Bible Study on Esther - Esther; A Woman Like Me
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| Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor (Image credit: Hymnslab.com) |
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be performed.
7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
AIM: To teach us the need to apply wisdom in a critical situation. And also learn to recognize God in all the events of our lives.
Introduction
When people are in critical situations, and endeavor to act singly and honestly, wisdom is granted to them to direct their course Prov. 3: 35; 9: 12. In this book of Esther, we can see God’s providential care. God’s name is nowhere seen in this book but God’s hand is nowhere missing! He is “standing somewhere in the shadows”. Although Esther once had the sought opportunity to turn the King against Haman the enemy of the Jews, she did not immediately present the request which was nearest to her heart. James 1: 19.
Bible Study on Esther - Esther; A Woman Like Me
Questions for Discussion
1. What was Esther like? What were her weaknesses? What were her strengths? Est 4: 1-5: 8.
2. What are the “chances” or events that set a new direction for Esther? Est. 1: 10-12; 2vrs9 and 5: 1-4.
(2b) Think and point out in your life the events that brought a turning point just like Esther.
3. What can you say were the reasons why Esther delayed her request? Est 5: 4-7.
(b) Will you do the same if u were in her shoe? Why? Prov. 16: 23.
(c) Point out those tools that Esther used to do exploit and redeem her uncle and people? Est. 4:15-17; 5:1;
(5) Our introduction points to God’s hand even though His name was not mentioned, what are those God’s providential cares on Esther? Est. 2: 9&15.
5b). What three lessons can be drawn from Esther’s story?