Tonight we are going to read about perhaps one of the most famous women in the Bible- Esther. Open your Bibles and read Esther 1-10.Now that we’ve done that, let’s jump in!
We all know the story- Queen Vashti refused to go to King Ahasuerus when he called for her, and because of her defiance the king banished her from the palace. Now, the king was looking for a new queen and commanded all his kingdom’s virgins to be brought before him. This took a year for the women to be prepared for the king. When King Ahasuerus saw Esther she pleased him and he made her his new queen.
(Fun Fact- according to the Hebrew Bible, Esther’s name is Hadassah. She changed her Hebrew name to Persian to hide her identity upon becoming queen.)
Mordecai was Esther’s uncle and he raised her as his own. He loved her as any father would love their child. He would watch over her throughout her time being prepared for the king. Now, Haman was the king’s right hand and he craved power, so when Mordecai refused to bow before Haman this enraged him and because of his hatred towards Mordecai, Haman made a plan to kill all of God’s people. Mordecai knows that Esther may be able to save her people but she needs to be brave and go before the king without him calling for her, which is considered the highest dishonor and usually results in banishment or death. Because of this, naturally Esther is terrified that the king will put her to death. But Mordecai did not want Esther to miss the chance to be used by God, so he urges her to go before the king and implores her that perhaps she has been placed in her role for such a time as this. Esther chose to go before the king and tells Mordecai that if she perishes, she perishes (4:16). When Esther goes before the king, he found favor in her and held out his golden scepter. Her request was simply that she wanted to have the king and Hamn come for dinner. Esther ends up having two feasts for the men.
One night the king cannot sleep and he was reminded of how Mordecai saved his life and was never honored for his help. The king asks Haman what he should do for a man that he wanted to honor and in Haman’s pride and selfishness, he assumed that the King was speaking about him. Haman gives the king his elaborate plan to be honored, the king is pleased with this plan and tells Haman to plan all this for Mordecai. This enraged Haman and he more than ever wanted Mordecai dead.
At the second feast that Esther held for the king and Haman, Esther reveals Haman’s plan to kill her people and pleads for her life and the lives of her people. Because of the love the king had for Esther, he commanded that Haman be hung on the gallows that Haman had made for Mordecai. God used Esther to save His people. She was terrified, but she saved her people because of her courage and bravery.
Let’s discuss what we just read. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below we can discuss them together!
- What did we learn about God and His character in the life of Esther?
- What character qualities, positive or negative, do we see in Esther’s life?
- What can I learn from Esther’s story and apply it to my own life?
God always comes through for His people. He will do what He promised to do and He will keep His covenant. God is not mentioned once in the book of Esther, just because it seems like God is not working, doesn’t mean he isn’t and we see that in the book of Esther! God will ask us to do things that may terrify us, just like what He asked Esther to do, but His plan for us is always good. It may be scary what God asks of us, but it will always be worth it!
Well, ladies, we are finishing the third week of our devotionals together! As we wrap this week up I want you to answer a few more questions. Make sure you’re comfortable, get your coffee, your blanket, and let’s reflect on this week.
- Which woman stuck out to you the most this week and why?
- What did you observe from this week’s reading about God and His character?
- What does this week’s reading teach about the condition of mankind and about yourself?
- How does this week’s reading point to the gospel?
- How should you respond to this week’s reading? What is the personal application?
- What specific action steps can you take to apply this week’s reading?
“We know that all things work out together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Next week we’ll start with Gomer and see how God moved in her life. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night