THE BOOK OF ESTHER

Context 500 BC After the Jews have been released from Babylonian Captivity Persia is now the reigning power Jews back in Jerusalem and the temple had been rebuilt, but some Jews never got to go home. Esther- tells the story of some of the Jews that were left behind. Last story Chronologically

The Plot Queen Vashti Rebels against the King Ahasuerus (Chp. 1) – After a great banquet the king calls his wife Vashti and she refuses – She is banished from the presence of the king (1:19) A Successor for Vashti is sought (Chap. 2) – Introduction to Mordecai and Esther (2:5-7) – Esther is selected as a possible candidate to be queen. – She is beautified and given great preparation before she is presented before the king who takes great delight in her. Mordecai saves the king (Chp. 2) – Becomes aware of a plot made by the king’s officials and informs Esther

The Plot Haman forms a plot to destroy the Jews (Chp. 3) – Haman introduced An Agagite (3:1-2; foreshadow) – Mordecai refuses to bow before him (seemingly b/c it may be implied as idolatrous) When questioned he tells that he is a Jew (3:4) Haman’s request includes a reason being that their laws allow for disobedience to the King’s laws (3:8) – Haman petitions that the Jews be destroyed and he would help pay for it

The Plot Mordecai informs Esther of Haman’s plot (Chp. 4) – Mordecai requests that Esther go before the king (4:10-14) Esther Heeds the advice and forms her own plan to make the appeal for a banquet (Esther 5) – The King grants Esther favor for coming into his presence (irony) and allows for a request – Crisis Averted? – Haman makes gallows and plans to request Mordecai be hanged.

The Plot A Turn of Events (Chp. 6) – The Hero of the story steps in. – A sleepless king recalls the service of Mordecai and wishes to honor him. – Haman is then made to honor Mordecai Esther Pleas on behalf of her people and Haman is hanged. – Poetic justice (7:10)

The Plot Mordecai promoted and the house of Haman destroyed (Chp. 8) – Mordecai is now given the signet ring of the king to make an edict to have his people protected. Under Mordecai’s leadership the Jews overpower their enemies (Chp. 9) – Haman’s sons are killed at Esther’s request (9:13-14) – 75,000 fall before the – The Feast of Purim is instituted to remember this deliverance. Mordecai second in the kingdom (Chp. 10)

Powerful Points From Esther: A Great Example in Esther Heeding wise Counsel (Prov. 12:5) – 2:10-11; didn’t reveal her people to the king as Mordechai advised. – 2:15; only took what the Eunuch advised. She heeds advice from someone of position who would know. – 4:13-14, 16; Listens to Mordecai when it is most difficult Puts herself at risk in loyalty to others Perhaps learned from Mordecai Heeding wise counsel Works – 2:17; “The king loved her more than all other women… placed the crown on her head.” – The Jews delivered from destruction

Powerful Points From Esther: God’s Providential Care An Incredible series of events: Coincidence or not? (Chapter 6) – The king just happened to be sleepless that night – He just happened to have the royal records to be read – The place read just happened to be about Mordecai saving the king – Mordecai had just happened to hear about the assassination plot – The King just happened to not reward him. – Haman just happened to be in the palace and the king calls him in – Haman just happened to misread the kings intention DID THESE THINGS JUST HAPPEN? ARE THESE COINCIDENCES OR IS SOMEONE ELSE DIRECTING THINGS? God’s name goes unmentioned in the book of Esther – Literary genius that this book is about the actions and sovereignty of God and yet his name is not mentioned on a single page. God is in control. A great application for us: – We don’t see God directly – The events and effects of God’s hand in our lives should bring us to the conclusion

Powerful Points From Esther: God’s Awesome Reversal God brings down the wicked – Ps. 141:9-10; Proverbs 5:22 – Haman begins with great authority (3:1) and is brought down!!! – Haman is hung on his own gallows – While Haman tries to destroy Mordecai and all his family/relatives, Haman and his family ultimately suffer destruction. God raises up the righteous – James 4:6; Proverbs 3:33-34; Psalm 7:9 – Esther, a jewish orphan (2:7) becomes Queen of the most powerful people on earth (2:17) – Mordecai, who was to be killed by Haman, is set over Haman’s house (8:2) and is placed second only to the king (10:3) – The Jews The people who were to meet their downfall instead have the nations fall before them. The people who were fasting, weeping, and wailing in 4:3 conclude in celebrating holiday, rejoicing and feasting (9:19) Foreshadowing of the deliverance God has made for us: – We were condemned to die: this is God’s law (Rom. 6:26; Heb. 9:22) – We were made alive in Christ (Eph. 2:1-6)