Esther 1-2 (Beginnings)
Who was the king in Esther?
King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)
What man was promoted to a high position in Esther 3?
Haman
What did Mordecai do when he heard the bad news about what was to happen to the Jews?
He mourned and wore sackcloth
After the banquet, what did Mordecai do and say when he went back to his home?
He told his friends and wife about how special he was, how amazing he was, and was being very prideful.
What new law helped the Jews?
They could defend themselves
Why was Queen Vashti removed?
She refused to come when the king called her
What did people have to do when they saw Haman?
Bow down to him
What did Esther ask the Jews to do for her?
Fast and pray
One night the king was unable to sleep and he asked for the book of memorable deeds to be read before him. What did the king read about in the records?
He read about Mordecai saving his life
What position did Mordecai receive?
Second in command (like prime minister)
What was Esther’s Hebrew name?
Hadassah
Why did Mordecai refuse to bow?
He would only honour God and would not bow down to a man
What was the risk that Esther took by going to the king?
She could be put to death
The king ordered that Mordecai be honoured. Who had to honour Mordecai?
Haman
What celebration began after the Jews were saved?
Purim
Who raised Esther like a father?
Mordecai
What was Haman's evil and sinful plan?
To destroy all the Jews
What did Mordecai tell Esther about her purpose?
She might be there "for such a time as this" (God had placed her there for a reason)
What happened to Haman in the end when it was revealed that he was the one who came up with the plan to kill the Jews?
He was put to death on the gallows he had made for Mordecai
What were the two BIG themes that we studied in Esther? (we talked about them at the beginning of Esther and throughout the book)
Sovereignty and Deliverance
What important thing did Mordecai discover early in the story?
A plan by two men to harm/kill the king
What did Haman use to choose the day when he would enact his plan?
Casting lots (pur)
Why did Esther invite the king and Haman to a banquet?
To wisely prepare the right time to make her request
What caused the king to act against Haman and put him to death?
Esther had revealed Haman's evil plan
Give some examples of how these two themes were in the book of Esther
Esther becoming Queen
God saving the king through Mordecai
Mordecai being honoured and Haman being punished
God saving His people through Esther
The Jews were in danger and God turned it into victory and joy
ETC...