Walking in My Purpose

Walking Through the Book of Esther…

                                                              ...One book at a time

Did you know that Esther is mentioned more times in the Bible than any other woman? Did you know that the book bearing her name in the Old Testament does not mention God even once? What lessons can we learn from studying the book about this very remarkable woman?

Background to the Book of Esther

The story of Esther takes place in the Persian Empire during the reign of Ahasuerus, known more familiarly to us by the Greek form of his name, Xerxes I. He was the son of Darius the Great and reigned from 486-465 B.C. He ruled over a vast empire that extended from India to Ethiopia (Esther 1:1).

Esther was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, which had been part of the kingdom of Judah. Her ancestors were among the Jews who had been carried captive to Babylon nearly 100 years earlier. There were many Jews who didn’t return to Jerusalem when it became possible, preferring to continue living where they had settled around the Persian Empire. After the death of Esther’s parents, she was raised by Mordecai, an older cousin (Esther 2:7), who served in the Persian ruler’s palace.

The author of the book of Esther is unknown, though some attribute the work to Mordecai.

The popularity of the story of Esther is great. This description of her is found  in The Five Megilloth, a Jewish commentary published by the Soncino Press: “Esther is, among the generality of Jews, the best known of all the Books of the Bible” (p. 193).

There are many reasons for this popularity. The book of Esther tells a compelling story, dramatic and exciting, with clearly defined heroes and villains. It also reveals deep and abiding spiritual truths about God’s power to deliver us from danger and oppression, even when despotic rulers plan to do evil to God’s people. Though God’s name or a direct reference to the divine does not appear in the entire story, nonetheless, God’s presence and deliverance of His people is clearly felt and implied throughout this story.

Each week, beginning February 5th, I will be adding links to this post with the reading assignments for you can dig deeper in the Book of Esther. If you're following me on Facebook , I will be live from time to time. 

Week One

Chapter 1 - The King's Banquet - A Royal Mess

                     Going Deeper          Psalm 32:7, Proverbs 27:15-16

Vashti - Brave or Bad

Losing Your Position

Week Two

Chapter 2 - The Ultimate Contest - Esther Chosen Queen

                     Going Deeper          Proverbs 31:10-31, John 10:27-29

Preparation is Key

Week Three

Chapter 3 - Haman's Plot to Destroy the Jews

                     Going Deeper          Psalm 68:20, Proverbs 16:33

Refuse to Compromise

Brilliant Evil

Week Four

Chapter 4 - Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help

                     Going Deeper          Isaiah 15:1-3, Romans 5:6-11

Sackcloth and Ashes

Not Just a Pretty Queen

Week  Five
Chapter 5 - Esther Prepares a Banquet for the King
                     Going Deeper          Proverbs 16:18, Mark 6:14-29

God's Invisible Hand

Speak Up - Speak Truth

Favor

Week Six
Chapter 6 - Mordecai Honored
                     Going Deeper          Proverbs 26:27, Isaiah 52:1-2

Reversal of Fortunes

Week Seven
Chapter 7 - Esther Reveals Haman's Plot
                     Going Deeper          Psalm 91:2-3, Revelation 20:11-15

Providence

God Our Protector


Week Eight
Chapter 8 - The King's Edict in Behalf of the Jews
                     Going Deeper          Romans 8:10-11, Colossians 3:1-4

From Sadness to Joy


Freedom


Week Nine - will include chapters 9 & 10
Chapter 9 - Triumph of the Jews
                     Going Deeper          Nehemiah 8:10, Luke 1:46:55

Chapter 10 - The Greatness of Mordecai  
                     Going Deeper         Leviticus 16:29-31, Ephesians 1:3-14

Lessons of the book of Esther

The book of Esther may not have God’s name stated directly, but His involvement is felt in many ways throughout the story, especially when Esther implored the people to seek help through fasting (4:15-16). Students of the Bible know that fasting was done to draw closer to God and was accompanied by heartfelt prayers (Daniel 9:3; Acts 14:23). Esther is clearly a story of God’s intervention and deliverance.

Esther is also an inspiring story about a remarkable woman who was willing to risk her life to save her people. She was a woman of principle who was willing to put the lives of others ahead of even her own life. She was an outstanding example of serving others even under the most stressful circumstances. Jesus Christ said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Most of the time our lives may be pretty routine, but all of us have a few defining moments when we may be called on to put godly principle above personal benefit. What will you do when you encounter those defining moments in your life? What will you do when you face “such a time as this”? Will you choose to do the right thing as opposed to what might give you some personal benefit?

Good-Bye Esther


Thank you for sharing in the Bible Study with me. 

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Cheryl