PR. 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, but God directs his steps.

Intro:  Who I am (What’s a nice Jewish girl…?) incl. Possible future Bible studies.

-Feel free to interrupt me with questions at any time.

-Discussion during the course of the talk, not at end.

-There are 7 eternal truths in the Book of Esther.

FIRST TRUTH: God is in Control.  His hand is in all things

    Important now: Election

    State of the world.

Timeline of Esther

    586 Nebuchanezzer of Babylon conquers Judah, those brought

    Babylon

    538 Cyrus of Persia decrees return of Jews. Not all return

    515 Temple completed-see Ezra and Nehemiah

    486 Ashuerus (Xerxes) becomes king of Persia

    483 Banquet, Vashti gone

    480 Military defeat against the Greeks, Xerxes turns to harem for

    comfort

    479 Esther chosen queen

    474 Haman’s decree to kill all the Jews, Mordecai establishes

    Feast of Purim

Survey

    Chapter 1  Read vs. 1-9

DISCUSSION: List  the characteristics of Ashuerus: wealthy, extravagant, prideful, not arrogant (feast for people of Susa from least to greatest), foolish, drunkard.

Read vs. 10-12

-Seventh day of the feasting with the people of Susa, including the commoners.

-Vashti refuses.  Scholars have always agreed that he wanted Vashti to come with nothing on but her crown

-The king asks for advice.

Read vs. 16-20  Memucan’s response, banish Vashti. 

DISCUSSION: Why?  Is this a reasonable response?How much attention do we pay to the First Lady?  What if the first lady dishonors the president? i.e. what if Hilary was caught in adultery instead of Bill?

GOD”S HAND IN THIS:  Had not Vashti refused, there would be no place for Esther. 

Chapter 2

1.Ashuerus misses Vashti. Attendants suggest a beauty contest of virgins to replace Vashti.

2.Enter Mordecai, great grandson of Kish, a Benjamite taken into captivity about 100 years before. He is the uncle and guardian of Esther (Hebrew Hadassah), who was an orphan

    - Mordecai instructs her to not reveal that she is a Jew.

    - She finds favor with the eunuch who oversees the harem.  Beauty

    treatments take a full year. (vs. 12)

    Read vs. 14 They become concubines

    - Esther is different (read vs. 15 & 17) Her beauty is from the inside as well as the outside, as it should be..

Eternal Truths in Esther - The Joy of Purim

Introduction