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Esther -- Seeing Our Purpose Introduction: This is not a typical "Mothers Day" lesson for we are not talking specifically about a mother or child rearing. However, we are going to study about a godly woman. There are certain qualities that both men and women need. These qualities are needed as mothers and fathers, as brothers and sisters, and as citizens of our community. Let us take a look at the Book of Esther. I) Time Line 1. Written around 465 BC (Ezra, Chronicles, and Nehemiah.) 2. King Cyrus allows the Jews to return to Canaan around 536 BC, Ezra 1.1-4 3. Around 485 BC Zerxes (Ahasuerus) starts to reign. This is the king in Esther. 4. Around 482 BC Xerxes arranges the Grecian wars, Esther 1.3. 5. 478 BC Esther was made Queen. 6. 472 BC Haman plotted against the Jews. II) A Brief Overview of the Book A) Chapter 1 -- The Kings Banquet 1. A great feast that lasted 180 days, vv. 1-9, esp. v. 4 a. Perhaps 15,000 dignitaries with great luxury, v. 8 b. People were not compelled to drink, and there was a separate feast for the women. 2. The requests Vashti to appear before the men but she refuses, vv. 11-12 a. The King was not usually told NO, not even by his wife. b. The King lays down the law, vv. 13-21. c. What to do? Vv. 15,17 women are to honor their wives, v. 20. d. He divorces Vashti. From the point of view of Vashti, she did the right thing. A woman is not to follow her husband into error. B) Chapter 2 -- The search for a new queen 1. The King is without a queen, v. 1. a. There is the danger or and consequences of doing things rashly. b. We need to think before we act and react. 2. The solution was a beauty contest to select a new queen a. We are introduced to Mordecai and Esther, v. 7 b. Esther is selected (vv. 9-11) due to her outward beauty, but there was also inward beauty (vv. 15-17). 3. Mordecai uncovers a plot against the king, vv. 21-23. C) Chapter 3 -- Haman a man of hatred 1. Haman was obviously in a position of power and prestige. 2. Haman wanted people to bow down to him but Mordecai refused, v. 1-4. a. To bow down to means to pay homage to, the same as bowing down to God. b. Kings were often worshipped by their subjects. Mordecai refused to worship or pay homage to Haman. 3. Haman seeks to destroy the Jews, v. 8. 4. A decree is sent out which would have all the Jews killed in the 12th month. D) Chapter 4- Mordecai goes to Esther 1. Mordecai laments what is happening and goes to the kings gate, vv. 1-3 2. He tells Esther of the decree, vv. 4-9 3. Esther's first response, v. 11 4. Esther fast and prays before she goes before the king. This is good for she is taking her life in her own hands. E) Chapter 5 -- Esther before the king 1. Esther is accepted and requests a banquet, vv. 1-8 2. Shows intelligence and wisdom. 3. Haman is also invited, he is delighted and shows this by directing his anger at Mordecai, vv. 9-14 F) Chapter 6 -- The king honors Mordecai 1. The king has a sleepless night and decides to read the chronicles, vv. 1-3 2. Haman is told to honor Mordecai, vv. 4-11 3. Haman's wife's answer sets the tone, v. 13. She has no words of wisdom or encouragement. G) Chapter 7 -- Haman's demise 1. Esther makes her request known to the king, vv. 1-4 2. Haman is identified as the enemy, vv. 5-6 and is hanged, vv. 7-10. H) Chapter 8 -- The Jews are protected from those trying to kill them 1. Mordecai is elevated, vv. 1-2 2. The king agrees to revoke the petition against the Jews, vv. 1-8 3. A decree is issued to protect the Jews, v. 11 I) Chapter 9 -- The Jews triumph over the enemies 1.Mordecai becomes more prominent, vv. 1-4 2. Haman's10 sons are killed and 75,000 enemies of the Jews are killed, v. 5-14 3. Thus the feast of Purim is established, vv. 26-28 III) Application A) God is not mentioned by name in this book. 1. Yet we see Him in His people. 2. Is there any doubt that Esther was praying and fasting to ask God for help and deliverance. B) There are no miracles or new teaching in this book 1. People are not faithful due to miracles or great leaders; but due to their faith in God. 2. We all walk by faith and not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5.7 C) We must see our purpose, 4. 13-14 1. We need courage. If not now, when? If not use, who? 2. The world needs people with religious conviction and backbone. 3. God uses those who are useable. Conclusion: God will find those who will serve Him. The point is whether we will be among those serving Him. That is left to us today to obey His word. |