Esther: God's Call on a QueenMuestra

The Book of Esther is steeped in Jewish history and tradition, still revered today. It is also saturated with Biblical truth, pointing to the sovereignty, providence, and provision of God. As you read today’s Scripture, take some time to consider/answer the following questions for personal growth and understanding.

1. Haman was the leader of the plot against the Jews, but we read in chapter 9 that there remained enemies who sought their demise. What happened instead?

·Discuss all the ways the Jews ended up being poised to gain mastery over their enemies (as chronicled in the book of Esther).

2. The Jews were victorious, but they were called to defend themselves and fight. What does this teach you about how God sometimes gives us victory?

3. Discuss the reasons you can think of to explain why the Jews did not plunder their enemies.

4. How do we see Esther and Mordecai build trust with King Ahasuerus over the course of many years?

5. How is the feast and celebration we see the Jews initiate consistent with their heritage as God’s people?

·Knowing the cost of this celebration, how does this inform how we might observe spiritual feasts and holidays even today?