The author is unknown, but some biblical scholars conclude that it was mordecai, himself, who wrote the book of esther. Esther a2 classic bible study guide 2 introduction the book of esther is a graphic narrative, which relates how gods people were preserved from ruin during the fifth century b. In this sixweek study, explore the subject of gods providence, walking verse by verse through the book of esther. Its tough being a woman bible study book by beth moore provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this indepth womens bible study of esther a profile in courage. The questions contain minimal human commentary, but instead urge students to study to understand scripture. This workbook was designed for bible class study, family study, or personal study. Back in deuteronomy, before god brought the israelites into the promised land, he outlined their history for them. The book of esther begins with the queen of king ahasuerusvashtisnubbing the kings request to meet with her. Book of esther overview insight for living ministries. The events of the book of esther occurred between 483 and 473 bc. It also reveals deep and abiding spiritual truths about gods power to deliver us from danger and oppression, even when despotic rulers plan to do evil to gods people.
And watch god silently weave all events for his glory. This book particularly teaches us the invisible care of god for those of his people who preferred to stay in the land of exile although they could have returned to palestine since the days of king cyrus of persia see book of ezra. Studying the book of esther is well worth your time. Chapter one chapter two chapter three chapter four chapter five chapter six the book of esther bible study.
Although we do not know who wrote the book of esther, from internal evidence it is possible to make some inferences about the author. The book takes its name from the beautiful, orphaned jewess who became the queen of the persian king ahasuerus. Esther bible study part 1 the story of esther is one of the most exciting and inspiring in all the word of god. The book of esther has served the jewish people as support of their national hope and especially so in the days of persecution.
The author of the book of esther is unknown, though some attribute the work to mordecai. Naturally, being a rather unstable fellow, ahasuerus firesslashdivorces her. Have you ever looked into the life of queen esther and her bravery in the bible. Esther with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. Esthers character was such that she played her part in a noble manner regardless of what was asked of her and without understanding the full scope of her part.
Before we get started, i want to take the time and explain what the s. God masterfully orchestrates and weaves together every detail of our lives in jawdropping ways. Although some of them faced the fearful prospect of martyrdom, they didnt back down from their devotion to the living god. The book of esther in the bible is a dramatic account which can give us insight into gods special and purposeful plan for our lives. The bible study of esther is the third one ive read in mr. What lessons can we learn today from studying the book. The book of esther 6 powerful life lessons from the bible. And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to esther, what is your petition, queen esther. You can do these studies yourself, but they are designed for group use as well.
I really like the life applications he has in his books. We love him because he first loved us, and he gave himself for us because he loves us. You are welcome to copy the studies and share them with others. You can work through this bible study on your own or with your small group, and you can go through this in ten days, or over a tenweek or semester long schedule. What is book of esther about and why should i care. Hence it belongs to the bestknown otbooks with the jews and it is also the book, which has the oldest copies. Esther questions and answers all chapters new king james chapter 1. Esther is the only book in the bible not to mention the name of god. Early jewish and christian traditions suggest that among the people named in the book, mordecai, esthers cousin and guardian, was in the best position to record the events. On march 20th, the study begins and its absolutely free. After the death of esthers parents, she was raised by mordecai, an older cousin, who served in the persian rulers palace. Something i hesitate to do in this current seasonread more.
The study extends for only three weeks, so there is no longterm commitment. Each session i create a study guide that goes along with the verses we are reading, this study guide is to help you interact with gods word and learn to dig deeper. Study scripture verses with commentary, concordances, and use highlighting, underlining, take notes in the bible. His presence permeates much of the story, as though he were behind the scenes coordinating coincidences and circumstances to make his will happen. It is clear that the author was a jew, both from his emphasis on the origin of a jewish festival and from the jewish nationalism that permeates the story. Esther bible study chapter 1 the invitation of the king. Esther is the last of the historical books of the bible, so its main character is named esther that is, venus, the morning star, which sheds its light after all the others stars have ceased to shine, and while the sun still delays to rise. Have you ever wondered if god is really involved in the circumstances of your life. Scripture 7 so the king and haman went to queen esthers banquet, 2 and as they were read more the book of esther bible study. Join beth in a very personal examination of this great story of threat and deliverance as she peels back the layers of history and shows how very.
This study guide on the book of esther was written by thomas klock of harvest christian fellowship in 2005. Pretty laid back, ask questions, give insights, share comments on the scriptures from other authors with source. She was taken to the king of the persian empire to become a part of. Esther is the heroine of the purim story, in which the jewish people who live in the sprawling persian empire are saved from haman s evil scheme to annihilate them. Although we do not know who wrote the book of esther, from internal evidence it is possible to make some inferences about the author and the date of composition. Studying the book of esther, chapters no greater joy. Esther bible study will give you a threepart look at the book of the bible that bears her name, and at its title character. Scripture that same day king xerxes gave queen esther the estate of read more the book of esther bible study.
The esther bible study provides three separate discussion studies on this part of the bible. Esther a persian word meaning star is the more familiar name of a jewish girl named hadassah which is hebrew for myrtle. Tom constables expository notes on esther this is also available in the net. Hadassah, a jewess, is the main character of the book esther 2. When i wrote my study on the book of ruth 1, i started by saying that it was a fantastic book that had it all well, apart from a nasty villain, but we cant ask for everything. Book of esther read, study bible verses online bible study tools. Scripture says mordecai recorded certain events in order to relate them to jews throughout the kingdom see esth. Herbert lockyer describes her as the woman who saved her nation from genocide. Ruth, the romance of redemption and esther, the romance of. Ive always enjoyed reading the book of esther, god used a woman in captivity to help save her nation. This summary of the book of esther provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of esther. An introduction to the book of esther an argument of the book of esther selected bibliography of the book of esther j. Esther learns of the plot as well and, at great personal risk, decides to accept the role of confronting the king about the plot and begging for his mercy. The close of the last study in esther chapter 6 saw the events drawing to a dramatic conclusion.
Chapter one chapter two chapter three chapter four chapter five chapter six chapter seven s. God directs this material universe in which we live today by his providence. The book of esther, also known in hebrew as the scroll megillah, is a book in the third. Story of esther in the bible as scripture reveals, esther is a jewish woman living in persia and reared by her cousin mordecai. The book of esther, like much of the bible, tells the story of gods involvement with his people. Did you ever hear a sermon or attend a study regarding her book. Yet, though this is true in one sense, there is more to it than that. Did you know that the book bearing her name in the old testament does not mention god even once.
The old testament story of esther is a profile in courage and contains many modern parallels for todays overloaded and stressed woman. Now he needs to pick a new queen and eventually manages to select esthera comely, young secretly jewish woman who is a. The genre of the book of esther is narrative history. The book of esther tells a compelling story, dramatic and exciting, with clearly defined heroes and villains. Chances are you were taught very little or almost nothing about esther, the woman who is one of only two the other is ruth females who have a book of the bible named after them. Bible studies in the book of esther esther chapter 1. Esther is read during the purim feast on 14th and 15th adar februarymarch. The book of esther has a james bondish, tickingtimebomb plot.
Watch our overview video on the book of esther, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. The key personalities are esther, mordecai, king ahasuerus or xerxes, and haman. Weve created a 10day study guide for you, each day working through a chapter of the exciting story of esther. Charles swindoll stated, esther is a story of triumph that grew out of tragedy, ecstasy out of agony, celebration out of devastation.
The bible is filled with accounts of men and women who trusted in god and took courageous stands to live for him. Esther bible study with free printable bible study guide. The events in the book take place from 483 bc to 473 bc, during the first half of the reign of king xerxes. Thus the deeds of queen esther cast a ray of light forward into israels history from a dark time. Ruth, the romance of redemption and esther, the romance of providence.
Its tough being a woman bible study book by beth moore if youve ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the bible study for you. The purpose of this short study is to offer information regarding this fascinating part of scripture. In esther, god providentially uses two exiled israelites to rescue his. Niv study bible, introductions to the books of the bible, esther, zondervan, 2002.
Its also heavy on action, drama, and game of thronesstyle intrigue, while being notably lacking in legal codes, commandments, theologyall that kind of thing. Esther questions and answers all chapters new king james. Study and discussion questions for book of esther by phd students from stanford, harvard, berkeley. When the turn came for esther the young woman mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle abihail to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what hegai, the kings eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. The dramatic saga was written down so that jewish people could read about the amazing turn of events every year on the holiday of purim, the anniversary of the jews victory over their enemies. So the king and haman went to dine with queen esther. Fulfilling lifes mission introduction why read this book. Jan 25, 20 the book closed with a brief tribute to the impact one life can have when courageously surrendered to god and his providential purposes. Esther bible study book and audio cd set this bundle includes one copy of the esther bible study book and the esther audio cd set. If you are interested in joining this facebook group, go to the facebook page briarwood womens ministry esther study and request to be a member.