1. Step By Step: Old Testament 2 Lesson 9: Esther Rev. Christopher J. Respass Antioch Bible Institute Spring 2013

2. Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther As we look at Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, we see that: 1. God is always with his people. 2. God’s laws affect all of life. 3. God helps his people accomplish their God-given goals.

3. Esther: General Information The book of Esther tells how a Jewish girl became the queen of Persia and saved her people, the Jews, from a plot to destroy them. Crossway Bibles (2009-04-09). ESV Study Bible (Kindle Locations 59617-59618). Good News Publishers/Crossway Books. Kindle Edition.

4. Esther: General Information Feast of Purim In addition to its overall purpose, a specific purpose of Esther is to give the historical account of the Feast of Purim (Esther 9:20-28), a feast commemorating God’s protection of the Jews even as Haman cast lots (pur) to crush and destroy them.

5. Esther: General Information Key Themes in Esther 1.Divine Providence 2.Human Responsibility to act—even with God’s involvement. 3.The Absurdity of Wickedness Note: Esther NEVER mentions God

6. Esther I.A New Queen is Chosen (Esther 1:1- 2:18) A. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), displays power and holds a feast (1:1-8). B. Queen Vashti deposed for her refusal to be objectified (1:10-20) C. Esther chosen to be queen (2:1-18)

7. Esther II. The King’s Life is saved (2:19-23) A. Mordecai uncovers the conspiracy (2:19- 21). B. Esther informs the king (v.22) C. Two treacherous eunuchs were hanged, and it was recorded that Mordecai was the agent of warning (v.23).

8. Esther III. Haman plans to destroy the Jews (Esther 3:1-4:17). A. Mordecai fails to pay homage to Haman (Est. 3:1-6). B. Haman’s destructive plot (Est. 3:7-11). C. Mordecai requests Esther to intervene (Est. 4:1-9)

9. Esther D. Esther ponders the full import of Mordecai’s request (v.10-11). E. Mordecai calls Esther to rise to the occasion (v.12-14). F. Esther replies with poetic acceptance of the calling on her life (v.15-16)

10. Esther’s Beautiful Words “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16

11. Esther IV.Mordecai Exalted (Est. 5:1-6:14) A.Esther plans a banquet (5:1-8) B.Driven by hatred, Haman plots to destroy Mordecai (5:9-14) C.Haman is forced to honor Mordecai (6:1-14).

12. Esther V. Haman is Hanged and the Jews are saved (Esth. 7:1-9:17). A.Esther discloses her true identity to the King (Est. 7:1-6). B.Haman is hanged on gallows prepared for Mordecai (Est. 7:7-10). C.Haman’s decree is repealed (Est. 8:1-17).

13. Esther VI. The Feast of Purim is established (Est. 8:1-9:17).

14. Questions?