Esther 3-10
How did Esther become queen of Persia?
Queen Vashti refused to come to King Xerxes' party and was fired. Beauty pageant held and Esther won.
Who was the king of Babylon who helped the first wave of Jews to return to Jerusalem and how did he help them work on what project?
King Cyrus released them from exile and provided materials for rebuilding the temple.
Who was the 2nd prophet to speak to the Jews about their work to rebuild what?
Zechariah regarding rebuilding the temple.
What was Nehemiah doing at the time and how did he hear about the status of Jerusalem's walls?
Cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia and from his brother Hanani who returned from exile to Jerusalem.
Who was Esther's relative and what was his relationship to her?
Older cousin Mordecai.
Who and when was the first prophet to speak to the returned Jews and how long did he preach to them about what?
Haggai who spoke 3 times each 1 month apart to restart rebuilding the temple. If they did, Haggai said God would be with them, the temple would be filled with God's glory greater than before, and the Jews would prosper if they obeyed God and rebuilt the temple.
What message did Zechariah preach about?
Zechariah said that if the Jews didn't change their hearts and want to rebuild the temple out of obedience to glorify God, then their works would be impure.
What did Nehemiah do to prepare for going to Jerusalem?
Prayed for 4 months, conferred with the king, obtained letters of safe passage and materials.
Why did Haman scheme to kill the Jews?
Because Mordecai did not bow down to an evil man who was also an Agagite.
How many years had the exiles been in Jerusalem when Haggai arrived and how many years had they actually worked on the temple?
Been there about 16 years and worked for 2 years under duress.
Zechariah had 8 visions - describe any of them.
1. Horses - God's mercy 2. Four horns - powers that scattered Judah 3. Man with measuring line - God's protective power 4. High priest - Judah can overcome Satan through power of Jesus Christ.
How did Satan work to deter Nehemiah from helping Jerusalem?
Neighboring Canaanites ridiculed, threatened attacks, attempted to eliminate Nehemiah as leader.
What actions and at what risks did Queen Esther take to talk to the King about the plot to kill the Jews?
Prayed for God's direction and protection, approached the King uninvited which could result in her execution, planned 2 parties to unveil full plot of Haman.
What was happening to the temple labor and materials?
Jews worked on their houses with temple materials.
Name any other unmentioned visions - describe any of them.
5. Lampstand and olive tree - God would give power through His Holy Spirit 6. Fly scroll - Dishonesty would be punished 7. Woman in a basket - Wickedness would be removed 8. Four chariots - Lord's power would be spread over the entire earth.
What did Nehemiah do to eliminate internal conflict with the Jews?
Prayed, met with Jewish lenders to stop harmful financial practices on fellow Jews, Nehemiah did not accept payment for his governorship.
What were the results of Esther's actions?
Haman hanged, Jews allowed to protect themselves against their enemies, Mordecai promoted to 2nd in command, Mordecai given Haman's property.
What reasons did God through Haggai give the people for why they should be strong and what future event was being referred to when the temple would be filled with more glory than ever before?
God said He has the same covenant relationship with them as established in the days of Moses. Jesus Christ would fill the temple with the greatest of God's glory.
Men from Bethel asked about continuing what religious ritual? What religious rituals happen today?
Mourn and fast in the 5th month to commemorate being exiled. Various rituals named.
How many days did it take to complete the walls? What were the next action steps the Jews took to honor God?
52 days. Had Ezra read the Book of the Law of Moses and sincerely repented and worshiped God so that they would not repeat the sinful actions of their ancestors and receive deserved discipline from God.