Characters
Who is King Xerxes and why did his Queen not like him?
King Xerxes was the king of Persia. He was very rich and powerful. He wanted to show off the queen at a party but she didn't want go. He got mad and banished her.
Why did God’s people need help?
A law had been made for them to be killed (3:13)
Haman made a _l___________to _____ all the ________ in Persia, but __________, the new Queen of ________, was a Jew.
Haman made a law to kill all the Jews in Persia, but Esther, the new Queen of Persia, was a Jew.
What is Esther's relation to Mordecai?
She is his relative, his niece. He raised her as she was an orphan.
Where were Mordecai and Esther from? Why were they living in Persia?
They were Jews whose family was originally from Jerusalem. After the Jews were exiled (due to disobedience to God), God allowed them to be exiled). During the book of Esther, they were living in Persia.
God had promised Abraham that a Savior would be born in his family. Why does this matter in Esther?
Abraham was the father of the Jews. If all the Jews were killed then this promise cannot happen. There would be no Jews left!
Who was Haman? Was he a good man?
Haman was given a high position by the King. He wanted all to bow down and worship him but Mordecai did not. He found out he a Jew so then he wanted to kill him and all the other Jews as well.
How did Mordecai react to the law that all the Jews would be killed?
Mordecai was upset, he put on sackcloth and ashes and mourned at the king's gate. When Esther asked him what was wrong he told Esther to ask the king to save her and her people. Perhaps it was for this reason that Esther had been made queen.
Even though Esther knew it might cost her life, she agreed to go to the king.
Chapter 4:15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and _________ for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the ____________, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I __________.”
Chapter 4:15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Why was Mordecai able to save the king? Who did he tell when he found out?
He overhead 2 bad officials talking about trying to kill the King. He told Esther, who then told it to the King, and said it was Mordecai who told her.
Why was Esther reluctant at first to go to the king?
You are not allowed to go to the King if you are not called. It could be dangerous. Queen Esther made the decision she will try to help them. She will speak with the King even though it was dangerous to do so.
What does it mean that Haman "cast a lot"?
Haman told the King that he wanted to kill the Jews because they were dangerous to the King. The King agreed.
Haman threw down some "sticks" to determine what date he should kill the Jews. That month was the 12th month.
It was only the 1st month when this was done, which was God's provision for the Jews.
Why did God allow Esther to be chosen to be queen?
God orchestrated the events. Only someone in a high position like hers would perhaps be able to convince the King to save the Jews.
What did Mordecai overhear from the 2 king's officers?
Mordecai overheard some of the king’s officers planning to kill the king. He told Esther and she told King Xerxes, saving his life.
Is God not at work if we go through difficult times?
No. God is still at work even in unseen ways and difficult situations for the good of his people. Sometimes those difficult times allow us to see his holiness and justice and look forward to his promises.