Amazing drama 2,500 years ago✲ Young woman✲ Great danger – life & death✲ No choice

Introduction

One of the most inspiring stories of all time✲ Faith in God✲ Know God is in control✲ Take a stand✲ We are here “for such a time as this”

Esther

Introduction

BackgroundChapter 1Lessons

Esther

Esther Introduction

Persian Empire – “super power”✲ India to Ethiopia, Est. 1:1

Background

Esther Introduction

Esther Introduction

Persian Empire – “super power”✲ India to Ethiopia, Est. 1:1✲ Capital: Susa, Est. 1:2✲ Conquered Babylon, Dan. 5:30, 31✲ King Ahasuerus (Xerxes): 486-465 BC

Background

Esther Introduction

Events take place 483-473 BC✲ Judah conquered by Babylon 606-586 BC✲ Esther’s great-grandfather captive in 597 BC✲ Daughter of Abihail, Est. 2:15✲ Cousin of Mordecai, Est. 2:5-7✲ Fits between Ezra 6 & 7✲ Chapter 1: before Xerxes invaded Greece✲ Chapter 2: after humiliating defeat in Greece

Background

Esther Introduction

Purpose – Theme✲ Providence of God

◇ God not mentioned◇ Worship not mentioned◇ Prayer not mentioned

✲ Origin of Purim✲ God exalts the humble

& humbles the exalted

Background

Esther Introduction

Glory of the kingdom displayed 180 days, Est. 1:1-9

✲ Building confidence✲ Seven-day feast, Est. 1:5-8

◇ For all the capital◇ Opulent fixtures◇ Women had separate feast

Chapter 1

Esther Introduction

Queen Vashti ordered to display her beauty, Est. 1:10-12

✲ Xerxes intoxicated, 1:10✲ Improper✲ Vashti refused

Chapter 1

Esther Introduction

Xerxes & advisors acts against the queen, Est. 1:13-22

✲ Angry & drunk, 1:12✲ Council likely intoxicated✲ Vashti removed from being queen✲ Decree

◇ Women to honor husbands◇ Man is the master of his home

Chapter 1

Esther Introduction

Money is the root of all kinds of evil,1 Tim. 6:6-10

✲ Arrogance for Xerxes✲ Wealth & power does not equal leadership✲ Christians to pursue righteousness,

1 Tim. 6:11-14

Lessons

Esther Introduction

Intoxication leads to foolish actions,Prov. 31:4, 5

✲ Caused a “national crisis”✲ Not wise, Prov. 20:1✲ Be sober to fight the devil, 1 Pt. 5:8, 9

Lessons

Esther Introduction

Poor advisors lead to poor advice,Prov. 13:20

✲ Need people to clarify your thinking✲ Need wounds of a friend, Prov. 27:6✲ Seek exhortation, Heb. 3:12, 13

Lessons

Esther Introduction

A man is the head of his household,Eph. 5:22-24

✲ Sacrificial love, Eph. 5:25✲ Cherish & nourish, Eph. 5:28, 29✲ Respect wife’s dignity, 1 Pt. 3:1-7

Lessons

Introduction

One of the most inspiring stories of all time✲ Faith in God✲ Know God is in control✲ Take a stand✲ We are here “for such a time as this”

Esther