CHRISTIAN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP, PDO MUSCAT
TOPIC: ESTHER.
Esther’s story begins 103 years after Nebuchadnezzar had taken the Jews into captivity (2 Kings 25). Esther, also known as Hadassah, lived in the kingdom of Persia and her parents must have been among the exiles who chose not to return to Jerusalem, even though Cyrus, the Persian king had issued a decree allowing them to do so.
As a result of Vashti’s refusal to obey an order from her husband, the king, Esther, a young Jewish woman, an orphan brought up by her cousin Mordecia, became queen in Vashti’s place. God’s providence made way for Esther to the crown. He placed Esther on the throne even before the Jews faced the possibility of complete destruction, that when trouble came, a person would already be in position.
Although God’s name is no where mentioned in the book of Esther, His providential hand is clearly visible, ruling and overruling in the affairs of men.
Esther becomes Queen.
TEXT: Esther 1&2.
QUESTIONS:
I .What may have informed the refusal of Vashti to obey the king’s command? Was she justified?
2. .Ahesuerus (Xerxes) made a hasty decision based purely on feeling.(1:10-1 1). Decisions made on impulse can hardly be sound. What then should we base our decision on?
3.Comment on the advice Memucan gave the king (1:16). What are the possible effects of forced obedience on relationships? Forced obedience is a poor substitute for the love and mutual respect that husbands and wives should show for each other.
4. Read Esther 1:19 and 2:1. Why was it not possible for the king to reverse the decree? Dan 6:8. Discuss this in line with Prov.10: 19 and Eccl. 5:2.
5. What can we say about and learn from Esther in chapter 2:10,15, 20 & 22?
While boldness in stating our identity as God’s people is our responsibility, at times a good strategy is to keep quiet until we have won the right to be heard especially when dealing with those in authority over us. But we must always let them see the difference God makes in our lives (See also Neh. 2:12&16)
Royalty for such a time as this.
Text: Esther 3:1-11:4:1-5.9-13.15-16:5:1~5.
Discuss the danger of allowing the seed of pride, hatred, resentment, anger and bitterness in our lives as seen in the life of Haman. See also Heb.12:15, Col. 3:8 & 2Cor.12:20. What things look "innocent" in our age that bowing to them will mean compromise?
2.What correlation do we find in Haman’s attitude and reasons for wanting to destroy the Jews and that of the devil for wanting to destroy God’s children?
3.What is the significance of Mordecai tearing his clothes, putting on sack-clothes and ashes? Esther 4:1.
4.How do we react to the evil pronouncements of rulers that are anti-Christ? 4:2-3
5.Why did Esther send clothes to Mordecai at the gate? Esther 4:4
What do we learn from this, and any other act of Esther about caring for our relatives?
6. How does Esther 4:13 affect us as foreigners in this country?
7. What can we learn from Esther about tackling difficult but right tasks?
8. How can we relate the importance of raising the scepter by the king with our relationship to God?