Daily Bible Reading - July 2020 God's Life-Giving Word of PromiseSample
July 18
Introduction
The events in the book of Esther take place among the Jewish diaspora community in the Persian Empire during the reign of the Persian emperor Xerxes (486 – 465 B.C.). The story centers around a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and who rescues her people from genocide. The opening chapter describes a banquet hosted by King Xerxes during which Queen Vashti refuses to obey the king when she is summoned to appear before his guests. The king becomes furious and issues a proclamation that Vashti may never again appear before the king. Today’s reading begins with the king searching throughout the kingdom for a new queen. Mordecai, a Jew, has a beautiful younger cousin, Esther, whom he has raised as his daughter. The king falls in love with Esther and makes her queen, but he does not know that she is a Jew. Mordecai becomes a palace official who overhears a plot to kill the king.
Scripture Reading
Esther 2:1-23
Today’s Key Verse: Esther 2:16b
Esther was brought to King Xerxes in the royal palace.
Reflect
How was Esther treated when she was brought to the palace? What are your thoughts about Esther’s need to keep her identity a secret? How did the king honor Esther after she was crowned as queen?
Pray
Lord God, I place my trust in you, knowing that you guide me day by day. I thank and praise you for your steadfast love and care. Amen.
Prayer Concern
Massage therapists.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Esther 3:1-15: Haman becomes prime minister and plots to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire.
Scripture
About this Plan
Daily Bible Reading is designed to facilitate consistent interaction with Scripture. It includes background information on each day’s Scripture passage and key verse for meditation, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into Scripture, a prayer and prayer concern to help you connect to God and be of spiritual support to others. Journey with us this month as we explore the theme “God’s Life-Giving Word of Promise.”
More
We would like to thank American Bible Society for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://bibleresources.americanbible.org/