When did the events of Esther take place? Why is this important?

The events of Esther took place between Ezra 1-6 and Ezra 7. God had made a way for his people to go back home, but many of them stayed. It shows that Mordecai and Esther should not have been in Persia still, but despite this, God was still being patient and gracious towards his people.

Why is it important that we know who Haman is? Where does he come from?

The BIble tells us that Haman is an Agagite. The Agagites should have been devoted to destruction (see 1 Samuel 15:8-9). Agag was from Amalek (Exodus 17:8-16, Numbers 24:20, Deuteronomy 25:17). They were devoted to destruction as the seed of the serpent always at war with God’s people since Genesis 3:15. Haman is acting in the footsteps of his ancestors and the powers of the evil serpent, Satan.

What do we see about who God is from this book? Explain the difference between God’s Sovereignty and his Providence?

The Book of Esther shows us about how God is at work in so many details. Though his name is not mentioned in the book at all, he is working. God’s providence means that he is at work to save his people and work for their ultimate good and for his glory. God’s sovereignty means that he has the ultimate authority and power to do what he desires.

Is God mentioned in the book? How do you still see him working?

God is not mentioned in the book at all, but you see him working to save his people in every chapter. The fact that Esther was a Jew and then became queen of a pagan nation is one. Also, when Mordecai ‘just so happens’ to hear the plot, the king can’t sleep, Esther’s banquets, Hamah preparing gallows for Mordecai, and many others.

How are the stories of Mordecai and Esther like what happened to Jesus? How are they different?

The stories of Mordecai and Esther foreshadow what would happen with Christ. Through foreign kingdoms and wicked rulers, Satan was working to kill the Son of God (see Psalm 2:4, Acts 2). He succeeded. However, God was still at work in his providence and sovereignty to raise Jesus from the dead and give life and salvation to any who trust and believe in him. Jesus victory is not just for the Jews, but for all peoples. Jesus triumphed over his enemies and we can too. Satan and sin and death no longer hold power over us because of what Jesus accomplished. In this, all the victories of Mordecai and Esther and the Jews in the book of Esther show a greater victory, a greater sacrifice, and a greater savior.

What does this mean for me?

It means that we can trust in God’s goodness and in his salvation. It means that God is at work in our lives in ways we may not be able to see. And it means that even thought we were enemies of God, we can become a part of his people and receive salvation by trusting and giving our lives to Christ, the crucified Messiah. Praise God for his grace and mercy to us and made us his people as well.