The writer of this book is unknown. After Judah's seventy-year exile in Babylon, which then became Medo-Persia, some Jews return to their land. In Ezra 1, some return with Zerrubabel. About 60 years later, other Jews return with Ezra, starting in Ezra 7. The book of Esther takes place during the 60-year period between Ezra 6 and 7, and is about Israelites who stayed in the land of their exile instead of returning to their homeland. We see how God is at work in the lives of His people even when they are not following His will, not seeking Him. In this book they are first referred to as Jews.

This book teaches God’s providence--how God provides for the universe, working through human events, even though His hand is unseen. God's providence is related to His sovereignty. We see much providential timing in this story, and want to pay attention to time references.

God is not mentioned in this book. This may indicate that they were far from God--some even say they had rejected God--but not necessarily, the writer may have had some purpose unknown to us. Many people are not vocal about their faith; the political climate at the time may have deterred them. Some Jews probably became more secularized once they left their homeland, yet were still a good and moral people; but others, like Ezra and Nehemiah, Daniel and Ezekiel, stayed focused on their God. This book is not quoted or referred to in the New Testament.

CHAPTER 1

1-4 What, who, when, where? "It": the events of this chapter, which set the stage for the rest of the book--the story of Esther. Susa was one of the capitals of Medo-Persia. Ahasuerus is the Hebrew rendition; Xerxes is the Persian name--there were several by these names. Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) was taken into captivity by whom? In the first year of his reign over what kingdom? Jer. 25:1, Dan. 1:1. In Dan. 5:30-31, what happens to that kingdom? 3, what event begins this story? The word includes the aspect of drinking and drunkenness. To us a banquet speaks of a formal dinner, but apparently this is a huge drinking party. There are many such parties in this short book--we might wonder why? This party involved flaunting, showing off, boasting--pride. Obviously all the attendants were not there the full six months; people came and went. What can we infer about this king so far?

5-8 The six-month party is immediately followed by a week-long party, with more extravagance mentioned. While already implied, what is going on in 7 and 8? Not only partying but specifically drinking wine is mentioned many times in this book. What do we learn about this king?

9 What character is now introduced? What does she do? Apparently she and the upper class women were also drinking, perhaps even drunk.

10-11 Who does what, when? When he is really soused. The eunuchs, or chamberlains, were those who were over the harem; these men were commonly castrated to prevent "funny business."

12-20 What drama unfolds? Why might she do this? Extra-biblical sources and Jewish traditions say that the beautiful Vashti, whom the drunken king wants to show off to a bunch of other drunks who want to ogle a sexy woman, was commanded to appear in nothing but her crown, and that even appearing clothed before other men was considered immodest. Others say that she had a skin disease, perhaps sent by God as punishment for her unkind treatment of Jewish women and girls, and did not want to show herself. Such sources add elements to the Bible account and so are questionable.

What is the king's response? What is the concern? Not just his ego, but the likelihood of social, cultural, and political upheaval. The word in 16 implies wickedness, iniquity, doing perversely. 15-20 records the decision; whose idea was this? Women must be kept in their place! What is important to know about their laws? The important fact for the following story is what? 19, the key verse. She is consigned to the harem; she is now a has-been. She is probably lucky to be alive. Other sources suggest she may have been executed.

21-22 Again, what is the issue? What might we learn about the king in this whole incident? What do we learn about Vashti? She had the courage to do the unthinkable, to stand up to not only her husband but to the king. Every story has a backstory, perhaps of an unhappy marriage to a drunken, angry, lustful egomaniac? And perhaps this incident pushed her over the edge?

Letters were sent; Medo-Persia had a pony-express-type mail system, to cover this large kingdom (compare 3:13-15, 8:14). Because it included many cultures with their own language, the letters were written in many languages. Apparently the last line was a reference to the common intermarriages between the many cultures included in this far-flung kingdom; the language of the home was to be the father's, not the mother's.

Aside from how this sets up Esther's story, this story is fascinating and dramatic in itself.

Can God, in His sovereignty, actually use the continual partying of drunk pagans to provide for the Jewish people? What can we learn from this?

CHAPTER 2

1-4, the king had been away in battles several years (1:3, 2:16), and now he has no queen. In the previous chapter his wise men and princes advised him; now his attendants come up with a plan to placate him. Again the pony express goes into action.

5-11, who do we meet? We don't know if she was taken against her will, or if perhaps either of them had pursued this opportunity. What is the important fact in 10?

12-14, we see the lengthy process of choosing and preparing the virgins; apparently the year is to ensure they weren't pregnant. The first harem was for the virgins; the second harem was for the women who were no longer virgins.

15-18, instead of the second harem, where does Esther go? What else does the king do? Another big party. When does this happen?

19-23 This incident will later become important in the story. Had Mordecai been actively seeking to protect the king or curry his favor? It just "happened," as we saw in Ruth's story.

Was Esther like Daniel, being careful to obey all God's law while in captivity? The banquets imply she is not following the dietary laws, she engages in sex with a man not her husband, we don't see her standing up for God's law as Daniel did. Does this stop God from using her?

Like the story of Joseph, we see how a number of events take place over a period of time, to bring about God’s purposes for Israel; should we assume that He works this way in our lives, at least some of the time?

CHAPTER 3

1-6 All the players are now in place, the stage is set--the plot thickens. Haman's promotion requires others to recognize his authority by bowing; bowing to superiors was common practice in many cultures. Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman is what causes the firestorm. Why won't he bow and pay homage to him? The only reason given is that he is a Jew; is it implying that Jews bow to no one but God? No, they often bow, to anyone they wish to honor. Was Mordecai too proud to bow, as some commentators suggest? That is not said; this book presents Mordecai as the good guy. Why does he refuse?

What we are told is that Haman is an Agagite and Mordecai is a Jew. Who was Agag? He was the king of the Amalekites that Saul was supposed to kill when God told him to wipe out the Amalekites, but he didn't obey. I Sam. 15:1-3, 8-9. Samuel later executed Agag but his people were not wiped out. Who was Amalek? The grandson of Esau; Esau and Jacob were the two sons of Isaac, the grandsons of Abraham. Which was the chosen line and which the rejected line? The Amalekites were Israel's perpetual enemies. Is Haman's rage directed at Mordecai alone? The fact of their contrasting nationalities will be pointed out again in chapter 8.

7-11 How long has Esther been queen, 2:16? Are they still following the Law to some extent, or is Haman just saying this to turn the king against them? We don't know. The Jews are interspersed throughout the land; have they maintained their own identity?

How does Haman proceed with his plan? What two time references are in 7? The lot “happened” to fall a long time off; can God work though the casting of lots? The Bible says yes, Pro. 16:33. A year away is long enough for the plot to be discovered and something to be done about it. Why was the king willing to exterminate a whole people, without even looking into it? Is this similar to Daniel's enemies getting the king to make a decree that for 30 days, no one can pray to anyone except him, Dan 6:7? Power creates huge egos.

12-15 Note the time reference in 12 and 13. It is emphasized again about the first month and the twelfth month; while God is not mentioned, what are we being told about God? He is working on the Jews' behalf. Letters are written and the pony express goes into action. Meanwhile, what are Haman and the king doing? Partying as they celebrate the deaths of an entire people. Why is the city in confusion, 15? Does that mean this was not a popular decision? Apparently the citizens are horrified, unlike the king and Haman.

In Satan's war with God, why was he always trying to destroy the Jews? So there could be no Messiah to “bruise his head," Gen. 3:15. Was Haman promoted because the king was seeking a way to destroy the Jews? No, it just "happened" that way... Does he know yet that Esther is Jewish?

CHAPTER 4

1-3 When Mordecai and all the Jews hear about it, what is their reaction? Sackcloth, ashes, weeping, wailing and fasting are all expressions of what, 3? The Bible relates fasting to mourning, not to an enhanced prayer life or spiritual enlightenment, as many claim today. Some might see repentance here, comparing Job 42:6 and Mat. 11:21, although repentance is not mentioned in this book. He is at the palace gate. The focus is on him as the drama develops.

4-12 relate the communication back and forth between Mordecai and Esther, through her maids and the eunuch, who gives her a copy of the letter and and the order. Esther lets him know what? Why this is dangerous. Apparently by this time her servants know her identity.

13-17 Both Mordecai and Esther make a profound statement. 14, God is not mentioned, but how does he know the Jews will not be exterminated? God made promises to Abraham. She is worried about being put to death--how does he counter that? Unless she can do this thing, she will die anyway. How does the end of 14 point to God's providence? Even though God is not mentioned, and we assume that the Jews in exile are probably far from God (based on their track record even when they are in their land), it is clear He is and has been working on their behalf. What is the application for us?

Does she argue with that statement? What does she say that sounds like she might realize her fate is in God's hands? Is she basically saying, Thy will be done? Or might she simply look at this as fate, as do those without a biblical worldview? What is the application for us?

16, why will she and the others fast? That is followed by her acceptance of likely death. The implication is mourning, although many will say it implies prayer, and that therefore we ought to fast when we pray about something serious. Possibly, but prayer is not found or even implied in this story.

16 sheds light on what is popularly called fasting today. Many say they are doing such-and-such type of fast, or they are fasting from this or from that. Fasting is NOT eating, and here, not drinking, although perhaps that means anything other than water. If you are eating anything, you are not fasting--you are on some type of diet. Fasting is not an eating plan or a modification of lifestyle; it is refraining from a necessity to which you must soon return.

The date, in 3:12, is interesting because Passover begins on the fourteenth. If they were fasting, they could not observe Passover. Or were they observing the Passover while in exile? Originally observed in homes, we see in Deu. 16:1-13 that it was only to be observed at the tabernacle, and later the temple, which is the only place sacrifices could be offered. With no temple, the exiles could not do so, and it was not observed until exiles returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple, which is why they had joy, Ezra 6:15-22. In its place, the Jews in those days instituted the Seder meal, which they still observe at Passover.

Does Esther strike you as a naturally bold, fearless, strong-minded girl? Yet suddenly she is thrust into a position of having to do something very scary and dangerous, to save not only her own life, but others. Did God choose a bold, fearless person to meet this need? Might He put us in a situation that requires us to do something bold, that is not our nature, is not easy, or seems impossible for us?

CHAPTER 5

1-8, when does this happen? Esther approaches the king, 2; what hurdle has she overcome? She will not die. He sees she is upset. What is her request? Why a party? When? We wonder why she doesn't bring up her real request. Why do you suppose she invites Haman? What is again emphasized in 6? She knows his weakness, and Haman's? Is this somehow part of her strategy? His question, 6, is the same, and her answer is the same. Why do you suppose she deflects to a second party, the very next day? Is it strategy? Does she chicken out at the last minute? Or...?

9-14, back to Haman and Mordecai. How does the plot thicken in 9? In spite of what his earlier disrespect caused, does he back down? What do we learn about Haman in 11-13? Does this shed any light on Esther's second invitation? What is his wife like? So the plan is that Mordecai hangs before the party.

CHAPTER 6

1-3 When does this happen? A bureaucratic oversight is crucial to bringing about what? God’s plan, at just the right time. Were any events of this book true miracles? Are they all miraculous timing of events? Does anything “just happen"? We see this illustrated in the stories of Ruth and Joseph. God's providence can be seen in His miraculous provision through non-miraculous events. What events with God's timing in chapters 1-6 lead up to the saving of the Jews, and will play out in 7-9? Just in 6: THAT night, king couldn’t sleep, read THAT book, read THAT account, king wanted someone’s advice, Haman just arrived. Truly God is sovereign--in complete control.

The events of 6:1-6 are then distorted by Haman's what? Ego--his egotistical but wrong assumptions. Had Mordecai attempted to vindicate himself, or go after Haman? God orchestrated it. Is the lesson that God will do this for everyone who has been wronged--does the Bible teach this? What is unique about this situation--why does God do all this?

13, we wonder why they don't double down in their attack on Mordecai. We wonder if they say this as representative of non-Jews (Gentiles) living in that city, or as Agagites? If merely representative of the general society, then it might seem they see what we are seeing as God's providential protection of the Jews as what unbelievers call fate or karma--what the Bible calls, reaping what you sowed. But how might an Agagite see things, in the history of the clash between Amalekites and Israel? Do the Amalekites know that Israel is God's chosen people? These unbelievers unwittingly have stated the premise of this book.

14, the events that have been set into motion quickly play out. How things have changed since getting the second invitation the day before.

CHAPTER 7

When does this happen? What "b" word is repeated/emphasized in 6:14 and 7:2, as earlier in this book? What "w" word is repeated/emphasized in 7:1-2, as earlier in this book? These seem to be key words in this book. At this second banquet, in one moment, 1-6, what does the king learn, and what does Haman learn? What key word is repeated two more times in 7 and 8? What is the king's response? Why do you suppose he walked away? These are the last references to drinking and partying. But watch for some related words coming up in chapter 9 that are an interesting contrast to this theme.

Do you see a parallel between what happened with Vashti and with Esther? It's interesting that the previous queen was done away with because the king was humiliated, and now someone wants to do away with this queen because HE was humiliated. How ironic that Haman begs for his life from one he has condemned to death but who now holds his life in her hands. 7, covering his face apparently was a sign of his humiliation, compare 6:12.

8 speaks of Esther reclining on a couch, or bed, depending on your translation. Reclining on one's side, propped up by an elbow, was the typical way they dined, often leaning against each other if there were many around the table. We read this of the Last Supper in John 13, especially 23-25. It was not like the famous painting of that scene.

9, what might we infer about the king's servants? It sounds like they disliked Haman and favored Mordecai. If so, we wonder why the king didn't have more discernment about him. But what may have clouded his judgment? They were drinking buddies! Is there a warning here for us?! The king was unaware of what was known by everyone else. Does Haman's death solve the problem?

What frequently-taught Bible truth is illustrated in 10? Sowing and reaping.

CHAPTER 8

What happens in 1-2? When? What two key words in 3 tell us again who and what this is all about? Esther pleads for her people; the law can't be changed, but how does the king respond? Who takes over now? When? How are the letters delivered, 10? Here we are given the details--these are the best and fastest horses! The terminology could also mean camels, but they are not nearly as fast as horses.

What is Mordecai's plan? When will this happen, 11-12? Two months had passed since Haman's decree, but this won't take place until when? The twelfth month, so they have time to prepare.

15, the people do what? What might this tell us? The news was celebrated everywhere, so not everyone was enemies of the Jews. Becoming Jews--what might that mean? Some commentators speak of salvation for the Gentiles. Is this proof that the Jews were indeed following God? And that the Gentiles saw this and recognized the true God? Or that they wanted to be Jews because they were good people? Maybe, although it doesn't say any of this. What else might it mean? What might the last phrase mean? What did the edict say? What might they be afraid of? One commentary suggested they tried to pass themselves off as Jews.

If the Jews were indeed following God as best they could, their neighbors might be interested in their God. But how likely was it that they were--without sacrifices, the temple, the book of the Law? Even when they had these and were in their land, what was their track record? Most of the Jews remained in Babylon/Persia and were satisfied to be without those things, yet still identify as Jews. This may have been the beginning of Judaism as cultural but not necessarily religious.

If Gentiles did recognize and wish to worship the true God, did they have to become Jews to do that? Acts 2:10 and 13:43 speak of proselytes--nonjewish believers. Are there Gentiles in the Old Testament that recognize or seem to recognize the true God? Did they become Jews, or need to? Naaman is perhaps the best example, II Kings 4. Can a Gentile become a Jew? Jews are a race, a family, a lineage, not just a faith, a practice, a keeping of the Law. To be a Jew you had to belong to one of the twelve tribes. The Law were given to set Israel apart from the other nations; it was not for other nations.

CHAPTER 9

1-4 When? So were all people on the Jews’ side? End of 2 and end of 3, again we are told what? Again, this explains the end of 8:17. They are trying to save their own necks; there is no indication of a mass turning to Israel's God.

Mordecai is great in the king’s court. What other Jews did God use in Babylon and Persia in secular positions? Daniel and friends, Ezra, Nehemiah. Do we see them attempting to overthrow the pagan government? They did use their influence and live by their values and convictions.

5-17 How the Jews prevailed over their enemies. 13-22, almost every verse has a time reference--to what? Why did they not plunder, and why is this emphasized? 17, what will they do on these two days that contrast with the earlier partying and drinking? How is this emphasized in 18, twice in 19, 21, twice in 22, 27, 28? 31, yet they are also to do what else?

18-22 Mordecai creates an annual holiday for the Jews. What does the end of 22 remind us of? What is different about our way of celebrating? Which makes more sense: giving gifts to the poor or to those who already have? People say we give gifts because the wise men did, but did they give gifts to their families? They continue to celebrate this occasion as Purim, 26.

23-32 recap what happened. 24 again emphasizes what was behind Haman's plot--what two nationalities? Remember king Agag was an Amalekite: Deu. 25:19, I Sam. 15:1-3, 8-9, 18-20, 22-23. This was a major event in God's plan for Israel, and led to David becoming king. 24 and 26, Purim is the plural of "pur," the Persian word for the lot, as in casting the lot. What verse/principle does 25 illustrate? 31, again fasting is in what context?

Israel had seven required feasts under the Law, given by God. Mordecai added another one. Is this fine, or is this overstepping his authority? The seven feasts God gave Israel point to Jesus and He fulfills them all. Again, this points to the secularization of Israel.

CHAPTER 10

Mordecai's greatness, which obviously extended beyond his advocating for his own people. What other two major Bible characters were second in command to a pagan king?

Wasn't obedience the criterion for victory over Israel's enemies? If they were indeed moving away from God, why would He protect them? Which of God's covenant promises were conditional and which unconditional? What about Gen. 12:1-3? What about Deu. 28:15, 63?

Do some Christians only know God’s distant, providential leading, never learning to walk closely with Him, seldom in His Word? Does God still care for and lead them by His providence, even if they are not listening to the Spirit?

What can we learn and apply from the king? From Haman? From Esther? From Mordecai? Can God work through pagan kings, unbelievers, wicked men? This book contains many interesting parallels, ironies and turning of tables.