Queen Vashti Deposed—Esther 1:1–22
Topics: Abundance, Actions, Advice, Answers, Appearance, Authority, Beauty, Choices, Consequences, Discipline, Disobedience, Drinking, Example, Government, Husbands, Influence, Leadership, Life-style, Possessions, Power, Pride, Punishment, Rebellion, Relationships, Sacrifice, Status, Wealth, Wisdom, Wives
Open It
1. What are some of the benefits of power and prestige?
2. *What do you think are some of the drawbacks of having status and power?
3. What do people like so much about banquets and feasts?
Explore It
1. What is the background of this story? (1:1–3)
2. Who attended the king’s banquet? (1:3–5)
3. What events preceded the banquet that the king gave? (1:4)
4. How is the setting of the banquet described? (1:5–8)
5. What motivated the king to summon the queen on the seventh day of the banquet? (1:10)
6. *Why did the king want Queen Vashti to leave her own banquet to come to his? (1:11)
7. *How did Queen Vashti respond to the king’s command? (1:12)
8. How did King Xerxes react to Vashti’s disobedience? (1:12)
9. Whom did the king consult about what to do about the queen’s disobedience? (1:13–14)
10. What advice did the wise men give to King Xerxes? (1:16–20)
11. What fear did the wise men have about the ramifications of Queen Vashti’s behavior? (1:17–18)
12. What impact did the wise men want the king’s decree to have in the kingdom? (1:19–20)
13. What did the king decide to do about Queen Vashti? (1:21–22)
14. *How did Vashti’s actions affect all the women in the kingdom? (1:22)
Get It
1. Why do you think Queen Vashti refused to obey the king’s command?
2. *Why was it so important to the king that he punish the queen for her disobedience?
3. When have your actions had greater ramifications than you originally expected?
4. When have you ever stood up for what you believed was right, despite the dire consequences?
5. What are some consequences you have experienced for standing up for what was right?
6. How has this passage influenced how you plan to make decisions in the future?
7. *In what ways have you seen your own actions influence other Christians or nonbelievers?
8. What kinds of things can Christians do to encourage others to seek the Lord?
Apply It
1. *What can you do today to set an example for someone else?
2. What sacrifices are you willing to make in the next few weeks to stand up for what is right?
Esther Made Queen—Esther 2:1–23
Topics: Actions, Advice, Affections, Appearance, Attitude, Authority, Beauty, Character, Citizenship, Danger, Example, Faithfulness, Family, Favoritism, Feelings, Generosity, Guidance, Help, Humility, Husbands, Loyalty, Marriage, Morality, Opportunities, Plans, Position, Power, Punishment, Relationships, Responsibility, Wives
Open It
1. *What do you sense society believes are the most important qualities in a person?
2. What would you say are your three best qualities?
3. What are your top priorities in life?
Explore It
1. What did the king’s attendants propose, and why? (2:1–4)
2. How did the king plan to find another queen for himself? (2:3–4)
3. What background information does the passage give us about Mordecai? (2:5–7)
4. What does the passage reveal about Esther and her background? (2:7)
5. *What kind of treatment did Esther receive at the palace, and why? (2:9)
6. For what reason did Esther not reveal her heritage? (2:10)
7. How did Mordecai keep in contact with Esther? (2:11)
8. What events preceded a woman’s turn to go to the king? (2:12–14)
9. What was the only way a woman would get a second chance to see the king? (2:14)
10. What did Esther do when it was her turn to go to the king? (2:15)
11. What did King Xerxes think of Esther? (2:17)
12. *How did Esther become queen? (2:17–18)
13. *How did Esther continue to show her respect for Mordecai even after she had become queen? (2:20–23)
14. What did Mordecai discover while he was sitting at the king’s gate? (2:21–22)
15. How did the king find out about the plot to assassinate him? (2:21–23)
Get It
1. How would you describe Esther?
2. What kind of relationship did Esther and Mordecai have?
3. In what ways is Esther a good role model for women and men today?
4. What impact did power and status have on Esther?
5. How have you allowed wealth or power to influence your character?
6. *How can we guard against the temptation to allow money, status, or power to influence our motivations and actions?
7. *What do you think is the proper attitude toward wealth and prestige?
8. What qualities does God value most highly in a person?
9. How do your priorities influence the way you live every day?
10. What does this passage teach you about God’s sovereignty?
Apply It
1. *What do you most want to remember from this story about money, status, and power?
2. What is one step you can take this week to conform your character more to that of Christ?
3. What steps can you take this week to guard against greed and materialism?
Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews—Esther 3:1–15
Topics: Accusation, Actions, Ambition, Authority, Conflict, Consequences, Criticism, Danger, Dishonesty, Disobedience, Example, Frustration, Greed, Hatred, Instructions, Intimidation, Obligation, Plans, Position, Power, Pride, Punishment, Risk, Status, Submission
Open It
1. *When have you ever felt unfairly treated?
2. How do most people normally react to unfair treatment?
3. In your opinion, what’s the best way to earn the respect of others?
Explore It
1. How did King Xerxes honor Haman? (3:1–2)
2. *In what way did Mordecai disobey the king’s order? (3:2)
3. How did Mordecai respond to the officials’ questions about his behavior? (3:3–4)
4. For what reason did the officials tell Haman about Mordecai’s behavior? (3:4)
5. How did Haman react to Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to him? (3:5)
6. *Why did Haman want to kill all of the Jews? (3:5–6)
7. When did Haman decide to kill all the Jews in the kingdom? (3:7)
8. How did Haman present his intentions to the king? (3:8–9)
9. *Which parts of Haman’s speech to the king were true, and which were false? (3:8–9)
10. What important piece of information did Haman neglect to tell the king? (3:8–9)
11. How did King Xerxes respond to Haman’s request? (3:10–11)
12. How did Haman add authority to his edict? (3:12)
13. What did Haman do to carry out his plan? (3:12–15)
14. How did Mordecai’s behavior affect the whole kingdom? (3:12–15)
Get It
1. How does the king’s and Haman’s response to the edict contrast to the reaction of the common people of the city?
2. Why do you think Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman?
3. What character flaws of Haman are revealed in this part of the story?
4. What similarities or differences do you see between Haman and yourself?
5. *How can Christians guard against the temptations of pride and greed?
6. Why do you think King Xerxes failed to see through Haman’s selfish and deceitful plot?
7. To what human weakness in the king did Haman appeal when he presented his request?
8. What blinded the king from seeing the truth of the situation?
9. *When has your pride ever interfered with your ability to discern the truth?
10. What do you think we can do to become more discerning people?
Apply It
1. *What specific steps can you take this week to guard against the sin of pride?
2. For what problem or challenge do you need to ask God and other Christians for wisdom and discernment?
Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help—Esther 4:1–17
Topics: Abilities, Actions, Advice, Answers, Barriers, Challenge, Choices, Circumstances, Citizenship, Consequences, Courage, Danger, Death, Depend, Despair, Disobedience, Escape, Expectations, Fasting, Feelings, Guidance, Help, Initiative, Leadership, Mourning, Obligation, Position, Power, Prayer, Problems, Risk, Sacrifice
Open It
1. When have you felt helpless to solve a problem that you faced?
2. When have the expectations of others overwhelmed or discouraged you?
3. *What do you think makes some people brave and others cowardly?
Explore It
1. How did Mordecai and the Jews react to the king’s edict? (4:1–3)
2. What did Esther do when she heard that Mordecai was in mourning? (4:4)
3. How did Esther discover the reason behind Mordecai’s grief? (4:5)
4. What key details did Mordecai know about Haman’s evil plot? (4:7)
5. How do we know that Mordecai had a significant connection to the palace? (4:7)
6. What proof did Mordecai send to Esther about the king’s edict? (4:8)
7. *In what specific way did Mordecai want Esther to help the Jews? (4:8)
8. Why was Mordecai’s advice to Esther dangerous for her to carry out? (4:11)
9. What was the only exception to the king’s law about a person entering his inner court uninvited? (4:11)
10. How did Mordecai answer Esther’s fears? (4:12–14)
11. What finally convinced Esther to follow Mordecai’s advice? (4:12–14)
12. *How does Mordecai’s answer to Esther reveal his belief in God’s sovereignty? (4:14)
13. What warning did Mordecai give Esther if she did not help her people? (4:14)
14. In what way did Mordecai believe that God had already worked His sovereign will in Esther’s life? (4:14)
15. *How did Esther prepare for her meeting with the king? (4:15–16)
16. What risk did Esther take to save her people from annihilation? (4:16)
Get It
1. What kind of relationship did Esther and Mordecai have?
2. What character traits of Esther would you like to have?
3. What action did Esther take to prepare herself for the life-and-death challenge she faced?
4. Where did Esther get her courage?
5. In what kind of circumstances is it good for Christians to fast and pray?
6. *How can you depend on the Lord and on other mature Christians to help you through difficult times?
7. What risks are you willing to take for doing what is right?
8. *What does this passage teach us about God’s sovereignty and our responsibility?
9. What difference does it make that God is sovereign, as Esther acknowledged?
Apply It
1. What can you do to prepare yourself to deal with challenges that require courage?
2. *What steps can you take to depend on God and Christian friends to help you?
3. How could you acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty in your life?
Esther’s Request to the King—Esther 5:1–14
Topics: Abundance, Accomplishments, Affirmation, Approval, Composure, Courage, Danger, Ego, Generosity, Greed, Help, Invitation, Materialism, Needs, Patience, Plans, Pleasure, Preparation, Priorities, Questions, Risk, Wealth
Open It
1. *What things are most valued and sought after by many people these days?
2. Why do you think people strive after money and power when those things do not bring true happiness?
3. What brings you the most satisfaction in life?
Explore It
1. Why did Esther approach the king uninvited? (5:1)
2. How did the king react to Queen Esther’s presence in his court? (5:2)
3. Of what significance is the fact that the king held out his golden scepter? (5:2)
4. *What did the king offer to Esther? (5:3)
5. What did Queen Esther ask of the king? (5:4)
6. How does the tension and suspense in the story build? (5:4–8)
7. What infuriated Haman after he attended Esther’s banquet? (5:9)
8. Why was Haman most proud? (5:10–13)
9. *What do we learn about Haman at this point? (5:11)
10. *What kept Haman from enjoying all of his success and wealth? (5:13)
11. What advice did Haman’s wife and friends give him? (5:14)
12. How did Haman feel about his friends’ advice? (5:14)
13. Why did Haman build gallows? (5:14)
Get It
1. What risks did Esther take when she approached the king?
2. What does the king’s generosity reveal about Esther’s character?
3. How is Esther a good example to us today?
4. What do you admire about Esther?
5. What do you find repulsive about Haman?
6. What can we learn from the negative example of Haman?
7. *What character traits of Haman should we be careful to avoid?
8. What does this passage reveal about wealth, power, and happiness?
9. Why was Haman not satisfied?
10. *How have you seen pride hurt your relationship with the Lord or others?
11. How can Christians guard against the sin of pride?
Apply It
1. *What can you do today to restore any relationship damaged by pride?
2. What is one way you can place your focus on serving God and off of getting money and influencing others?
Mordecai Honored—Esther 6:1–14
Topics: Advice, Ambition, Answers, Assumptions, Authority, Blessing, Consequences, Ego, Embarrassment, Example, Expectations, Faults, Honor, Humiliation, Instructions, Justice, Obedience, Position, Power, Pride, Privilege, Questions, Remembering, Rewards, Shame
Open It
1. *What were some of your favorite bedtime stories growing up?
2. What do people usually think of someone who “toots his (or her) own horn”?
3. What elements make a story interesting to you?
4. What interesting literary techniques have you noticed in Bible stories?
Explore It
1. What did King Xerxes do to deal with insomnia? (6:1)
2. What did the king discover when the book of the chronicles was read to him? (6:2)
3. What honor had Mordecai received for exposing the men who plotted to assassinate the king? (6:3)
4. Why did Haman enter the outer court of the king? (6:4)
5. *What advice did the king request of Haman? (6:6)
6. What significant detail did the king choose to exclude from his question to Haman? (6:6)
7. *What did Haman assume about the king’s question? (6:6)
8. How did Haman flatter the king? (6:7–9)
9. What did Haman think would be the best way to be honored by the king? (6:7–9)
10. What command did King Xerxes give to Haman? (6:10)
11. *What humiliating action was Haman forced to take because of his arrogance? (6:11)
12. How did Haman feel about honoring Mordecai? (6:12–13)
13. How did Haman’s wife and friends react to what had happened? (6:13)
Get It
1. What is ironic about what happened to Haman and Mordecai?
2. How do we see the sovereignty of God at work in the lives of these people?
3. How have you seen God’s sovereignty at work in your own life?
4. *In what way does this event encourage you to do what is right even though you do not always see immediate rewards in it?
5. What will eventually happen to people who love God and obey Him?
6. How did Haman’s pride influence the events of this story?
7. What are some of the consequences of pride?
8. Who or what tempts you to feel proud?
9. *How can we protect ourselves against the temptation to be proud or arrogant?
10. What temptations to pride do you expect to face this coming week?
Apply It
1. What concrete actions can you take this week to cultivate a spirit of humility?
2. *How can you prepare yourself for the temptations to pride you expect to face this week?
3. How can you encourage a friend to persevere in doing what is right even if it hurts?
Haman Hanged—Esther 7:1–10
Topics: Accusation, Actions, Anger, Answers, Assumptions, Authority, Consequences, Convictions, Death, Deceit, Despair, Discipline, Emotions, Flattery, Help, Injustice, Intentions, Judging Others, Motives, Plans, Position, Power, Punishment, Risk, Truth, Wisdom
Open It
1. How would you go about asking your boss for a really big favor?
2. *When have you ever exposed an injustice, and what happened as a result?
3. In what settings is it difficult for you to stand up for what you believe?
Explore It
1. What did the king offer Queen Esther at the banquet she prepared for him? (7:1–2)
2. How did the queen present her request to King Xerxes? (7:1–4)
3. *What did Esther ask of the king? (7:3–4)
4. How did King Xerxes react to Esther’s request? (7:5)
5. Whom did Esther reveal as the person behind the plot to kill her people? (7:6)
6. What did the king do when he discovered the truth about Haman? (7:7)
7. How did Haman react when his wicked plan was exposed? (7:7)
8. *What final twist in the story guaranteed Haman’s demise? (7:8)
9. What tidbit of information did one of the king’s eunuchs mention at this opportune point in the story? (7:9)
10. How did the eunuch’s revelation to the king further indict Haman? (7:9)
11. What ironic circumstances surrounded Haman’s death? (7:9–10)
12. *How was the king’s fury finally abated? (7:10)
Get It
1. How do you see God’s hand at work in the events of this story?
2. When have you felt you were in an impossible situation?
3. How has God helped you through difficult circumstances in your life?
4. What does this story reveal about the consequences of sin?
5. *In what ways do you think Christians should be involved in confronting injustice?
6. What injustices do you see in your community, place of work, or church?
7. *What can you do to confront the injustice you see around you?
8. How is Esther’s wisdom displayed in this part of her story?
9. In what way can you follow Esther’s example to solve a problem in your life?
10. What have you learned from this passage about problem solving?
11. What problem or challenge are you now facing?
Apply It
1. How can you praise the Lord for His sovereign work in your difficult situations?
2. *What is one small step you could take this week to confront an injustice that concerns you?
3. In what situation do you need to stand up more firmly for what you believe?
The King’s Edict in Behalf of the Jews—Esther 8:1–17
Topics: Actions, Advice, Answers, Authority, Compromise, Consequences, Courage, Danger, Determination, Escape, Fairness, Family, Fear, Government, Help, Honor, Hope, Influence, Joy, Justice, Leadership, Loyalty, Needs, Position, Power, Problems, Protection, Responsibility, Rewards, Risk, Status, Thankfulness
Open It
1. *Whom do you admire most, and why?
2. What sacrifices would you be willing to make for the people you love?
3. For what cause or person would you be willing to risk your life?
Explore It
1. What did Esther gain from risking her life to stand up for her people? (8:1)
2. How was Mordecai honored by the king? (8:2; 15)
3. Why did Esther have to plead with the king a second time? (8:3)
4. *What dilemma did the king face? (8:3–8)
5. How did the king respond to Esther’s request? (8:4)
6. How did Esther suggest to solve the quandary the Jews were in? (8:5)
7. Why did Esther want the king to overrule Haman’s edict? (8:5–6)
8. How did the king insure that his second edict would not be revoked? (8:8)
9. To whom did the king give the responsibility for drafting the new decree? (8:8)
10. *How was Mordecai involved in saving the Jewish people? (8:9–10)
11. In what way did the king’s new edict provide a way out for the Jews? (8:11)
12. How did Mordecai insure that all Jews would be able to protect themselves? (8:12–14)
13. How did the Jews react to the king’s edict? (8:16–17)
14. *In what way did Mordecai’s actions affect not only the Jews but also people of other nationalities? (8:17)
Get It
1. How did Esther risk her life for the second time?
2. What have you had to sacrifice for your faith?
3. *What value is there in taking a risk to do what is right?
4. How do the benefits of faith in Christ compare to the costs?
5. What blessings has the Lord given to you?
6. What does this story reveal about God’s treatment of righteous versus wicked people?
7. *How is God’s control and direction evident in this story even though He is never mentioned directly?
8. In what specific ways have you seen God at work in your life?
Apply It
1. How can you thank the Lord today for the blessings He has given you?
2. *What specific risk would you be willing to take this next week to stand up for what is right?
3. Who is one person you could tell this week about God’s desire to help and guide him or her?
Triumph of the Jews—Esther 9:1–10:3
Topics: Actions, Celebration, Challenge, Consequences, Courage, Danger, Effectiveness, Effort, Encouragement, Enemies, Generosity, Gifts, Greatness, Honor, Integrity, Joy, Justice, Leadership, Opportunities, Poor, Protection, Remembering, Revenge, Righteousness, Traditions
Open It
1. What family traditions are most important to you?
2. *Which traditions in your family have spiritual significance to you?
3. Why do people establish traditions?
Explore It
1. What did the Jews’ enemies plan to do when they heard about the king’s first edict? (9:1)
2. How were the tables turned in this situation? (9:1)
3. *How were the Jews protected from annihilation? (9:1–3)
4. In what way was Mordecai affected by these events? (9:4)
5. What happened on the day the king’s edict was to be carried out? (9:5–10)
6. What important detail did the author mention about the Jews’ behavior? (9:10; 15–16)
7. How did the king demonstrate his generosity to Esther above what he had already done? (9:12)
8. What did Esther ask the king to do for her beyond the requests she had already made? (9:13)
9. How did the Jews get relief from their enemies? (9:16)
10. Why did the Jews in Susa celebrate on a different day from the Jews in rural areas? (9:18–19)
11. *Why did Mordecai tell the Jews to celebrate? (9:20–22)
12. How did the author of this book summarize the events that had taken place? (9:24–28)
13. *What did the celebration of Purim represent to the Jews? (9:28)
14. How did Queen Esther confirm the celebration of Purim? (9:29–32)
15. Why was Mordecai held in such high esteem in the kingdom? (10:3)
Get It
1. How would you characterize Mordecai?
2. In what specific ways is Mordecai a good role model for us today?
3. What character traits do you see in Esther or Mordecai that you would like to have?
4. What responsibility do you have to speak up for the welfare of your Christian brothers and sisters?
5. What did the Jews do after God had delivered them from their enemies?
6. How have you experienced God’s help or deliverance in your life?
7. How can we celebrate God’s goodness today?
8. *What should motivate us to give gifts to the poor?
9. *What celebration could you turn into an opportunity to do good for others?
10. How can we use family traditions to celebrate and share God’s goodness?
11. How does this passage encourage you to strive after righteousness?
Apply It
1. What good deed could you do this week to thank God for His goodness to you?
2. *What is one new tradition you could start in your family that would benefit others?
Adult Questions for LESSONmaker (2024). Bellingham, WA: Logos, p. Es 1:1–10:3.