Esther

-Introduction

-This lesson this morning is in response to a request - a request for a lesson on the book

  of Esther.

-It is a wonderful book from which we can glean a number of valuable lessons.

-However, some critics have argued against this book’s place in the canon of Scripture.

       -They point out that God’s name does not appear in the book a single time.

       -However, the name of a Gentile king appears more than 150 times.

       -Also, there is no allusion to prayer.  And, they say that there is no allusion to

         spiritual service of any kind except for fasting.

-However, sincere Bible students have readily realized and defended the book of Esther’s

  place in the inspired record. 

       -There is no doubt that this book holds a very important place in the scriptures.

       -It is a wonderful example of the Providential care of God.

            -Esther 4:13-14

       -It exhibits the preservation of God’s people from whom the Messiah would

 eventually come.  Therefore, this book holds an important position in regards to the

 fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham and the salvation of mankind.

-On an individual level, we see some stark contrasts presented for us:

       -On one hand, we see some of the low points that can accompany the human

  character - the Persian king (Nelson’s Bible Dictionary refers to “his sensuality and

  feasting, and his cruelty and lack of foresight”) - Haman who was egotistical and

  cruel.

-On the other hand you see some of the honourable traits that can be exhibited in the

  the human character - the integrity of Mordecai, the courage and goodness of Esther.

-Overview of the Book

-For a very broad overview of the book, we can consider three feasts:

      1.  The feast of Ahasuerus - Chapter 1

           -vs 10-12 - The king instructs Vashti to present herself before himself and his

                             guests.  She refuses to do so.  This angers the king who then receives

                              input from his advisors.  The queen is then dethroned and another

                             queen is sought.

      2.  The feast of Esther - Chapter 7

          -First, some events leading up to this feast.

          -Esther, a Jew, was chosen to be the queen of Persia.

          - Chapter 2 - Mordecai learns of a plot to slay the king.  Mordecai informs Esther

                               who informs the king and the plot is spoiled.

          -Chapter 3 - Haman, the king’s “right hand man,” desired that people would bow

                              before him.

               -Esther 3:5-6 - When Mordecai wouldn’t bow before Haman, Haman

                                        decided to have the Jews throughout the kingdom destroyed.

                   -vs 8-9 - Haman offers the king money for the allowance to kill the Jews.

          -Chapter 4 - The Jews mourn.  Mordecai’s message to Esther - vs 7-8

              -Esther’s initial hesitancy and Mordecai’s response - vs 11-14

          -Chapter 5 - Esther invites the king and Haman to a banquet.

              -Haman feels pretty good about being invited to the banquet and (vs 14) had

                a gallows built for Mordecai.

          -Chapter 6 - The king, not able to sleep, searches the records and realizes that

                               Mordecai had not been rewarded for spoiling the plot against the king.

              -Haman, thinking the king is wanting to honor him (vs 4-6), is ordered to honor

               Mordecai. 

          -Chapter 7 - Esther’s banquet - Esther reveals Haman’s plot against Mordecai and

                              the Jewish people and request that their lives be spared (vs 3).

              -vs 10 - Haman was hung on the gallows he had built for Mordecai.

      3.  The Feast of Purim - Chapter 8

           -Chapter 8 - The king allows the Jews to take vengeance on their enemies.  This is

                                carried out in chapter 9. 

           -Chapter 9:20-31 - The Feast of Purim instituted.

                -Within the remains of Shushan, a quadrangular prism or dice was discovered

                   with the numbers 1, 2, 5 and 6 on it.  With this type of die or “pur” (Esther

                   3:7), Haman determined the date for the slaughter of the Jews.

                -With the final victory in the hands of the Jews, the commerating feast was

                  called the Feast of Purim.

           -Chapter 10 - Mordecai was promoted and helped to seek the well being of his

                                 people, the Jews - vs 3.

-Conclusion and Invitation

-Again, there are a number of lessons that we can learn from the book of Esther.

            -First of all, as mentioned earlier, this serves as an excellent example of the

              Providence of God.

            -other examples:  Joseph, Ruth

            -Again, we see God’s ability to use a variety of people in a variety of places and

       circumstances and in various times to accomplish His will.

-One of Esther’s characteristics that stands out to me is courage.

            -It’s a trait we need as Christians.

            -Josh 1:6

            -Think of David who stood before Goliath.  Think about Daniel who prayed with his

              windows open with his enemies outside.  Think about Shadrach, Meshach and

        Abednego who were willing to go into the fiery furnance...

-We, as God’s children, aren’t to be fearful but courageous.

            -Rev 21:8 - Notice the first item listed in that verse.

            -All too often, we sit back timidly within our comfort zones.  We need to be courageous

              and extend beyond that comfort zone for God - one step, one item at a time.

            -What if Esther would have remained in her comfort zone?