Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 10

Esther 10



-The last chapter is a nice, albeit, brief wrap-up with the emphasis on the dominion of King Ahasuerus and Mordecai’s enduring legacy as the second most powerful man in the Medio-Persian Kingdom. Ahasuerus laid tribute on the land and coastlands of the sea to raise tax dollars rather than the gain he would have received from Haman’s wicked and sinister plan. His accomplishments of his authority and strength along with that of Mordecai the Jew were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia. Mordecai remained great among his people and a very powerful and influential person in the kingdom all his life. His kinsmen adored him as “one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation (Esther 10:1-3).”

*Application* What an epitaph that would be in honor of a truly inspired life. We note that the process was harrowing and arduous, but the end result saw him doing truly remarkable things for his earthly kingdom and the Heavenly Kingdom. His courage is what set him apart from the rest. His character was impeccable. We can surely be people like this too with all the fortitude and resolve that Christ’s life inspires in us. Be willing to take a stand and faithfully allow God to orchestra the process for a truly fulfilled life!

Verse to Memorize: Esther 10:3

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 9

Esther 9



-This chapter now details the events of this 13^th day of Adar, which was intended for the destruction of the Jews but turned into a day of great victory for God’s people because of His sovereign plan. It also details the creation of the holiday of Purim, which is still very much celebrated by the Jews even to our present time. When the enemies of the Jews had hoped to gain mastery over them, “it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.” They assembled in their cities throughout all the kingdom of Ahasuerus to lay hands in defense of those whom may try to destroy them or do them any harm. No one could stand before the Jews now, for the tide had turned with the king’s support and the LORD’s dread upon all the peoples. None of the leaders dared to support the uprising purported by Haman for the destruction of the Jews. The princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and everyone doing the king’s business all became allies and assisted the Jews because the dread of Mordecai had come upon them. “Indeed, Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai became greater and greater.” Because of all of this, the Jews were able to strike all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying; and they were able to do what they pleased to those who hated them. At the citadel in Susa, 500 men were killed and destroyed by the Jews including Haman’s ten sons. However, in an act of kindness, the Jews did not lay their hands on any plunder in this vindication. This was totally antithetical to the plans and purposes of their enemies who wanted to profit at the Hebrews’ expense (Esther 3:9, 13). On that day when it was reported to the king the number of those that the Jews had killed in his capital city, Ahasuerus asked his queen what had gone on in the other provinces and what else she might want to have happen. He promised to abide with whatever she desired in further requests. Esther only asked that, if it pleased the king (continued mark of respect here for her authority figure), Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows, which was done presumably to deter anyone else from wanting to rise up against her people ever again. The edict was quickly issued and carried out. The next day on the 14^th of Adar, 300 more men were killed in Susa as enemies of the Jews, and again no plunder was taken. In the rest of the kingdom, a whopping 75,000 men were killed that had hated the Jews, and no plunder was taken from them as well. For those in the far reaches of the kingdom, all the action did take place on the 13^th day of Adar, with the 14^th being a day of rest with feasting and celebration. It was a bit different in Susa, since there were still some conflicts going on, but they rested, feasted, and rejoiced by the 15^th day of Adar (Esther 9:1-18).

-The issue of commemorating this monumental event was next dealt with in the text. In rural areas, it was immediately celebrated on the 14^th day of Adar as a holiday for rejoicing and feasting and sending portions of food to one another in generosity and thanksgiving. Mordecai recorded these events as a prominent man in the kingdom and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces both far and near. In these letters he obliged them to celebrate on both the 14^th and 15^th days of Adar respectively and annually, “because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.” The Jews readily undertook all that Mordecai purposed to do in his writings to them, for Haman, the Agagite and enemy of the Jews, had schemed against their people and had cast Pur, that is “the lot,” to disturb and destroy them. When the matter had come before the king’s attention, because of the love he had for his queen and Divine providence, Ahasuerus had commanded by letter that this wicked scheme in opposition to the Jews be returned upon the head of this evil villain along with his ten sons by hanging on the gallows. These days became known as “Purim” after the name Pur (the lot). Because of the instructions in this letter by Mordecai, and what they had seen in this regard and what had happened to them, the Jews readily established and made a custom for themselves, their descendants, and all who allied themselves with them this as a perpetual holiday of celebration according to regulation and appointed time annually. Every generation and every family would remember this occurrence so as to not let the memory of this miraculous event ever fade. Queen Esther ratified this with a second letter herself in full authority to confirm this celebration of Purim. She, with her cousin Mordecai collaborating, sent these letters to all 127 provinces of the kingdom with words of peace and truth to establish these days of Purim with all its instructions for their times of fasting and lamentations (crying out to God). This indicates their willingness to never forget to stop, praise, and exalt their God for helping them in a time of severe crisis. So, the commands of the elevated Queen Esther established these customs for Purim, “and it was written in the book (Esther 9:19-32).”

*Application* What we should take from this Scriptural lesson today is the long-term effects and remembrances of God’s Divine work in helping us escape and prosper. He has set us free from the enemy and given us victory unto victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). We should never go back into slavery of sin as believers in His redemption. He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Feasting, rejoicing, worship, giving, peace, and truth should all flow out of us as citizens of the Divine Kingdom.

Verses to Memorize: Esther 9:1, 22

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 8

Esther 8



-On the day that Haman, the enemy of the Jews, was hanged on the gallows he had vindictively built for Mordecai, King Ahasuerus gave the entire house of Haman to his Queen Esther. Plus, Mordecai came before the king for now Esther had fully disclosed their relationship as cousins and the man who had properly raised her after she had been orphaned. The king took the signet ring off, which he had taken away from Haman, and gave it now to Mordecai as a token of respect and honor (Esther 3:10 is when Haman received the signet ring). Esther quickly set Mordecai over the house of Haman, which meant that he had full charge over his servants and attendants and such. Then, in submission, Esther spoke to the king once more on behalf of her people. She fell at his feet, wept, and implored him to avert the evil scheme Haman had concocted against her people that was an irrevocable law of the Medes and Persians. The king gracious extended his golden scepter to his wife and queen, giving Esther the opportunity to rise and stand before him for her petition. She spoke thus, “If it pleases the king and if I have found favor before him and the matter seems proper to the king and I am pleasing in his sight, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces.” She pleaded because she would not be able to endure to see such calamity and destruction befall her people, her kindred. Moved, King Ahasuerus remarked, “Behold, I have given the house of Haman to Esther, and him they have hanged on the gallows because he had stretched out his hands against the Jews. Now you write to the Jews as you see fit, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for a decree which is written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s signet ring may not be revoked (Esther 8:1-8).”

-Therefore, the king’s scribes were called together in the third month of Sivan (May/June in our calendar), on the 23^rd day, and they wrote everything that Mordecai commanded them. This was for all the Jews, satraps, governors, and princes of the provinces which extend from India all the way to Ethiopia. There were 127 provinces all together, and this message was written in the script and language of all involved. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king’s own signet ring making it irrevocable. These letters were to be sent out by couriers on the royal steeds sired by the royal stud. These must have been some magnificent looking horses with world-class strength and power for the day. In the letters, the king granted the Jews who were in each and every city the right to assemble and defend their lives. They could destroy, kill, and annihilate the entire army of any people or province which might be emboldened to attack them, including women and children, and they could take as plunder their spoil. This was specifically for the 13^th day of the 12^th month of Adar (February/March in our calendar), the day assigned for the destruction of the Jews by Haman previously (Esther 3:13). A copy of this edict to be issued as law in each and every province was published to all the peoples for the purpose of readiness by the Jews so that they could defend themselves from any of their enemies. These couriers, hastened and impelled by the king’s command, ventured out on their beautiful horses, and the decree was made public starting at the citadel of Susa (Esther 8:9-14).

-Mordecai, now a national hero and man of great distinction, proceeded out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white with a large crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple. Upon seeing this and with all that was going on, the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. Mordecai was a very popular figure by this time. A lighthearted spirit prevailed. “For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor.” Everywhere that the edict went forth produced the same kind of gladness and joy for the Jews. There were feasts and holidays with celebration in all places of the kingdom. In fact, many among the peoples of the land actually became converted Jews, “for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them (Esther 8:15-17).”

*Application* Awakenings and revivals occur at the strangest of times and in the most bizarre of ways. Who could’ve seen this coming? When all seemed so dark and disparaging, God sent His light through some courageous people and some unusual circumstances. He certainly works in mysterious ways, that sometimes, if we are receptive, leave us amazed, baffled, honored, rejoicing, jubilant, and in sublime ecstasy. This should absolutely get us fired up for the wondering-working culmination of God’s great and mighty works among men. He still produces miracles today! Are we ready, willing, and able to see a few?

Verse to Memorize: Esther 8:16

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 7

Esther 7



-The crescendo in the plot comes in this pivotal chapter as the king and Haman come to drink wine with Esther the queen in the second evening of her banquet. For the third time the king asked her what her petition was promising that it would be granted even up to half of the kingdom. Queen Esther gathered up her courage that was more than likely becoming more and more confident with all that she’d seen God do. She spoke, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my petition, and my people as my request; for we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed and to be annihilated. Now if we had only been sold as slaves, men and women, I would have remained silent, for the trouble would not be commensurate with the annoyance to the king.” King Ahasuerus became indignant with this perpetrator and asked, “Who is he, and where is he, who would presume to do thus?” Esther now made her decisive move, “A foe and an enemy is this wicked Haman!” Then, Haman, the Bible states, “became terrified (ba`ath- suddenly frightened, startled, overtaken by sudden terror, overwhelmed) before the king and queen.” The king, who was known for his angry tirades when filled with wine, arose furiously from his drinking and went into the palace garden. Haman stayed behind with Queen Esther begging for his life because he definitely perceived that harm had been determined against him by the king for this deliberate-prearranged savagery against the queen’s people. When the king returned from the palace garden into the place where they had been drinking, he saw Haman falling on the couch where Esther was. Further incensed, he fumed, “Will he even assault the queen with me in the house?” Even as these words went out of his mouth, his executioners covered the face of Haman. One of the king’s eunuchs, named Harbonah, who was before him, said, “Behold, indeed, the gallows standing at Haman’s house fifty cubits (about 75 feet) high, which Haman made for Mordecai who spoke good on behalf of the king!” The king pronounced his judgment on the wicked enemy of the Jews, “Hang him on it.” “So they hanged Haman on the gallows which he had prepared for Mordecai, and the king’s anger subsided (Esther 7:1-10).”

*Application* Getting caught in an evil plot can leave one mortified. So it’s best that we never go about scheming malevolence upon our enemies, especially if they are part of God’s family and people. Esther’s prayers and plans had worked out perfectly under the Divine sovereignty of All-Mighty God. Surrendering courageously to His call for “such a time as this” may seem out there or overwhelming at times, but then He shows up and destroys the enemy before us leaving us in wonder and awe of His wisdom, glory, and power. God can easily do it, trust Him and see miracles abound all around.

Verse to Memorize: Esther 7:10

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 6

Esther 6



-During the very night that Haman had his gallows made for the purpose of eradicating Mordecai the Jew, King Ahasuerus could not sleep and had his book of records brought to him to be read. It was found written the incident recorded in Esther 2:21-23 where Bigthana and Teresh, the king’s eunuchs who were doorkeepers, had sought to lay hands on the king and Mordecai’s faithful report of it to authorities. King Ahasuerus wondered aloud what honor or dignity had been bestowed on Mordecai for his heroic act on behalf of the king. It was found that nothing of notoriety had been for this man. So the king asked, “Who is in the court?” Haman had just entered the outer court at that precise time (from the text it is difficult to discern if this was that night of the next morning, I presume it was the next morning) in order to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai out of his rage and vindictive spirit. The king’s servants reported to him that Haman was standing in the court, and Haman was presented to the king. When Haman came forth before the king, King Ahasuerus asked very matter-of-factly, “What is to be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?” Haman, puffed up with pride and filled with arrogance, thought to himself, “Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?” Then, he proceeded to gush, “For the man whom the king desires to honor, let them bring a royal robe which the king has worn, and the horse on which the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown has been placed; and let the robe and the horse be handed over to one of the king’s most noble princes and let them array the man whom the king desires to honor and lead him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him, ‘Thus it shall be done to the man whom the king desires to honor.’” Haman must have been mortified when the king responded, “Take quickly the robes and the horse as you have said, and do so for Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate; do not fall short in anything of all that you have said.” Humiliated by now, Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city square proclaiming, “Thus it shall be done to the man whom the king desires to honor.” Afterwards, Mordecai returned to the king’s gate, probably very pleased and feeling honored for his actions; meanwhile, Haman hurried home, mourning, lamenting, and sulking, with his head covered in shame. When he recounted all that had transpired to his wife, Zeresh, and all his friends, his wise men and even his wife spoke in thus fashion, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish origin, you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him.” While these things were still being discussed, the king’s eunuchs arrived and hastily brought Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared for them (see Esther 5:8; 6:1-14).

*Application* I think the old lyrics from an Elvis Presley song echo true here, “I’m caught in a trap, I can’t walk out…(from Suspicious Minds).” The Divine Hand of God was now actively moving in perfect sequence of time to vindicate and save his faithful servant, Mordecai. In His sovereignty, He was involved of even moving the thoughts of an all-powerful earthly king. God will do that for us too, if we stay pure and true to His Word, following His course and way. The LORD has an uncanny way of bringing about circumstances to favor His people with more honor than we could ever imagine. God is good like that. For the villains, it’s a totally different story. Puffed up pride and scheming arrogance will never prosper in the final analysis. Even the pagans were perceptive to that in our text today. It has a lot to do with the fear of the LORD. Today, I learned from a friend that someone was stealing pumpkins from the church across the street from ours. Last week, someone stole a purse out of a car in that same vicinity in our church’s parking lot. Can you imagine how God feels about people stealing, which is one of His top ten commandments, in His sacred place? These kinds of actions will not prosper these people for long. A day of reckoning is coming, and that is never pretty unless a person repents and makes God desired changes. One more thing to note here in our application. God watches out for His people, the Jews. We have a biblical promise for blessing when we bless them and a biblical curse upon us when we go against them (Genesis 12:3). I pray we all choose blessing over the pain of not blessing God’s appointed people.

Verse to Memorize: Esther 6:13

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 5

Esther 5



-After Esther’s commitment to go before the king with her petition to save the Jewish people, and on the third day of the fast that she had called on behalf of her people, the queen put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace and in front of the king’s rooms. King Ahasuerus was sitting on his royal throne opposite the entrance when she walked in. When he saw her standing in the court, she providentially obtained favor in his sight and the golden scepter was extended toward her so that she wouldn’t perish (see Esther 4:11). Esther came near her sovereign lord and touched the top of this scepter. The king spoke kindly to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be given you.” Can you imagine the relief that Esther must have felt at this point? I’m sure a rush of mixed emotions came over her as she realized that God truly was at work in all of this to give her and her people Divine favor “for such a time as this.” But, she held to a preconceived plan it appears despite the king’s offer to almost anything she wanted. Why she proceeded like this is unknown, but it worked out perfectly in time. Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” The king quickly summoned his highly ranked subordinate and complete enemy of the Jews, Haman, to do exactly what Esther desired. At the banquet, they ate and drank an abundance of wine. Then, once more the king petitioned his queen as to what she really desired. Again, he offered her half the kingdom if she would simply ask. Esther, being led of the Holy Spirit and sensing that the time was not yet quite right, asked for the favor of the king to come the next night, again with Haman, to an extended banquet, which she had prepared for them. She promised that tomorrow she would do as the king asked in responding to what she really wanted (Esther 5:1-8).

-Haman went out that day “very glad and pleased of heart.” I’m sure he was filled with all the pride, contentment, and confidence a man could ever want. But, when he saw Mordecai in the king’s gate still not standing in respect or trembling before him, he became filled with anger against this hated Jew. It was one of those ruin the moment type of scenarios for him. He did control himself in the instant, and moved on toward his house but with irritation now in his heart. Upon coming home, he sent for his friends and wife, Zeresh, to recount to them the glory of his riches, the number of his sons, and every instance where the king had magnified and promoted him above all the princes and servants of the kingdom. He even gushed over the fact that he alone had found favor with the queen in being invited to this banquet with the sovereign king not just for this night, but again on the tomorrow. Yet, he was still ticked off to the point of being dissatisfied with his existence every time he encountered Mordecai the Jew at the king’s gate. This man crawled under his skin and made him insane with rage. This demonic force with Haman was boiling over. His wife and all his friends devised a sinister plan in recommending to have gallows made 50 cubits high (about 75 feet) in the morning and ask the king for permission to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then he could proceed joyfully to his banquet with Esther and the king without having this Jew disrupt his peace anymore. The advice pleased Haman a lot, so he promptly had the gallows constructed (Esther 5:9-14)

*Application* First of all, let’s talk about the satisfaction of proceeding with a God sized plan in courage and boldness seeing it all play out to perfection with His Divine providence. In times like these, when we face our fears and move forward in faith, God erases our fretting worry and turns our situation into complete joy with His favor and blessing. This is what happened for Esther, and it can happen for us too. Secondly, let’s talk about the disadvantages of letting rage rule our spirit. Do people we don’t get along with ever irritate us? That’s a common temptation, right? Doing the complete opposite of what Haman did would help us overcome this ploy of Satan. Jesus tells us to bless those who persecute us and pray for them sincerely when they mistreat you (Luke 6:28). This love for our enemies is a bold new way to defuse any situation and make it come into conformity with the righteousness of Christ (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27). It only happens supernaturally, so ask the LORD to help in loving our neighbor.

Verse to Memorize: Esther 5:14

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 4

Esther 4



-When Mordecai learned of all that had been done by Haman in attempt to kill his people, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city of Susa wailing loudly and bitterly. He went as far as the king’s gates with this mourning and sorrowful protest. He could go no further since no one was to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth by law. In each province, as the news went out of the command and decree of the king against the Jews, there was incredible mourning with fasting, weeping, wailing, and laying on sackcloth and ashes. Eventually, Esther’s maidens and her eunuchs came and told her the news causing the great queen of Media-Persia to writhe in “great anguish.” She sent garments for Mordecai to clothe himself, perhaps so that he could come and speak with her without incident in the king’s gates. However, Mordecai refused the garments. This led Esther to summon Hathach, from the king’s eunuchs whom the king had appointed to attend her. She then ordered him to go to Mordecai, her previous caretaker, cousin, and dearly beloved, in order to learn what this matter was and why it was. The messenger went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king’s gate. Mordecai told him all that had happened to him and related the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews (Esther 3:9). He even gave him a copy of the edict’s text, which had been issued in Susa appointing God’s chosen people’s destruction. This was given so that Hathach could show Esther and inform her without a shadow of a doubt so that she would know the seriousness of this situation and be compelled to go before the king to implore his favor and plead with him for her people. As Hathach came back and related the words of Mordecai to Esther along with this copy of the edict, Esther spoke to her attendant and ordered him to reply to Mordecai: “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that for any man or woman who comes to the king to the inner court who is not summoned, he has but one law, that he be put to death, unless the king holds out to him the golden scepter so that he may live. And I have not been summoned to come to the king for these thirty days.” This indicates the king’s complete authority and irritation with being bothered while on his throne. Remember, this was a man who was very prone to anger and flying off the handle with ridiculously intense emotions and actions. So we, as the readers, can feel the emotion and pathos of Esther as she makes this reply to Mordecai. As these words were given to the sullen Mordecai, her cousin had a response that proved overwhelming: “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place (veiled reference here to the sovereignty of God in this situation with complete faith) and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Esther got the point as she responded through her messenger: “Go assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Therefore, Mordecai went on his way and did exactly as Esther had commanded him (Esther 4:1-17).

*Application* How do we handle bad news in our culture when we receive it? Public mourning and sorrow has become less and less of a thing, but we can see the benefit of it if we try. Pent up emotions eventually come out in other more destructive ways, so I believe we have to commend Mordecai for his woeful demonstration that refused cover up. Notice that he didn’t act violently or enrage the Jewish populace in a vigilante fashion. He astutely made his points to someone who could do something about it with complete faith and dependence on his God. He was assured of relief and deliverance. This is what trust and belief are all about. He exhorted his cousin the queen, as a person of influence, to take action at a critical time with powerful words. These are commendable qualities for us to grab onto in times of stress and uncertainty. Let’s also laud Esther for her courage in seeing the reality of a situation and asking for intercession in gaining wisdom and favor. Her words, “If I perish, I perish,” should inspire us to take whatever stand we must take in present day situations and circumstances leaving the consequences to a Higher Power.

Verses to Memorize: Esther 4:14, 16

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 3

Esther 3



-Up until now, everything had been a fairy tale story for Esther and her caretaker-cousin Mordecai, but some evil things were beginning to take place in the plot. After the events of Queen Esther’s marriage to the king and Mordecai’s saving of the king from conspirators, Ahasuerus promoted an Agagite named Haman advancing him and establishing his authority over all the princes of the kingdom. The Agagites were mortal enemies of the Jewish people from ancient times. Prophecy had indicated that there would be perpetual war between Agag, king of the Amalekites (Amalek was a descendant of Esau, for more see https://gotquestions.org/Haman-the-Agagite.html), and God’s chosen people as far back as their wilderness wanderings (Exodus 17:8-16, 1 Samuel 15:2-33). The king had commanded all those of his servants at the king’s gate to bow down and pay homage to Haman every time he came through, but Mordecai neither bowed down nor did he pay homage. When asked daily why he transgressed the king’s command, he refused to listen to them and let them know that he was a Jew, which meant bowing to no one other than the LORD (much like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, Daniel 3, 6). “When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage (Esther 3:1-5).”

-He disdained to violently attack Mordecai; but because he had been told of Mordecai’s nationality, the wicked Haman sought to destroy all of the Jews throughout the entire kingdom of Ahasuerus. This deal entailed much more than just a vendetta with his personal enemy. In the first month of Nisan (March/April on our calendar), in the 12^th year of King Ahasuerus’ reign, Pur (a lot) was cast before Haman every day and from month to month until he deciphered from this practice when the best day would be to carry out his venomous decree. Little did he know he was playing right into the providence of God, for the day of death was actually set for another whole year away. This gave Esther time to make her plea to the king. Purim is the Persian word for lots, which became the name for the holiday of the Jewish people to commemorate this occasion when they were delivered rather than killed as Haman had planned. In the twelfth month of Adar (February/March on our calendar) the Pur finally told him it was time to go ahead with his devious plan. He told the king that there was a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of the kingdom that followed diverse laws from the king and his people. He reiterated that it was not in the king’s best interest to let these people remain and that they should be utterly destroyed. He offered to pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who carried out the king’s business of eradicating his enemies for the king’s treasuries. Without thinking too much about this, King Ahasuerus took his signet ring and gave it to Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to sign this proclamation into law. The king said to Haman, “The silver is yours, and the people also, to do with them as you please.” By the 13^th day of the first month, now in the 13^th year of Ahasuerus’ reign, the king’s scribes were summoned to produce this document prescribed by Haman to give to all the satraps, governors, and princes of each province in their own language and script. It was written in the name of the king and sealed with his signet ring as a law of the Medes and Persians, irrevocable and permanent. Letters were sent out by couriers into all the king’s provinces with the message to kill, destroy, and annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, male and female, even the youngest children, in one day, which was the 13^th of Adar. They were also to seize their possessions as plunder in this Nazi Germany type of scandal. Copies of this edict were published as a law for all the people of the kingdom so that they would have proper communication and be ready for this day. Haman’s scheme seemed to be shrewd, well thought out, and invincible. As the couriers went out impelled by the king’s command in Susa, and while the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city was in mass confusion with these developments (Esther 3:6-15).

*Application* Courage in the obedience to the things of God will always stir up a ruckus. We can count on that. Had Mordecai bowed down and paid homage to this vile human being, Haman, nothing of note would have happened in Queen Esther’s kingdom. However, he did refuse because this man was not worthy of worship. This amounted to idolatry, and Mordecai was smart enough to recognize it. Also, he was willing to stand up to it even though he genuinely could have predicted an inflammatory reaction. Who knows, he might could have expected death from the outcome of his persistence and bravery. This did not stop him from doing what was right. Now he let people know his identity, and fought the good fight for the LORD without compromise. We need to be like that too in our own day and age. While evil is on the rise, what kind of stand are we willing to take to set us apart from the pagan crowd? Rest assured, when we do, God will come to our aid though there be fire in the offering. Don’t fear the despicable human reaper; rather, fear the God of the harvest (Matthew 3:1-12, Luke 12:4-5).

Verses to Memorize: Esther 3:5, 13

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Chapter 2

Esther 2



-There are a few years between the time of Ahasuerus’ extravagant banquet (Esther 1:3) and the beginning of chapter two (Esther 2:16). Historically, there may have been a military campaign that went somewhat unsuccessful, and upon his return he enters a time of reflection, after his anger had subsided, and remembered his former Queen Vashti with all that had transpired in that situation. It appears from the text that his forlorn spirit was perceived by one of his attendants that served him, and this particular individual recommended that “beautiful virgins be sought for the king.” He continued to advise that overseers should be appointed by the king in all the provinces of his kingdom that all the available beautiful young women be gathered to the citadel in Susa and placed in a harem under the custody of one Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the women. They would be given cosmetics for even more beautification and then present themselves before the queenless king for inspection. This was a type of Cinderella story that recent movies and works have depicted for us to relate. The young lady that impressed the king the most would then be named queen in the place of Vashti. This advice from his attendant pleased the king, and God’s will was becoming manifest through unforeseen circumstances. Then, this plan was carried out which had pleased the luxurious king so much (Esther 2:1-4).

-Now, providentially there was at the same time of all that was going on in the royal family at Susa a Jew by the name of Mordecai. He was a Benjamite who had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the captives taken by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, during the time of Jeconiah, king of Judah. He was bringing up an orphaned young lady by the name of Hadassah (Hadaccah- myrtle), or Esther ('Ecter- star), who was his uncle’s daughter. She was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and mother died, Mordecai, her elder cousin presumably, took her as his own daughter. It came about when the decree and command of the king were heard, Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who, again, was in charge of the women ushered into the king’s harem. Esther found favor in Hegai’s eyes and she pleased him, which led to her getting all the cosmetics and food she needed very quickly along with seven choice maids from the king’s palace. Hegai transferred (shana- to change, to alter) her and her maids to the best place in the harem. But Esther, for all this blessing, did not make known her people or her kindred. Mordecai, her caretaker, had instructed her that she not make this information available to those who were holding her people captives in a foreign land. Every day Mordecai would pace back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn about how Esther was doing and how she was faring. This was a man who took great concern and cared for his extraordinary cousin. Even though the text does not express it explicitly, I believe he was praying fervently for her (Esther 2:5-11).

-At the end of twelve months under the regulations for the beautification of the women, each lady was to take a turn to come and go in to King Ahasuerus. They had had six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and the cosmetics of women. Anything that the women desired for their appearance to become attractive was given to them as they came from their harem into the king’s presence. Does this sound pretty plush ladies or what? They had their dream opportunity to make an impression before royalty. In the evening she would go in and in the morning she would return to the second harem under the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of all the concubines. They would not return to the king unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name. Probably some pretty tough competition there. When Esther’s turn came up to go in to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai advised. This was the first sign of wisdom in this profound woman. She took council from someone who assuredly knew what the king delighted in. A fashion consultant if you will. Esther was the bomb. She found favor in the eyes of all who saw her before she was taken to the king in his royal palace. This happened in the tenth month of Tebeth (December/January in our calendar), in the seventh year of Ahasuerus’ reign (Esther 2:12-16).

-“The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” Then, Queen Esther received a banquet in her honor for all the king’s princes and his servants. The king declared a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts according to the king’s abundant bounty (Esther 2:17-18). The LORD had elevated her to a very prominent position for His glory and the preservation of His chosen people.

-An unspecified elapsing of time goes by as the narrative moves to verse 19. It was somewhere between the time Esther was named queen in the later part of Ahasuerus’ 7^th year of his reign and the twelfth year of his reign (Esther 3:7). The virgins were gathered a second time (unknown as to the reason for this occurrence), and Mordecai found himself sitting at the king’s gate there in Susa. Esther still had not yet made known her nationality or people, even as her cousin had commanded her; “for Esther did what Mordecai told her as she had done when under his care.” This shows us, as the readers, that there continued to be interaction between the queen and her beloved relative as the days went by in her kingdom. She displayed a tremendous amount of loyalty and respect here (Esther 2:19-20).

-In those days of sitting at the king’s gate, Mordecai discovered a plot by two men who were the king’s officials that guarded the door. These guys, named Bigthan and Teresh, had become angry over some matter and sought to lay hands on the king, King Ahasuerus. He told Queen Esther about the situation, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. When the plot was investigated and found to be true, both of the infidels were hanged on a tree (gallows). The matter was providentially recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the king’s presence. This is an important development that would play out later in the story (Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-2).

*Application* God is working behind the scenes of our lives to orchestrate and work His good plan even when we may be completely unaware of it (Romans 8:28). God uses imperfect people to do providential things that accomplish His plans and His purposes in remarkable ways. Stay yielded to God when things don’t quite make sense in all that we go through. In time, and with wisdom, we can endure and see the fruit of what God wants in all His glory, blessings, and favor. We don’t have to stress. We don’t have to strive. God will develop the plot, even as it thickens, and rescue us from all evil. Just wait, be patient, and see. Dreams do come true.

Verse to Memorize: Esther 2:17

Bible Study Notes in Esther- Introduction and Chapter 1

Esther 1



-Introduction: This intriguing, made for the movies/TV, thriller of a real-life story takes place in the Persian Empire somewhere around the years of 486-473 B.C.. It is the courageous encounter of an unlikely queen and her uncle who carried out God’s divine plan for the deliverance of His people while some of them were still in captivity. The first exiles had returned to the land in 538 B.C. and the Temple had been rebuilt in 515 B.C., but many of the Jewish nation still languished as a minority in and around the capital of the Medo-Persian Empire in Susa. This is the setting for a book that never mentions the Name of the LORD, or God, but has all the workings of His Spirit in a unique experience that would initiate the Hebrew Feast of Purim, which occurs in February or March of our calendar. Esther (otherwise known as Hadassah, Esther 2:7), who was an orphan being raised by her cousin Mordecai, is the heroine of this narrative. But, Mordecai deserves much of the credit for the success of what happens. He discovers a plot against King Ahasuerus (otherwise known as Xerxes), raises a Godly girl, stands firm against the plots of evil men, and exhorts incredible redemptive action with wisdom. In the end he is exalted in the kingdom as the vile-villain, Haman, is extinguished from the earth. Authorship of this book is generally credited to Mordecai (Esther 9:29), but some have suggested a later authorship or editing from perhaps Ezra or Nehemiah due to its similarity in writing style. It was written around 470 B.C. after the events of the narrative. Although coming after the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the cannon, the events of Esther take place some 35 years or so prior to the cup bearer’s exodus back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls and some 20 years or so prior to Ezra’s return to the Promised Land. Keep in mind that Ahasuerus (Xerxes, Esther 1:1) was the father of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:1, Nehemiah 2:1) in the historical timeline. The Greek historian Herodotus confirms the timeline in much detail with exact harmony to the text of Esther in regards to Ahasuerus’ dominion, military expeditions against Greece, and his taking of a new queen (Herodotus 3.97, 98, 7.8, 9, 9.108, 109). Archaeological discovery has also confirmed the description of the royal palace in Susa described in Esther 1:6. The structure of this story goes something like this: The King Loses a Queen (Esther 1:1-22), Esther Becomes the New Queen (Esther 2:1-23), The Jews are Threatened (Esther 3:1-4:17), Esther Intercedes for the Jews (Esther 5:1-8:17), The Jews are Delivered (Esther 9:1-32), and Mordecai is Honored (Esther 10:1-3). Themes of the work include, but are not limited to: God’s Sovereignty, The Ridiculousness of Racial Hatred, Divine Deliverance, Taking Action, and Using Wisdom in a Threatening Environment. Let’s enjoy the reading and studying of this saga in a crucial time of God’s chosen race, and remember with application that the LORD may be calling us to do something special and courageous “for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).”

(Ideas extracted from “New American Standard Bible: Life Application Study Bible.” Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 1995, pgs. 817-818)

-Chapter 1: In the third year of Ahasuerus’ (Xerxes) reign over the Medo-Persian Empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia and incorporated 127 provinces, these events took place in Susa where his royal throne sat at the citadel. King Ahasuerus gave an extraordinary banquet in his presence for all his princes, their attendants, the army officers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of his provinces. Historically, this might be connected with a military campaign that was forthcoming against the Greeks. In this extreme party that lasted for 180 days, about half the year, he displayed “the riches of his royal glory” and “the splendor of his great majesty.” When these days were completed, King Ahasuerus gave another banquet, which lasted seven days for all the people of Susa, from the greatest to the least, in the garden of the king’s palace. The Bible describes this ornate setting with intricate detail. There were hangings of fine white and violet linen, and they were held on cords of fine purple linen on silver rings and marble columns. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other precious stones. Drinks were served at this celebration in golden vessels of various kinds, and the royal wine was indeed plentiful to the point of no limits for the guests. Each person had to the desire of their heart. This gives us a sense of the lavishness of the occasion. His queen, Queen Vashti (meaning “sweetheart”) also gave a banquet for the women in this beautiful palace that belonged to the king (Esther 1:1-9).

-On the seventh day of the feast, when the king’s heart was merry with wine, Ahasuerus commanded his seven eunuchs who served him to bring Queen Vashti, with her royal crown, to come before them and display her extraordinary beauty before all the people and the princes. This more than likely indicates a drunken man’s request for her to expose herself to all at the party, which would have been culturally inappropriate and ultra-demeaning to this woman of class, dignity, and wealth. She courageously opposed this request in the face of a king’s commands, which angered this very temperamental ruler. The text describes him as being “very angry and his wrath burned within him.” He consulted, as was the custom, with his closest princes of Persia and Media who had special access to his presence and sat in high positions of authority in the kingdom. There were seven of them. He asked them specifics about the what the law said about this situation of disrespect coming from his queen. Memucan spoke up at this juncture and said, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also all the princes, and all the peoples who are in the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women causing them to look with contempt on their husbands by saying, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in to his presence, but she did not come.’ And this day the ladies of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen’s conduct will speak in the same way to all the king’s princes, and there will be plenty of contempt and anger.” Then, this Memucan suggested that if it pleased the king a royal edict be issued by him according to the irrevocable law of the Medes and Persians that Vashti be forbidden to come into the king’s presence and her crown taken from her as queen. Another woman would get this privileged title who would be more worthy than the perceived renegade. This, Memucan rationalized, would ensure a dispersal of knowledge throughout the kingdom causing women everywhere to give complete honor and obedience to their husbands for the tranquility of the land. This word pleased the once enraged king, as well as all the princes, prompting the king to do exactly as Memucan had proposed. He sent letters to all of the king’s provinces, according to their language and script, that every man was to be master in his own house and “the one who speaks in the language of his own people (Esther 1:10-22).”

*Application* The anger of man never produces the righteousness of God (James 1:20). A rash decision can still be used of God though for His purposes as we will see in this narrative. On our part, we must deal with things that tempt us to get frustrated, or angry, in a way that will please the LORD. When self-control is lost, we are like a city without walls, left unprotected and vulnerable to schemes of the evil one (Proverbs 25:28). Ahasuerus lost his queen because he was being foolish, getting drunk and trying to impress people. This type of activity didn’t behoove him and will never benefit us.

Verse to Memorize: Esther 1:19