Esther - Lesson One - Day 1

Please carefully read Esther 1:1-4 and answer the following questions.

1.  What are some of the facts describing the setting of this story (vv. 1, 2)?
2.  What did Ahasuerus decide to do at this time, and for whom (v. 3)? 

3.  What types of things did he do during this six month celebration (v. 4)? 

NOTE:  Ahasuerus had inherited a tremendous fortune from his father, Darius I, and had his treasures on display for 180 days. The seven day banquet mentioned in the next section culminated this celebration.[iii]  As many as 15,000 people were entertained at Persian banquets; one Assyrian king had a ten-day feast for 69,574![iv]

4.  The purpose of this extravaganza becomes more obvious through the word meanings in v. 4.  The word showed meant to make others see and understand something; glorious had poetically been used to describe the soul of something.[v]  Ahasuerus was trying to get them to see and understand his power, the very soul of himself and his kingdom by this “tremendous display of the opulent wealth and glory of his empire” (nlt).   Ahasuerus lived for his possessions, passions, and pride.  How does 1 John 2:15–17 warn about the danger of living for this world and what it has to offer?  What warning is also found about prideful people in Proverbs 16:18–19?
 

5.  We need to ask ourselves whether we are living for the things of this world, or are we living for God’s kingdom?  What does Mark 8:36–37 and Luke 16:13 warn us about this?  What should we be pursuing instead (Ephesians 1:18-20)?

Scripture Memory:  This week we will be memorizing 1 John 2:15–16.  Review the passage several times throughout the day each day this week, and by the end of the week you should have it memorized completely.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 1 John 2:15–16 nkjv)

Click here for Day Two