plan more evil against Mordecai. If you have been wronged by someone, and it seems they are getting away with it, give the matter to God and remember Proverbs 16:18.

KEY VERSES

  • ”The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1

  • “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

Esther, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsEsther 5