The Book of Esther

Esther: Persian for ‘Star’-Hadassah: Hebrew for ‘Myrtle

Title: ‘The Woman Who Made A Definite Difference’

Theme: The Sovereignty of God

Text: 4:14- ‘Who knows whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’

I. The Selection of Esther (1:1-2:20)

A.    The Conditions of the Persian Kingdom (1:1-9)

B.     The Call of the Queen [Vashti] (1:10-12)

C.     The Consulting of the Wise Men (1:13-15)

D.    The Counsel of the Wise Men (1:16-20)

E.     The Commandment of the King (1:21,22)

F.      The Replacing of the Queen [Vashti] (2:1-4)

G.    The Introduction of Mordecai/Esther (2:5-7)

H.    The Blessedness of Esther (2:8-11)

I.       The Process of Selecting the Queen (2:12-14)

J.       The Favor of Esther under Authority (2:15-20)

II. The Formulation of the Plot by Haman (2:21-4:17)

A.      The Faithfulness of Mordecai Revealing Plot (2:21-23)

B.      The Plot of Extermination by Haman (3:1-6)

C.      The Convincing of the King by Haman (3:7-15)

D.      The Mourning of Mordecai and the Jews (4:1-3)

E.       The Informing of Esther by Mordecai (4:4-9)

F.       The Response of Esther to Mordecai (4:10-14)

G.      The Request of Esther for Fasting (4:15-17)

III. The Triumph of Mordecai over Haman (5:1-8:3)

A.      The Confidence and Action Plan of Esther (5:1-8)

B.      The Short-Lived Rejoicing of Haman (5:9-14)

C.      The Beginning of the End of Haman (6:1-11)

D.      The Mourning of Haman (6:12-14)

E.       The Plot Revealed by Esther (6:1-4)

F.       The Conviction and Execution of Haman (6:5-10)

G.      The Exaltation of Mordecai (7:1-2)

H.      The Request of Esther (7:3-6)

I.         The Decree of the King (7:7-14)

J.         The Rejoicing of the Jews (7:15-17)

IV. The Triumph of the Jews over Their Enemies (8:1-10:3)

A.      The Jews Victory Described (9:1-11)

B.      The Request of Esther for Extermination of Haman’s Line (9:12-19)

C.      The Decrees of Mordecai and Esther (9:20-32)

D.      The Exaltation and Greatness of Mordecai (10:1-3)

     Although Esther is the title of this great book, Mordecai was the man with the plan who was responsible for much of the Lord’s powerful working. He was from the tribe of Benjamin from which came Saul and Jonathan, Jeremiah the prophet, and yes, it is the tribe of Saul of Tarsus AKA the Apostle Paul! Mordecai ‘was exalted in due time’ as he remained faithful to the Lord and took a stand ‘against the wiles of the devil’… ‘for we wrestle not against flesh and blood’!   

INTRODUCTION:

     The book of Esther does not mention God or His name but His obvious sovereign providence and protection of His people is the key theme. While Satan is continually plotting to exterminate the people of God throughout history, this book reveals a clear and specific example of his devious working. But, Esther demonstrates Christlikeness in her willing offer of her life for the deliverance of her people. She also is like the Lord in that she is an advocate for the people of God. But, Satan's attempt to destroy the Messianic line through which we have received salvation from sin  is the Gospel emphasis!

     The New Open Bbible says: 'Although God disciplines His covenant people, He never abandons them. The God of Israel is the sovereign controller of history, and His providential care can be seen throughout this book: He raises a Jewish girl out of obscurity to become the queen of the most powerful empire in the world; He ensures that Mordecai's loyal deed is recorded in the palace records; He guides Esther's admissions to the king's court; He superintends the timing of Esther's two feasts; He is involved in Ahaseurus's insomnia and the cure he uses for it; He sees that Haman's gallows will be utilized in an unexpected way; He gives Esther great favor in the sight of the king; and He brings about the new decree and the eventual victory of the Jews.' (Eight points of His sovereignty)

Key verses: Esther 4:14; 8:17

Key chapter: Esther 8

Broad Outline: I. The Threat to the Jews (Chapter 1-4)

                      II. The Triumph of the Jews (Chapter 5-10)

     The story of Esther fits between chapter 6 and 7 of Ezra, between the first return led by Zerubbabel and the second return led by Ezra. It provides the only Biblical account of the vast majority of the Jews who chose to remain in Persia rather that return to Palestine after the Babylonian captivity of 70 years. It takes place about 470 B.C. Another fact of interest is found in Nehemiah 2 when Esther is the queen present with the king who gives Nehemiah permission to return to Jerusalem (the third return) to build the wall. This king who was influenced by Esther was a patron of the Jews and supplied Nehemiah with the wherewithal to build the wall. He also made the decree which began the 70 weeks of Daniel and by which the time was measured to the first coming and crucifixion of the Lord as recorded in Daniel 9:24-27. This is one of the most studied passages in the Bible as it provides the timeline of history for the Jews through to the end of the age! And so, the importance of this one woman and her full submission to the will of God has had great impact on history, even as we wait for the second coming of the Lord!