Teaching Notes

TH1077: ESTHER

As we continue our study in the book of Esther, king Ahasuerus is on the throne in Persia. And he was truly a man governed by his flesh. During one of his 6 month parties, which was also a planning and strategy meeting for his leaders of the 127 provinces which he ruled over, he asked for his queen, Vashti, to either show her beauty to these men by coming before them unveiled or just wearing her crown. Whatever the case, it was inappropriate and thus she refused to honor the kings request.

The kings wise men hear of what has transpired and they counsel the king to depose Vashti of her position as queen. If the king does nothing about this rebellious woman, and the rest of the women find out what she has done, then no man will be able to control his wife. And the king listens to these men and their counsel and makes a decree to remove Vashti from her position as queen, never to see the king again.

It is after this that king Ahasuerus gathers his men together to do battle against the Greeks and to avenge the defeat of his father by the Greeks. But Ahasuerus, like his father Darius I, lost the battle and much of the wealth of the kingdom. And as he returns home in disgrace, he is also returning home to a kingdom without a queen.

Now his servants must have picked up on his sorrow, for they encourage the king to have a beauty contest to find the most beautiful virgin girl, who would become the next queen in Persia. And this king is all for it and sends out men to go and TAKE these women and bring them back so that the king may choose one. Each girl had 1 year of preparation, beautification, before she spent the night with the king. And if he liked her he would call for her again, and if he did not like her, she would be banished to his harem, which was the fate of most of the girls.

Esther, a Jew, is also picked to go before the king. And she not only finds favor in the eyes of the kings eunuch, but also in the eyes of the king, who falls in love with her and makes her his queen. It is after all of this that Mordecai, the cousin of Esther and the one who helped to raise her after the death of her parents, over hears of an assassination plot on the king. So Mordecai gets word to Esther, who tells the king, and the plot is foiled and these men impaled on stakes. And for some reason, Mordecai is not rewarded for his good deed, as was the custom, which will play a vital role in what will transpire in tonight's study.

After this, Haman is introduced as second in command in the kingdom of Persia. Not a well liked man and so the king makes a command that all are to bow before Haman. And all do, except for one man, Mordecai. He would not bow before Haman and that made Haman furious. Haman is so angry over this that he gets the king to make a decree that on the 13th day of the 12th month, all the Jews that are in the kingdom were to be wiped out. And copies were sent and posted in all the 127 provinces, which left many people in confusion over this situation, and left the Jews fearful of what was going to transpire. For 12 months they saw their death sentence posted before their eyes.

With all that in mind, lets turn to Esther chapter 4, as Mordecai and the Jewish people are lamenting over this disturbing and hopeless situation.

ESTHER 4

VERSE 1

1. It was not time to keep silent but to let his feelings be known about this decree or death sentence that has been placed upon him and his Jewish brethren. And this outward showing of his feelings will also get to the attention of the queen, who really did not have a lot of contact with the outside world.

2. It has been said "All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing!" The things we see happening in our communities, in our nation, in the world, should not cause us to do nothing or to hide ourselves, but should cause us to fall to our knees and ask God to intervene, to see lives changed. You see, the only way to dispel the darkness around us is with the light. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:14a, 16 "You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

VERSE 2

1. Mordecai could not go before the king mourning over this situation, for the king was not interested in the peoples feelings. He was only concerned about himself, and he only wanted to see good, things.

VERSE 3

1. Don't think that this decree was just empty words, for it was a death sentence for all the Jews. They recognized that fact and it drove them to their knees, crying out to God for help. They rightly recognized that they could not stop these things from transpiring without God's help.

VERSE 4

1. Mordecai was not interested in new clothes, but that is what Esther sends him. She does not even know what the problem is, she is unaware of this decree. As Christians may we be sensitive to the needs of others and not just give them a pat on the back. Listen to their concerns, their problems and ask God to give you wisdom in what you need to do in that situation.

VERSE 5

1. Esther can't go directly to Mordecai, so she sends one of her servants to find out why Mordecai is lamenting, and wearing sackcloth.

VERSES 6-9

1. Mordecai wants to make sure that Esther is totally aware of what is going to happen, and to make sure she doesn't think that this is just a misunderstanding, he sends a copy of this decree to her. And Mordecai wants Esther to let the king know what he has done.

2. I find it interesting that Esther is isolated within the walls of her palace, totally unaware of what is happening around her, in the world. Many people, Christians, do the same thing. They isolate themselves in monasteries and convents so that they might purify themselves and connect with God. But in trying to do that, they have disconnected themselves from the rest of the world. We also see Christians that hide themselves within the walls of the church, never wanting to hear or see what is happening to people. Again, in doing that they are walking through life with blinders on, with their head in the sand, never knowing what is going on around them. We need to be aware so we can minister to people.

VERSES 10-11

1. As Esther hears what is happening she sends word back to Mordecai that there is not much she can do about this situation. Her hands are tied. The king has not requested to see her for 30 days now and if she just presents herself before the king, without being called, she could be put to death. He may be gracious and hold out his scepter and spare her life, but that is not guaranteed. And why take a chance when the king has not called for her these 30 days, it doesn't sound like he wants to see her.

VERSES 12-14

1. I see 3 important points emerge from these verses. First of all, if Esther does nothing, she too will perish when this decree is carried out, for she was a Jew. She could not hide behind her position, for ALL Jews were to be put to death!

2. The second point is this. If Esther refuses to step in and try to stop this evil plan from being carried out, then God will raise up someone else to deliver His people. God was not interested in her excuses for not taking that step of faith, but rather will she take that step or will she refuse to take that step of faith. I believe Mordecai knew from the Scriptures that somehow, some way, God would spare His people. As God said to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3 "Now the LORD had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'" And in Deuteronomy 18:18-19 we read "'I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.'" And again, if she refused to take that step of faith, as frightening as it may be, God will use someone else to work through and deliver His people.

3. The third point is this. Esther's entire life may have been directed so that she may fulfill this one task and save the Jews from destruction. Her entire life was prepared for this moment, and yet it is her choice in what she will do. As Paul said in Philippians 2:13 "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." And in Proverbs 24:11-12 we read "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'Surely we did not know this,' Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?"

4. Let me conclude this section by saying this, if you know what needs to be done, and yet you refuse to step in, God says that is a sin. James says in James 4:17 regarding this point "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." God wants you to take those steps of faith, not because you are so great or so talented, or so smart, but because God is and He will strengthen you for the work He has called you to do, or if you refuse, you will be put on the shelf and God will work through someone else.

VERSES 15-17

1. We all come to crossroads in our life, just as Esther did. And she is willing to take that step of faith, but before she does, she has all the Jews in Shushan, all her maids, fasting and in that I believe that prayer also is involved, and prayer to God. She was willing to risk all to take that step of faith, trusting in God to spare her people. She committed her life to God and basically said "All of me or none of me!" It is as Job said "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him..." Job 13:15. The day of reckoning is coming, it is only 3 days away!

ESTHER 5

VERSES 1-2

1. James 2:17 tells us "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." It was now time to put into practice that which she believed in her heart, it was time to act! Now as the king sees her, he was once again struck by her beauty and called her to come into his presence. In saying that we must also be aware that God is in total control, working out His plan though the various people. It is as proverbs 21:1 says "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."

VERSE 3

1. This expression "It shall be given to you - up to half my kingdom" was just a form of hyperbole or an exaggeration, but the point being made is that whatever she requested, whatever she desired, would be given to her.

VERSES 4-5

1. Some commentators believe that Esther got cold feet, and she kind of side-stepped the kings question. It showed a lack of faith on her part. I disagree with that. She has just spent 3 days fasting and praying, and I believe that God was directing her in what to say and what to do.

2. Her first request is that a banquet be thrown for the king, for Haman, and for herself. And the king obliges her request.

VERSES 6-8

1. Esther is waiting for the right time and the right place to tell the king of her request. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven."

VERSE 9a

1. Haman was thrilled at the direction his life was going. He has already had one meeting with the king and his queen and he must have felt that they liked him very much, for they wanted to have dinner with him once again. He was on the top of the world till...

VERSE 9b

1. Isn't it amazing how one minute we can be on top of the world, walking on water, and then the next minute full of wrath and anger. Haman was euphoric about the good fortune that had come upon his live UNTIL he sees Mordecai, and that just makes him angry that this Jew refused to bow before a man like him. But as Psalm 7:14-16 says "Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown."

VERSES 10-13

1. Haman had everything and he is boasting to his family and friends of all his greatness and the honor that the king and queen have shone him and only him. And with all that he had, it still wasn't enough because every day he saw that Jew, Mordecai, who refused to give him the honor he deserved.

2. The world is filled with people that are never satisfied with what they have. They covet others possessions, others spouses and-so-on. And each time they conquer another mountain it still is not enough for them. You see, they are trying to fill that void in their hearts with things that will never fully satisfy, and they will be longing for more. Only Christ can and will satisfy, only He can fill that void in your heart. As Psalm 17:15 says "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness."

VERSE 14

1. These people are ruthless. They tell Haman to impale Mordecai on a 75 foot stake that he has erected in his backyard. And after he finishes that, he can go to the banquet and enjoy himself. He once again is feeling good and all he has to do is get the kings permission to carry out his plan.

ESTHER 6

VERSE 1

1. I believe the king had a God induced insomnia, for God wanted the king to review some history of the kingdom. I love what the king does to make himself sleepy, he gets the history books out and has them read to him. And he must have thought to himself, "If this doesn't put me to sleep, nothing will!"

VERSES 2-3

1. Out of the volumes of books that could have been read, they turn to the incident with Mordecai uncovering the assassination plot against the king. And as this story brings back those memories of this incident, he could not remember what was done for Mordecai for doing that good deed. And he finds out that they forgot to do anything. And again, this is all the hand of God working out His plan so save His people from destruction.

VERSE 4

1. As the day was breaking forth, Haman got up very early to get an early start so that he could be the first to meet with the king and put forth his request to have Mordecai put to death. Now as Haman reaches the court, the king wanted to know if anyone is out there, and talk about your coincidence, Haman is in the court. For Christians, there is no such thing as bad or good luck, there is no such thing as a coincidence, only the hand of God! In Psalm 33:13-15 we read "The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works." And in Isaiah 40:28 we read "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable."

VERSES 5-6

1. Don't tell me that God doesn't have a sense of humor. Look at what is taking place now. The king asks Haman "What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?" And this egotistical Haman thought the king was talking about him. Talk about Pride! As Proverbs 16:18 says "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall."

VERSES 7-9

1. Haman has no idea the king is referring to Mordecai, the man he hates and wants to kill. Thus, because Haman thinks the king is talking about him, he just opens his heart and spills out all the things that would make him feel happy. All the things that would feed his ego. He loved that kind of honor, and he feed on that kind of honor. But...

VERSE 10

1. Can you imagine how fast the color must have drained from this mans face! I bet he just wanted to find a place and get sick. Now he is the one who has to honor Mordecai instead of Mordecai honoring him. And as sick and angry as he must have felt inside, he could not let his emotions be seen before the king. So he just has them bottled up inside of him, eating away at him, knowing that he was going to have to bow before this man.

VERSE 11

1. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for Haman to do. And all the time thinking this should have been for him and this Jew should have been put to death!

VERSE 12

1. I want you to take notice of both responses of these men. After a day of honor, Mordecai heads home, back to his daily routine. He was a humble man who did not allow the honor to go to his head. Many today get a taste of honor and they hunger for more and more of it. Not Mordecai, and that should also be the heart of a Christian. As James 4:10 says "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

2. Haman on the other hand had a different response to the situation. He is sick to his stomach over what has happened. He wanted the glory, he wanted the honor, he felt he deserved it. And now, if they had these things in his day, I'm sure he would have been sucking down bottles of Maalox and taking Pepcid pills to ease the pain in his stomach.

VERSES 13-14

1. These are the same ones that told Haman to kill Mordecai, but now they realize that God's hand is upon Mordecai and the Jews, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop Him. Instead of Mordecai being put to death, Haman will. Nice friends. They jumped off the band wagon very quickly once it got a flat tire. They saw the tide quickly turning against Haman.

2. As all of this is going on, the kings Eunuch's come by to pick up Haman for the banquet he is to attend. And this is where we will pick up our story next week as we conclude the book of Esther.