Esther - Introduction

The book of Esther reads like a novel and is a book filled with drama, power, romance andintrigue. However, unlike fiction these words describe a true story lived and writtencenturies ago.

Historically the book of Esther fits between chapters 6 & 7 of the book of Ezra. At that time a Jewish remnant was struggling to rebuild their nation in the Holy Land eventhough the people were not totally committed to God. There was an ongoing conflict ofIsrael with the Amalakites, a conflict that began during the Exodus and continued throughoutIsrael’s history. Since Israel had been released from captivity, Haman’s edict to annihilatethe Jews was the final major effort in the Old Testament period to destroy the nation ofIsrael. With Haman’s defeat came a period of rest from her enemies for the nation of Israel.

More than an interesting story, Esther is an account of the interplay of God’s sovereigntyand human will. God prepared a place and the opportunity and His people Esther andMordecai chose to act. As a result God’s people were able to survive in Persia.

The book of Esther also explains the origin of the Jewish Feast of Purim celebrated annuallyon the 14th and 15th of March. It is a time when the Jewish people celebrate their victoryover Haman and his conspiracy in the Persian Empire. Satan continues to attack Israel, butthe Jewish remnant remains a people protected by God.

This book is unusual in that it contains no name, title or pronoun for God. This causedsome church fathers to question the inclusion in the canon. But God’s presence is clearthroughout the book and His providence is evident as He accomplishes His purpose andoverrules in spite of the King’s unalterable decrees.

Esther is a beautiful example of a woman committed to God. She yielded herself to theLord and consequently was used by God to accomplish great things as she seized theopportunities opened to her.

Author: Unknown, but from inference it is believed he was a Jew familiar with the Persiancustoms and possibly a resident of a Persian city. Possibilities suggest Mordecai, Ezraor Nehemiah.

Date: 460 - 470 B.C. (Ester became queen in 479 B.C.)

Theme: Though God is not mentioned in the entire book the emphasis of the author heightens thefact that it is God who controls and directs all seemingly insignificant coincidences. Thefact that God’s sovereign rule is assumed at every point is an assumption made all themore effective by the total absence of reference to Him.

Purpose: To demonstrate God’s sovereignty and His loving care for His people.

Setting: The King’s palace in Susa, Persia.

Key People: Esther, Mordecai (Esther’s older cousin), King Xerxes of Persia (485-465BC)and Haman.

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Outline: I. Ch. 1-2 Esther’s Coronation A. Vashti is dethroned (Ch. 1) B. Esther becomes Queen (Ch. 2)

II. Ch. 3-7 Haman’s Condemnation A. Jew’s threatened by Haman’s intrigue (Ch. 3) B. Mordecai’s insight encourages Esther to help (Ch. 4) C. Esther intercedes for the Jews (Ch. 5-7)

III. Ch. 8-10 Israel’s CelebrationA. A new decree giving rights to the Jews (Ch.8)

B. Triumph and celebration of Purim (Ch. 9)C. Mordecai honored for working for the good of his people (Ch. 10)

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Esther - Chapter 1

Note: Esther’s story begins in 483 B.C., 103 years after Nebuchadnezzar had taken theJews captive to Babylon, 54 years after Zerubbabel led the first group of exiles backto Jerusalem and 25 years before Ezra led the second group back to Jerusalem. Esther lived in the kingdom of Persia, the dominant kingdom in the Middle East afterBabylon fell in 539 B.C.

The Jewish exiles had great freedom in Persia and had established themselves there. Ester’s parents must have been among those who chose not to return to Jerusalemeven though Cyrus the Persian king had issued a decree allowing them to do so.

Xerxes the Great was the fifth king of Persia. He reigned between 486 and 456 B.C. Persia was a world power and the king as the center of that power was one of thewealthiest people in the world. A Persian king was thought to be a god by many ofhis people, therefore when he issued a command it stood forever and could not bereversed even by the king.

Read: Ezra chapter 6 & 7 with Esther chapter 1:1-8 (also scan chapter 4 in Ezra )Note: The reigns of Cyrus the Great (559-530 B.C.) and Darius (522-486 B.C. ) preceded

king Artaxerxes I (486-423 B.C.) Their kingdoms included parts of India, Turkey,Egypt and Greece. They held their empire for 200 years until Alexander the Greatbrought it to an end.

1. Describe the kind of king you think Cyrus was in personality and relationship to theJews, and in relationship to the God whom the Jews worshiped.

2. What is your impression of king Darius?

3. How did the hand of God affect the Jews?

Note: Zerubbabel led his first group of exiles back to Jerusalem to build the temple(completed in 516 B.C.). 80 years after this, Ezra returned to Israel with a secondgroup of exiles. He found the temple rebuilt but the lives of the people in shambles. Intermarriage with foreigners opposed to God threatened the spiritual future of thenation. Ezra prayed for guidance and then followed through with action. God alsoused the prophets Haggai, Zechariah and Malachai to confront and comfort Hispeople at this time.

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4. Describe the Empire over which Xerxes ruled.Note: (Xerxes -Greek name; Ahasueres - Hebrew name; Shushan = Susa the location of the

winter palace.)

5. What do you detect as one of his first weaknesses?

6. What do you think might have been the purpose behind the banquet for the nobles andofficials of the empire?

7 What other Biblical characters can you think of who had too much pride?

8. What principle given in Rom. 13:1 might be beneficial if taken to heart by all people inauthority?

9. How might Prov. 16:18 have been a help and a warning to Ahasuerus?

10. How may pride be a problem in our Christian life?

11. How does one get rid of pride and boastfulness?

Read vv 9-1212. What two further weaknesses did Xerxes display here?

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13. What do you see as the difference between anger at sin and sinful anger?

14. What does God have to say about anger?Prov. 16:32

Prov. 25:28

Prov. 29:11

James 1:19 - 20

Eph. 4:26

Matt. 5:21-22

I Tim 2:8

15. What do you think a Christian’s attitude should be about drinking?

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16. What do you think about Vashti’s response?

Note: It was against Persian custom for a woman to appear before a public gathering ofmen. Some have also suggested that Vashti was pregnant with Artaxerxes who wasborn in 483 B.C. and that this was cause for restraint. Her response was actually atriple offense. She challenged the authority of a man, she was a wife disobeying theorders of her husband and a subject defying the command of her king.

17. A. What do you think resulted from the King/s impulsive command?

B. What contributed to his rash decision?

18. When have you made an impulsive decision based purely on feeling? What resulted?

Note: Some advisers and government officials were castrated in order to prevent them fromhaving children and then rebelling and trying to establish a dynasty of their own. Acastrated official was called a eunuch.

Read vv 13-2219. Do you agree with the assessment of the wise men as given in verse 16 ?

20. What do you think was the reason and motivation behind the king’s reaction and edictconcerning Vashti’s refusal?

21. Do you agree with the wisemen’s conclusion in verses 16 & 17?

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22. A. By what method did the wisemen hope to generate respect in the hearts of thewomen for their husbands?

B. Does their method ever work?

C. What is it that builds a relationship of love and respect in yours or other’smarriages?

23. Are love and respect qualities that can be generated in human hearts by laws andcommands?

24. What is Paul’s counsel to husbands and wives in:Gal. 5:13, 18-22

Eph. 5:18-33

I Peter 3:1-7

25. A. Do you think the king’s counselors made a mountain out of a molehill whenconsulted about the queen’s disobedience?

B. Do you overreact to small problems that way?

26. What does the king’s experience teach you about where to go for advice?

27. Though God is not mentioned, how do you see Him working?

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Esther - Chapter 2Read vv 1-4Note: Nearly four years have passed since Vashti was deposed. During that time Ahasuerus

directed his ill-fated Greek campaign and came home in humiliation instead of honor.1. What thoughts do you think entered the King’s mind as he “remembered” Vashti and his

rash decision?

2. What former rash decision has brought you regret?

3. What ulterior motive might have been behind the advisers’ counsel?

4. What do you imagine would be the reaction (or actions) of families with young girlswhen they heard of the King’s plan?

Note: Life shut up in a King’s harem was involuntary and not ideal. Once they had beenwith the King they belonged to him and could not marry. If the King ignored themthey were destined for a life of loneliness with little happiness.

5. How do you see the hand of God using this situation for His future purpose?

Read vv 5-186. What three or four evidences of God’s hand at work do you see in this section?

1. :8

2. :9

3. :10

4. :17

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7. A. Why do you think Esther and Mordecai concealed their identity as Jews?

B. When has your restraint been an advantage to you?

8. Why do you think the King was more attracted to Esther than to all the other women theybrought to him?

9. Unlike Daniel, Esther and Mordecai hid their nationality. How would this place them ina position to disobey the Laws of Moses which were still in effect? (See Ex. 20:14;34:15-16; Lev. 18; Deut. 7:1-4)

home:

food:

worship:

marriage and sexual restrictions:

10. Why would God overlook the unfaithfulness of Esther and Mordecai?(See Ezra 9 and 10)

11. Do you think Mordecai and Esther understood that God was putting them where Hecould use them? (Explain)

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12. What difficult situation of yours has later been revealed to you as a significant part ofGod’s plan?

13. A. Is it always a good idea to reveal our identity as God’s people by word of mouth? Explain.

B. What other strategy could we use?

Read vv 19-2314. A. God’s timing is always perfect. What example do you see of this?

B. When have you experienced this in your life?

15. What does this chapter teach you about God?

16. Of whom does Mordecai and his secrecy remind you from your study in John?

17. A. Was Mordecai rewarded for his loyalty at this time?

B. What encouragement does Prov. 13:21 give in such situations?

18. How was God’s providence shown in these verses?

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Esther - Chapter 3Read vv 1,2 with chapter 2:19-231. What ironic situation do you see in these verses?

2. How does Ps. 37 comfort all the righteous who are victims of injustice? (Give verses)

3. In order to understand Mordecai and Haman’s hostility, trace the history of these twomen and their tribes. Haman was an Agagite which could mean he was descended fromAgag King of the Amalikites.

Gen. 36:12

Exodus 17:8-14

I Sam. 15

Esther 2:5

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Note: Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman was not disobedience to the secondcommandment since bowing as a mark of honor and submission was not forbidden. (See 2 Sam. 14:4 and Gen. 33:3) His objection came from the deep seated enmitybetween the Jews and the Amalakites. This also explains Haman’s desire toannihilate the Jews.

4. When have you taken an unpopular stand in order to do what is right in God’s eyes?

Read vv 3-75. What was the source of Haman’s rage?

6. A. Read Prov. 6:16-19. What seven things does the Lord hate and how does Haman fitinto these descriptions?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

B. According to the verses in Prov. 6:12-15 what did God say was the consequenceof such action? (Keep all of these verses in mind as you read the book of Esther.)

7. A. What verse gives evidence of Haman’s anti-Semitism?

B. What prejudice influences your actions?

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8. A. What far reaching consequences would have resulted if Haman’s plot hadsucceeded? See Gen. 12:1-3.

B. Can you name other times in history when those under Satan’s control have alsotried to hinder God’s will and plan in this world?

9. How is what a person does with authority a test of character?

Note: Mordecai like Daniel and his friends were involved in civil disobedience. However,these people had assurance from God that they were doing His will. There is a greatdifference between personal prejudices and biblical conviction. Martin Luther was agood example of the latter when he said, “My conscience is captive to the Word ofGod. Here I stand, I can not do otherwise.”

10. Compare chapter 2:16 and 3:7. What was the time element here?

11. A. How soon after the plot was formulated did Haman plan to carry it out? Give verse.

B. Was there any advantage in this delay?

Read vv 8-1512. A. What truth and what lie were included in Haman’s charge against the Jews? (See

Deut. 4:8 and Jer. 29:4-7)

B. How did Haman display his cunning?

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13. A. What incentive did Haman offer?

B. Where would this huge sum of money probably come from?

C. Why was this a timely suggestion? (See note after question 1 on chapter 2)

14. What do you think of Xerxes’ leadership?

15. Has there ever been a time in your life when you have abused a position of leadership orbenefited from the misfortune of another?

16. Where do you see apathy as a problem among Christians today?

17. Compare verse 13 in Esther with I Sam. 15:1-3.

Note: In I Sam 15:1-9 God ordered such utter destruction because the Amalakites were aband of terrorists who lived by attacking other nations and carrying off their wealthand their families. God knew the Israelites could never live peacefully in thepromised land as long as the Amalakites existed. He also knew that their corruptidolatrous practices threatened Israel’s relationship with God and the only way toprotect the Israelites’ body and soul was total destruction of the people and theirpossessions including their idols. Saul’s disobedience resulted in much future grieffor the Jews.

18. Note the haste with which the law was written. (Compare verse 12 and verse 7) Why do you think this was?

19. Describe what you think went on in the minds of the people while the King and Hamanwere enjoying their drinks?

20. How do you see God’s hand at work in this chapter?

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Esther - Chapter 4Read vv 1-51. How different is your Heavenly King from the Persian king entrusted to care for his

people? (See chapter 3:15)

2. What did Mordecai accomplish by mourning at the king’s gate?

3. Have you ever acted in a way that put you “out on a limb” for a positive cause? Whatresulted?

4. The British politician Edmund Burke once said, “All that is required for evil to triumphis for good men to do nothing.” Do you agree with that and can you relate any incidentto prove your point?

5. What important role did Hathach play in the events taking place?

Note: There were perhaps 15 million Jews scattered throughout the Persian Empire at thistime. With Persian rule from India to Ethiopia there were few accessible places towhich the Jews might flee.

Read vv 6-11 and 12-176. Esther’s life was at stake and she took four steps in approaching this difficult situation

which gives us a model to follow. What were they?verse 11:

verse 16:

verse 15a:

verse 15b:

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7. Which verse indicates Mordecai’s faith?

8. How does the verse in James 4:17 apply to Esther’s situation?

9. What principle of God is given in verse 14?

10. If I refuse to obey God when He calls, he can either abandon me and get someone else todo the job or discipline me until I surrender to His will. Try to think of biblicalcharacters to illustrate both.

refusal to obey–

was disciplined and then acted–

11. How have you recently responded to God’s call or direction and what resulted?

12. How would Esther have been negatively affected if she had done nothing to try to saveher people?

13. How did Esther show her commitment to God’s will?

14. Have you ever tried to save yourself from trouble or embarrassment by remaining silentrather than standing up for what is right? Explain.

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15. What is the purpose of fasting, what accompanies it? When is it often used?

Ezra 8:21-23

Ps. 35:13

Dan. 9:1-19

Acts 13:2-3

Is. 58:1-10

Joel 2:12-13

Matt. 6:16-18

16. Do you think fasting as a required formal religious ritual accomplishes any spiritualpurpose?

17. What indirect references to God are given in this chapter? (Give verses)

18. What godly strength of character do you see displayed in Esther?

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Esther Chapter 5Read vv 1-51. What was the first force that had already begun to work to help Esther and destroy

Haman? (See Prov. 21:1)

2. Beyond faith and prayer someone had to act. (James 2:20) What did Esther know thathelped encourage her and gave her confidence to act?

Gen.12:1-3

2 Chron. 7:14

3. How did Esther prepare herself to meet the king? (Use chapter 4 also)

4. How do you prepare yourself before coming into the presence of your King?

Read vv 6-95. Why do you think Esther didn’t immediately inform the king about Haman’s evil plot?

6. Have you discovered the secret of waiting on the Lord to act? Explain

7. What words describe Haman at this point?

8. When has overconfidence caused you grief?

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9. What further evidence of the sovereignty of God do you see in verses: 3, 4, 7?

Read vv 10-1410. What further character trait of Haman is shown in verses: 9, 10, 12?

11. A. What warning against this trait is given in:Prov. 16:18

Prov. 29:33

B. What knowledge counteracts this trait?John 3:27

1 Cor. 4:7

12. A. What trait of Haman’s is evident in verse 14?

B. Define malice:

C. Why is a malicious spirit such a dangerous thing? (For help see 1 Cor. 5:8)

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D. What is the antidote to malice? (See Eph. 4:30-32)

13. How did Haman express his malice and who else was influenced by his sin?

14. When has your pride or anger had an adverse affect?

15. What changes do Christians need to be praying about and working toward in our worldtoday?

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Esther Chapter 6

Read vv 1-51. Why do you think the king couldn’t sleep this particular night?

2. A. In what two ways do you see the sovereign hand of God in verses 1 and 2?

B. What book or writing has had an immediate effect on your thoughts or actions?

Note: In chapter 2 Mordecai uncovered the plot of assassination against King Xerxes. Hereported it to Esther who told the king. This occurred 5 years before the events inchapter 6. Rewards and punishments were basic to the Persian system of maintainingloyalty, and it was unusual for meritorious service not to be rewarded.

3. What advantage do you see in the fact that Mordecai received no reward at the time hereported this incident?

4. In what events of your life have you seen God’s sovereignty or perfect timing whetherdelayed or immediate?

5. How do you see God’s hand in the fact that Haman arrived at this particular time?

Read vv 6-116. What irony do you see in this section?

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7. A. What were Haman’s underlying sins?

B. When has this same sin been your downfall?

8. Describe what you think was Haman’s demeanor and state of mind at this time?

Read vv 12-149. Compare the way Mordecai’s reward affected both men.

10. How has a humiliating experience actually worked for your good?

11. What further warning did God use to try to stop Haman from what he was doing?

12. A. What is God’s concern and feeling for wickedness in people?Ez. 33:11

2 Peter 3:9

Matt. 23:37

B. What comfort do you find in these verses?

13. How does God warn you and do you heed His warnings?

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Esther Chapter 7Read vv 1-41. A. How do you react to Esther’s delay on speaking to the king? Would you have had

that restraint?

B. When have you experienced that your patience in awaiting the Lord’s timing wasbetter?

Note: The promise of reward “even up to half the kingdom” is hyperbole, and is usedsimply to express generosity. It was not intended to be taken literally.

2. Is there any evidence up to this point that either Haman or King Ahasuerus knew thatEsther was a Jew?

3. A. Do you think God’s long suffering with Haman led him to feel safe?

B. How is God’s patience with us misinterpreted by the world?

C. Why do you think God is so patient with us in the face of our sinfulness? (See 2Peter 3:9)

4. What good psychology do you see in the way Esther worded her request?

5. What declaration is Esther actually making in verse 4?

6. As Esther reminds the king of the decree he had approved to wipe out the Jewish nationwhat do you think went through Ahasuerus’s mind?

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Read vv 5-87. What do you think was the source of the king’s rage?

8. A. What release did the king use to control his rage?

B. What helps you to control a volatile temper?

9. Do you think that there was any chance that Haman was a part of the plot in chapter2:21-23? Explain your reasoning.

10. A. What change in personality do you see in Haman from earlier chapters to now?

B. Is this a common trait in people of Haman’s disposition?

Note: In verse 8 the phrase “they covered Haman’s face” was a Persian custom. A veilwas placed over the face of one condemned to death so the king did not have to lookupon the face of a condemned person.

Read vv 9-1011. How did Haman reap what he had sown?

12. What other biblical characters experienced that same principle of reaping what they hadsown? (Ex. Jacob killed an animal and lied to his father pretending to be Esau– Jacob’ssons killed an animal and lied pretending Joseph was dead)

13. What positive side of reaping and sowing is given in Gal. 6:8?

14. Relate a time when you have reaped what you sowed either in a negative or positive way.

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Esther Chapter 8Read vv 1-21. Does God always reward faithful Christians for doing right as He did Esther?

2. Long after Haman’s death the consequences of his evil deeds lived on. Give otherexamples of this principle.

3. Esther was influenced by Mordecai’s godly counsel. Who has been instrumental in yourlife for encouraging your commitment to the Lord and His principles?

Note: According to ancient historians, whenever a traitor was executed, the monarch inpower appropriated his property.

4. Beyond the obvious, what reason might Ahasuerus have had to account for his extremegenerosity to Esther?

Read vv 3-65. What do Esther’s actions, demeanor and request tell you about her character?

6. For what causes or needy people in a lost world are you willing to sacrifice time, moneyor energy?

7. Generally speaking, do you think believers today focus much attention on needy and lostpeople? Or what seems to be our greatest pursuit?

8. Throughout scripture many people have prayed in intercession for the Jews. (Moses,Paul, Elijah, Ezra, Nehemiah etc.) For what groups or people do you regularlyintercede?

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9. A. What commands has God given us concerning intercession and His people?Ps. 122:6

Is. 62:6-7

I Thes. 5:17

I Tim. 2:8

Phil. 4:6-7

B. Why do you think in all the good work in the church today of establishing programsand reaching a world for Christ, often the last and most difficult thing to establish is afaithful prayer group?

10. How did what happened in Esther 8 correlate with God’s promise to His people in Gen. 12:2 and 3, Gen. 27:29, Ex. 23:22?

Read vv 7-1711. A. Basically what right did the new edict give to the Jews?

B. Did this give Jews the right to be aggressors?

C. How has God protected or cared for you in a hostile situation?

12. How much time did the Jews have to prepare themselves for this assault? (Compare 8:9,3:7, 3:12)

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13. God will not change the law of Rom. 6:23, but what new edict gives hope to sinners?

14. How is this situation in ancient Persia a symbolic picture of our salvation?

15. What was the predominant responsive emotion of the Jews and how many times arewords used to express it?

16. Is this your response to the Lord’s wonderful gift to you and are people attracted to Jesus because you exude joy and hope and are they drawn to your church because of the joyand happiness they see in the people there?

Note: Verse 17 reminds me of something written about President Reagan after he was shot. Being prepared for surgery he jokingly said to the medical team, “I hope all of youare Republicans.” One doctor replied, “Mr. President, today all of us areRepublicans.” That was the attitude of many people in the Persian Empire whenMordecai’s edict was published. “Today all of us are Jews.”

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Esther Chapter 9 and 10Read chapter 9:1-161. Who were the aggressors in this conflict?

2. How is the Lord working in behalf of the Jews?1. :2

2. :3

3. :4

3. What greater weapon than a sword did God give the Jews and what resulted?Es. 8:17, 9:2

Gen. 35:5

Deut. 2:25

Josh. 2:8

5:1

9:24

4. What words of wisdom did Jehoshaphat and Jahaziel give to the Jewish men which is stillgood counsel today?

2 Chron. 20:15

2 Chron. 20:20

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5. When has your trust in God’s power infused courage that helped you dispel fear?

6. Do you think there is enough “fear of God” in our world today? (See Rom. 3:10-18)

7. From our study in Ephesians what weapons and protection has God given His people toassure victory? (Give chapter and verse)

8. A. How do verses 5-12 summarize the completion of unfinished business from Ex.17:16, Deut. 25:17-19, I Sam. 15:2-3.

B. Reread Ps.37 and the lesson from chapter 3 question number 2. How does the bookof Esther give a picture of this?

9. Approximately how many Persians were killed in the two day battle and what does thissuggest to you?

10. What do you think is the source of the violent hatred against the Jews all down throughthe ages even to our own day?

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11. A. What noble action of the Jews is recorded three times? (Give verses)

B. How does this relate to what we are told in I Sam. 15:12-23?

C. What does this say about the motives of the Jews?

Note: Plunder was the method used by ancient monarchs to replenish their coffers.

12. Describe the reason and purpose for the Jewish festival of Purim.

13. How can meaningful tradition be helpful and when is it not?

14. A. Do you detect a little conflict among the Jews and why it was perhaps necessary forMordicai and Esther’s edict in verses 30-32?

B. Does this remind you of anything that happens in the church today? (Explain)

Note: Today the Jews begin their celebration with a fast on the thirteenth day of Adar ( February - March.) They go to the synagogue and hear the book of Esther publiclyread. Whenever Haman’s name is mentioned they cry out, “May his name beaccursed!” or “May his name perish!” The children use a noisemaker which theyrattle when they hear Haman’s name. On the 14th day they go to the synagogue andonce again they hear the story read and the congregation engages in prayer. (Thestory of Moses and the Amalekites is also read.) Than the celebrants go home for afestive holiday meal with gifts and special foods. The celebrating continues on thenext day also and they also send gifts and food to the poor and needy, so everyonecan rejoice together. The emphasis is on teaching the children the meaning of Purimso the message of the feast would not be lost in future generations.

15. How can we use Christian festivals to help our children praise God for His hand inhistory?

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Read chapter 1016. What possible good could result from the new tax program of Ahasuerus? (:1) (see note

on question 11)

17. A. What characteristic made Mordecai an excellent statesman?

B. What statesmen can you think of who have similar characteristics?

C. Have you ever had opportunity to use an appointed position for the welfare and goodof others?

18. How did Esther and Mordecai show their commitment to God?

19. How is the book of Esther a good illustration of Rom. 8:28?

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Note: The book of Esther is unusual because the name God never appears in it. In I Cor.10:11 God tells us “these things (Gods words) were written down for our instruction . . .” This key gives us a clue that there may be something beyond a simplestory of God’s power in delivering the Jews. The commentator Ray Stedman saw inthis marvelous parallel to what goes on spiritually in the lives of people from thebeginning of mankind when God is at work in the human heart.

20. As you reflect on the book of Esther see if you can match the object or person with thespiritual symbolism it may represent.Esther man’s willMordecai the evil one and his power over usThe royal garments Mordecai wore the renewed Spirit given when one becomes

a ChristianAmelikites Indwelling desire on our hearts opposed to

all that God wants us to do.The king seated on his throne Christ and His Spirit and activity in our

livesHaman The righteousness of Christ

Note: When God created us, man was made to be a king. Each one of us is given akingdom over which to rule. Our soul is the kingdom, including the faculties of ourmind, emotion, and above all, the right to choose. Man’s body is the capital city ofhis kingdom. The empire includes all the influences around him. The king sittingupon the throne is the powerful will and there is also a hidden member of our life theinner life or spirit which the king in the story chose to dethrone. In his loneliness theking crowned a new queen which is akin to receiving a new spirit of joy. All of thiscame about because Mordecai and his loyalty, goodness and faithfulness. When theflesh within us boasts and becomes arrogant and proud we congratulate ourselves bythe way we stick up for our own rights, but there is One lurking within us who is notonly unimpressed but grieved. How necessary it is to put to death that fallen fleshand honor and encourage the new spirit within us. The secret to success anddeliverance is the power of God and as with the king in the story it was by the bookof Chronicles the deliverance began to come. Also with us it is the written andrecorded word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ and His finished work throughwhich our deliverance comes. The spirit is now in control, it sets us free and givesvictory and power in places where we were once defeated.For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do; sending Hisown Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, inorder that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk notaccording to the flesh (Haman minded) but according to the spirit (Mordecai minded){Rom.8:3-4}

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