Esther - 6 Sessions
Set in the Persian Empire, Esther tells the story of a young Jewish woman who becomes queen and saves her people from persecution. As Matthew Henry notes, "The book of Esther is a history of the wonderful providence of God, which is always watchful over the interests of his people." This book is a testament to God's sovereignty and care for his people, even in the face of adversity.
— Series Study Notes — Series Discussion Handouts
Session 1: A Time for Esther - God's Sovereignty- Esther 4:14
Session 2: From Exile to Opportunity - The Beginning of Esther's Story - Esther 1-2
Session 3: Courage in the Face of Crisis - Esther's Bold Decision - Esther 3-4
Session 4: God's Timing and Favor - Faithfulness in Action - Esther 5-6
Session 5: The Fall of the Proud - God's Justice in Action - Esther 7-8
Session 6: Victory Through Faith - Celebrating God's Deliverance - Esther 9-10
God Behind the Scenes: A Study in Esther
"learning to praising God with our deepened trust in His unseen guidance”
The Book of Esther reads like a compelling drama set in the royal courts of ancient Persia. It tells how a young Jewish orphan, Hadassah—better known by her royal name, Esther—rose to become queen and risked everything to save her people from annihilation. Nowhere in its pages is the name of God explicitly mentioned, yet “God’s clear overruling providence is the main theme” of this narrative, showing divine care even when all seems silent.
Esther’s story unfolds against the backdrop of political intrigue, feasting and fasting, and a villainous court official named Haman who plots to destroy the Jewish people. Through courage, wisdom, and a season of fasting, Esther steps into her divine appointment. Her famous challenge—“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”—reminds us that God often prepares us for moments greater than we imagine (Esther 4:14 NIV).
Courage in the face of uncertainty: Esther's bravery in approaching the king without being summoned is a powerful example of standing up for what's right, even when it's daunting.
The sovereignty of God: Esther's story demonstrates God's control over all events, even when it seems like he's not directly involved.
The importance of community: Esther's cousin Mordecai's loyalty and support play a crucial role in her success, highlighting the value of relationships and community.
The danger of prejudice and bias: The book of Esther exposes the sin of anti-Semitism and the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred.
The power of prayer and fasting: Esther's request for fasting and prayer from her people shows the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of crisis.
Timeless Wisdom for Today
As Charles Spurgeon said, "The book of Esther shows us that God is always working, even when we cannot see him." This book offers valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of life, including the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking wisdom in uncertain times. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Why this Book Matters
Historian and theologian J.I. Packer notes, "The book of Esther shows us that God is the Lord of history, and that he works out his purposes through ordinary people in extraordinary ways." This book matters because it reminds us that God is actively working in the world, even when we can't see him. It challenges us to trust in his sovereignty, live with courage and faith, and seek his guidance in all aspects of life. As Esther 4:14 reminds us, "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Let's explore the book of Esther together and discover its timeless wisdom for our lives.
(another series with similar subjects)
The study of Esther delves into the themes of courage, providence, and divine sovereignty, exploring how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. As the renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "God’s providence is the great thread that runs through the story of Esther, though it is not always visible, it is always at work."
1: Introduction to Esther: "A Time for Esther: God's Sovereignty"- Esther 4:14
2: Setting the Stage (Esther 1-2)-"From Exile to Opportunity: The Beginning of Esther's Story"
3: Have Courage (Esther 3-4)-"Courage in the Face of Crisis: Esther’s Bold Decision"
4: Faithfulness Brings Honor (Esther 5-6)-"God’s Timing and Favor: Faithfulness in Action"
6: With God, There is Victory (Esther 9-10)-"Victory Through Faith: Celebrating God’s Deliverance"
The Book of Esther shows how God intervened once again to save the Jews. This fast-moving story occurs during the reign of the Persian king Xerxes (most likely Xerxes I, 486–465 BC). It relates the adventures that take place when a Jewish exile named Esther and her cousin and guardian Mordecai work to rescue their people from a plot to destroy them. While the story never mentions God by name, God’s hand of protection can be detected in the timing and combination of events as they unfold.
The book features numerous banquets, including two hosted by Xerxes at the beginning, two given by Esther in the middle, and two celebrated by the grateful Jews at the end. Since this story was told to later generations during the feast of Purim itself, the audience is placed right in the middle of the action. Those who read it can not only join in celebrating God’s deliverance, but they can ask themselves, as Mordecai asked Esther, for what great purpose God may have brought them to their own position in life.
This is a historical narrative, and it is a wonderful example of God making a plan before we know we need a plan. God saw what was going to happen for the Jewish people at the hands of a political advisor of this king, and God arranged things so that Esther would be in a place of influence that would ultimately save the people of God. What an extraordinary story and an extraordinary young lady who found herself in a position of influence whom God could use to change the destiny of a people.