Study Notes From Esther Chapter 6

God has a sense of humor. This may be the funniest chapter in the Bible but also one of the best examples of a godly man not lording it over his enemy’s shame.

6:1-4, God shows up to intercede for Mordecai, Esther, and the Jews. From His heavenly throne, God keeps the king awake. It seems the king combats insomnia by reading his own history. Tonight, God chose his reading material and Xerxes learns Mordecai’s act was unrewarded.

God, when writing the book of Esther, did not record Mordecai as prideful. Even when he saved the king’s life, he never said anything when unrecognized. Both Xerxes and Mordecai seem to have forgotten the episode.

Mordecai’s unpretentiousness is similar to Daniel when he brushed off Belshazzar’s gifts of the royal robe and the gold chain. (Daniel 5:17) A pagan king’s rewards are cheap trifles when your King is Almighty God.

"Let another man praise you. and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips." Proverbs 27:2. 

"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven" Matthew 6:1.

Mordecai is a great example of Peter’s exhortation, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” 1 Peter 5:6.

The servants in the gate put Mordecai and Haman in a battle of wills, (3:2-5) Now Mordecai’s faithful stance is holding and he appears to be winning. Haman, on the other-hand, though he exalted himself, is about to be brought low.

Mordecai did nothing but prepare for God’s answer with fasting and prayer. He exhorted Esther to speak on their behalf and sought God’s protection in faith. When he knew Haman’s sanctioned plot was set to destroy him and his people:

He did not storm the castle.

He did not attack Haman personally.

He did not override Esther's free will.

He trusted Esther's own personal faith.

He fasted and prayed.

He trusted God.

Paul exhorts us to wield the sword of the Spirit with care. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

We learn obedience through practicing the meekness of our Lord Jesus Christ. For although He has all the power that holds creation, He never uses it to subvert His greater plan of salvation. The pain and humiliation was overcome in victory by obedience. (Hebrews 12:1-3). Mordecai’s obedience sets the stage for Haman’s punishment from God.

Mordecai has let God have the glory. “For whoever humbles himself will be exalted and whoever exalts himself will be humbled” Matthew 23:12.

6:5-11, God has begun to show Himself to the condemned Jews when Haman is forced into the humiliating position of delivering the king’s blessing to Mordecai. The very blessing Haman had imagined his own. The city is seeing the beginning of the end for Haman.

6:12, “Afterward, Mordecai went back to the king’s gate” seems an understatement.

When we see God lift a great burden, we praise with joyful hearts and voices. His time of fasting is over and this is answered prayer. Here, Mordecai appears silent as he waits on God. He still has to wait for Esther to plead to the king.

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10.

But there is a stronger witness from Mordecai as he does not lord it over Haman for the episode in the city square. He leaves room for God to bring Haman’s defeat.

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him” Proverbs 24:17.

God sees our pride and if displeased, He has the privileged of lifting our enemies back up and not punishing them because we took it upon ourselves to condemn them in their troubles.

In what circumstances might we fail our witness by being prideful?

Haman is now falling before the eyes of the city. Xerxes still is blind to Haman’s jealousy, but it has been in plain sight to all the residents of Shushan. (see J. Vernon McGee’s notes) And God knows Haman’s heart.

6:13-14, Haman has a houseful of eager gossips awaiting his remarks but the man is in defeat. His wife makes the fatalistic statement, “Husband, you’re doomed.”

Esther’s banquet likely forgotten and when he’s summoned back to the palace it was probably the last thing he wanted. For going back to the palace meant being seen by the people as if he’s being ‘taken’ to the king. This could have been avoided if he had only reentered the palace after he had presented Mordecai with the king’s reward.

This entire chapter showcases God’s power over all circumstances, over the evil and the good. Our faith is in the Living God. The Bible is our way of learning about God, there is no other book that showcases Him and Him alone.

"Faith is not a pathetic sentiment, but robust vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is holy love. You cannot see Him just now, you cannot understand what He is doing, but you know Him."—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Lesson Points:

1. The subject of the book of Esther is God, not Esther

2. When your enemy falls, do not boast in pride at their defeat.

3. Our patient faith glorifies God

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Study Notes From Esther Chapter 5

Once a week, women from my home church gather for a Bible study. At this time, we are going through the book of Esther. These are the notes for the lesson in Chapter 5. Susan Estes

Esther Chapter 5

5:1, The Jews, at Esther’s request, have been fasting 3 days. (Daniel 10:3). Jesus said that when we fast we do not make it visible and He will see our faith and reward us, (Matthew 6:16-18.) Conceivably, Esther is still fasting, yet she is bathed and dressed in the royal apparel of Queen of the Medes and the Persians. More importantly, through fasting, she ‘washed’ and dressed herself in her faith in Almighty God.

Esther’s entrance is beautiful example of our cleansing by Jesus’ blood and our entrance into God’s Holy Throne room dressed in Jesus’ righteousness? Esther obtained her apparel when she became the bride to the king. All believers obtain glorious apparel when we become the Bride of Christ. (Isaiah 61:10)

5:2, Esther can’t see the future but her faith in action is entering Xerxes court knowing she could die. Trusting God is answering her prayers, she presents herself to Xerxes. Earlier Vashti refused to come wearing the Queenly raiment. Today Esther prepares herself in her royal clothing and presents herself for his inspection. Her care honors his throne, and for whatever reason, he approves.

We dress in royal robes of holiness and daily present ourselves to our King. But unlike Esther’s danger, our King’s throne room is always open to enter with boldness, joy, gladness and praise. (Psalm 100, Hebrews 4:16, 10:19,13:6, Ephesians 3:12). And God approves. He has betrothed us to Himself through our faith. (Ephesians 2:9-10) Hosea 2:19)

5:3, This verse shows God’s sovereignty at work in the faith of His people. Evil is visibly amassing against the Jews while God is moving unseen on their behalf. (Proverbs 21:1) It is conceivable for Xerxes to sign half the kingdom to her control. Historical documentation records women of Persian royalty owned and manage property.

5:4-8, (Proverbs 31:10-12) Knowing the king has the power to kill her even now, her approach is calculated to appeal to his pleasures. (Xerxes is known for his drinking parties. J. Vernon McGee). She does not know what will happen, yet she prepares for God’s future answer. The banquet is not to deceive, but Esther utilizes it to appeal to Xerxes baser nature, which appears to rule much of his decisions.

Inviting Haman is strategic, her invitation deadens any suspicions he could have, plus Xerxes will have the one person who flatters him as his Queen serves him. Esther utilizes the weakness of her king and Haman’s megalomania to facilitate male bonding around food.

5:9-11, Haman thrives on his own self-esteem. When Mordecai still doesn’t bow, Haman cannot even take pleasure knowing he has ordered Mordecai and the Jews killed. Maybe he thought Mordecai would be begging for his life. Haman has no concept of faith in the true and living God.

“For pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.” C.S. Lewis , Mere Christianity

God, the Holy Spirit, gives the extraordinary supernatural gift of faith to those who are facing serious consequences, (1 Corinthians 12:9). Those tortured and murdered for being Christian in the past, and present, are supplied this amazing gift to endure horrendous physical acts against them. Mordecai is sure of his God. (2 Corinthians 5:1)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego are three men who stood in the power of God without bowing to idolatry, Daniel 3:12.

“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection” Hebrews 11:35b

God says to ask for His supernatural grace and He promises to supply all we need, when we need it. For all that He does in and through us, His body, the church, will bring beautiful glory to Him, (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1).

5:12-14, Haman’s hatred is driven by pride and it’s lethal. Xerxes is a fool and Haman is a servant in power.

“For three things the earth is perturbed, Yes, for four it cannot bear up: For a servant when he reigns, A fool when he is filled with food” Proverbs 30:22a.

“A quick tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated” Proverbs 14:17.

5:14, And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made. Haman has no idea that there is a real, powerful, and living God, who does move on behalf of His people.

The very essence of secularism is the thesis that the here and now is all there is. There is no realm of the eternal. But as Christians, we are called to consider the present in light of the eternal. This is what Jesus preached again and again. What does it profit a man if in this time and in this place he gains the whole world, but he loses his own soul (Luke 9:25)? —Dr. R.C. Sproul, Founder & Chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and author of Crucial Questions

The world is full of false gods, and those who believe in them suffer blindness to the fact their gods never answer or move one way or the other. They base their ‘faith’ on favorable or unfavorable circumstantial acts that happen to them. (Horoscope, Karma, Luck, The stars, Chance, The lottery)

We have the Almighty GOD as our GOD. He really is HOLY GOD. Let us get to know Him in a truly personal way that transcends this earth. For this earth is passing away. Our GOD is Everlasting.

Lesson points:

1. Prayer is a real connection between us and Almighty God

2. Believe God at His Word. (Hebrews 4:12) Read it to know it

3. Daily ask God to empower you for His service. (2 Corinthians 4:6,7)

4. Get to know your God.

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Study Notes from Esther Chapter 4

Esther chapter 4 (theme verse Malachi 3:16)

It’s unfortunate Mordecai’s name isn’t in the Hebrews 11 list of heroes of faith.

4:1, 2, Mordecai is as open as anyone can be about the troubling predicament. His prayers are loud and his petitions of God are very visible. And because he was in sackcloth and ashes, he had to leave the king’s court, as grief and calamity weren’t permitted in the sight of the king. It was customary for kings to ban anything not perfect and beautiful. (Even King David, 2 Samuel 5:1-8)

Mordecai’s faith openly honors God. Jesus said in John 4:23, God is looking for those who would worship Him in Spirit and truth. Matthew 7, Jesus said many who say “Lord, Lord” are fakers, but Mordecai is the genuine article.

James 2:14-26, says Christianity without accompanying visible action is useless. Just saying words proves nothing about faith in God. Someday, everyone who names the name of Jesus will stand before God. Can you image standing there and saying, “Almighty God, here I am. I didn’t offend anyone with my Christianity. I never upset anyone by telling them they were a sinner in need of a Savior. I was such a nice person, not one soul ever felt the guilt of sin because I never said there is One God and One Savior to save them forever from eternal Hell-Fire”

4:3, The rest of the Jews in the city also fervently prayed. It seems Mordecai may have been the Spiritual leader of the Jews and not just Esther. God is being asked to intercede for them. More proof God is in this book as they ask while in sackcloth and ashes God to intercede for them.

4:4-8, Esther knows nothing about the king’s order. Queens were more for show than kingdom affairs. All she knows is Mordecai’s making an uproar. Maybe she thinks his distress is for her. She sends a gift to let him know she’s fine only to learn why Mordecai will not be comforted.

4:9,10,11, Mordecai tells her to go to her husband the king and ask for the decree to be repealed. Esther explains what Mordecai already knew, observance of the One rule that won’t get you killed upon entering the king’s presence. Anyone entering the throne room must be in the approval of the king or they die.

God the Father has One rule for people who are allowed into His presence. (John 3:16, John 14:6, Matthew 22:1-14, Acts 4:12, Rev 19:11-15.)

Jesus answered him and said “Truly, I say, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” John 3:3.

4:13, Mordechai informs Esther that even though she is the Queen, the law will stand even in the Palace. King Xerxes is already known for keeping the laws of the Medes and the Persians, and though he may feel badly about killing her, he would not stop it.

Daniel 6:6-17, King Nebuchadnezzar was as much a prideful fool as Xerxes, when he wrote the law that had Daniel thrown to the lions. He could not repeal it.

4:14, (A parallel of Esther and Mordecai & Father God and Jesus) The book of Esther mentions no wife or birth children. I would presume that had he any family in the city, they too would be crying to the Lord with Mordecai. In telling Esther she has the power to save her people even though she may die, Mordecai, in a sense, gives his (only) beloved child to save the nation. (John 3:16)

4:14, Mordecai comforts her with her greater work for God in explaining she may well have been placed where she is for God’s purpose . But so is Mordecai placed by God right where he can accomplish the part he plays in the plan. The foreshadow of their connection in 2: 21-23is utilized for a greater purpose.

2 Timothy 1: 6 & 7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" Read also John 14:12-14, 15: 4-8, & 16. God the Holy Spirit, our Helper.

Never underestimate your significance in God’s plan. You may think you’re not doing anything but God may be using you for a greater purpose than you can see. The smallest encouraging smile can move a brother or sister to overcome a trouble you know nothing about.

4:16, Esther makes her prayer request known. The city now goes into unified intercessory prayer. This is the real thing when it comes to a prayer chain.

“Fasting does not make you anything special but it does make God everything in your life.” Anonymous

Esther willing gave herself as a sacrifice for her people. Mordecai didn’t know if he would ever see her alive again but his faith in God let him pray for her and send her to do what only she was positioned to do. She knew she could be dead in a short while, yet she was obedient to her father’s order.

Jesus prayed to His Father “Not My will but Your will be done” Luke 22:42.

Amazing! His city is in an uproar, yet Xerxes is unaffected. His heart is so callous he can ignore the wails and pleas of his own subjects he has doomed.

Lesson points:

1. Be visibly Christian

2. Never underestimate the significance of your smallest Christian action.

3. Pray about everything. (Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Extra reading: 1 Samuel 25. Another powerful man who ignored the right thing and put his people in danger. His wife was more understanding to the affairs of the household than he was and like Esther, she took her life into her hands to avert disaster.

Special application: Sometime this week, lay your hands on a close relative and pray for them. (Husband, child, family member, or a friend)

Something like this: “My Dear Father in heaven, I pray for my husband. Please bless his day, keep him safe, help him be the husband only You can help him be. Help me be his wife. Please be the God of this house, Thank you Lord . Amen"

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