GRACE COVENANT CHURCH
Fall 2001 - Esther


In The End, God Wins!
Esther 9:1-10:3 - Servants' Guide


INTRODUCTION

One of the reasons it is possible to go on in spite of struggles and disappointments and heartaches is because we know that in the end, God wins.
Before we get to that triumphant ending, however, we may have to plod through some difficult chapters in our own lives. Chapters where the plot is convoluted. Where pleasure comes only in short sentences. And where pain often forms rambling paragraphs that go on, page after page.
But though the syntax of suffering may grate against our earthly ears, and though the vocabulary of heaven may sometimes be beyond our understanding, the story of life does come together in the end. As God's children, we will indeed live happily ever after.
No matter what tragedies we have had to endure, God will triumph over those tragedies in the end.

Esther by Charles Swindoll

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Take some time to review what we've learned so far from the book of Esther. Review each week's highlights and summarize. Then try to come up with a memorable phrase that captures the lesson learned. (Suggestion: Break up into two or threes and assign different sections)

Text General Summary Lesson Learned
Esther 1
Esther 2:1-2:20
Esther 2:21-3:15
Esther 4
Esther 5-6
Esther 7-8

2. Read Esther 9:1-10:3. In 9:10, 9:15, and 9:16, the author records that the Jews "did not lay their hands on the plunder." What is significant about this? See 1 Samuel 15:12-23.

  • It was King Saul's failure to blot out the Amalekites that led to this conflict.
  • Jews would understand that the encounter with Haman is a consequence of sin.
  • To take from the plunder would only be to act in a similar way as Saul did, as Achan did.
  • Israel was to be God's agent against evil and the role was to (herem) completely destroy.
    •

    3. See Matthew 23:12. How is this principle evident in these chapters for Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews? How does this principle differ from the world's way? How do you see this at work in your own life?

  • Esther had put her life on the line when approaching the king. She is now calling the shots.
  • Mordecai had eaten all the insults of the vile Haman. He was mocked for his refusal to bow. He now is feared in Persia and he is issuing orders for Jews throughout the kingdom.
  • The Jews were is sackcloth and ashes but now with this counter-edict, they are destroying all who would come against them.

    • 4. The story of Esther explains how one of the major celebrations in the Jewish calendar, the feast of Purim, got started. Purim is celebrated "…because these days should be remembered" (v.28) See also Deuteronomy 8.

  • Why is it so important for the Jews to remember the events of these days?
  • What are some of the times of deliverance in your life that you need to remember?
  • The Jews were always instructed to remember God's faithfulness. Deut 8.
  • God had delivered them from Egypt and always provided manna for them in the desert. It is when they forget where they came from that they begin to complain and grumble against the Lord.
  • Remembrance of past faithfulness leads to endurance of present circumstances and anticipation of future blessing.

    • 5. What convicted you today?