Esther! What a drama book. We have a young woman rising to a position from humble beginnings. There is faithfulness, hardship, treachery, intrigue, desperation, disaster, miraculous rescue, and the hand of God in the middle of it all. God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, but He is there. Through Esther’s book, we, too, can have confidence that God’s hand is in our lives. That wherever He has placed us, He has made us for such a time as this.
Read Esther, chapters 1 and 2. What is going on? Who are the key characters? What are the plans for a new queen? How did Esther come into play of being selected as one of the future queens? What do we learn about Esther’s guardian Mordecai? Why was Mordecai raising Esther? What do we learn about Esther’s appearance? What do you observe about how Hegai, the King’ eunich, view Esther.
Esther pleased Hegai. She found favor with him. He quickly provided her with cosmetics and food. She is prioritized above all the other women. Hegai gave her seven choice maids. She was also placed in the best place in the harem. She had three qualities; she was gracious, teachable, and submissive.
How long did the King receive Esther? Each girl was given one chance to impress the King. It only took her one time to impress the king. Esther captured his heart. What does Mordecai discover? How does he warn the king? What is the result?
Mordecai is a guard at the king’s gate. He discovered a plot by two of the king’s officials, Bigthan and Teresh. They were going to bring harm to the king. He relayed the message through Esther. It was investigated and found to be true.
Let’s continue to chapter 3. In comes a new person to the plot. Who is this person, and what do we learn about him? What does Mordecai do that offends Haman? What reason did Mordecai give for refusing to bow? What was Haman’s response? What became of the objective? What was Haman’s proposal to the king? What reason did he give for destroying the Jews?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your plans and how things go. Thank you for having your hand in all things. I pray that we will take notice of what you do in each situation.
In Jesus Name
Amen
