Esther - Lesson Seven - Day 1

Reaping What is Sown
For Such a Time as This
Life Lessons from the Book of Esther

LAST WEEK IN REVIEW

Lesson 6 brought us to the beginning of the climax of the Book of Esther.  In it we saw the hand of God’s providence displayed like nowhere else in the Bible.  All of God’s chess pieces were in place, and He began to unfold the moves that would lead to a divine pronouncement of “Checkmate!”  It was amazing how this unfolded:

A providential insomnia fell upon Ahasuerus, causing him to ask for a reading from the chronicles; out of 12 years’ records of his reign the attendant just happened to select the text about Mordecai’s actions saving the king’s life

A providential arrival of Haman into the king’s court, of course with his own intentions, but to have an unknowing role in the honoring of Mordecai

A providential narcissism blinded Haman to the point he himself chose the great honor to be bestowed on his very enemy

A providential irony displayed as Haman led his enemy around town proclaiming his greatness, then rushed home in shame and mourning while Mordecai humbly returned to his duties

A providential downfall begins for Haman, with even his own wife and friends proclaiming that he was on the way out as long as he opposed Mordecai

This week we reach the climax of the story as we read of the ultimate downfall of this man.  Chapters 8–10 will record the resolution of the remaining details of the story, as well as giving us a glimpse of the Jewish holiday of Purim and its significance.

DAY ONE: The Generous Offer

Please carefully read Esther 7:1—2 and answer the following questions.

1.  As you remember from last week, we read that the servants came to interrupt Haman’s pity party and took him to Esther’s banquet.  What do you think his attitude would have been in facing the things that lay before him that afternoon?

2.  In the latter part of the feast when the wine was being served, what did Ahasuerus ask (v. 2)?

NOTE:  The second day means that this was the second feast as mentioned in the last chapter, not that this feast was two days long.[i][i]

3.  Ahasuerus was quite generous with his offer to Esther.  This serves as a picture of God’s generous offer of listening to and responding to our prayers.  He wishes us to come before Him with our needs and intercessions.  The word petition in Hebrew meant a request, prayer, something that was obtained by entreating another,[ii][ii] and request meant a desire or something sought, especially in a request made to royalty.[iii][iii]

What are some things that you read about God’s generous offer of hearing and responding to our petitions and requests from the following passages?

            Psalm 50:15; 91:15

            Jeremiah 29:12—13

            Matthew 7:7—11

            John 15:7; 16:23, 24

            Romans 8:26, 27, 32; Ephesians 3:20

Scripture Memory:  This week we will be memorizing Galatians 6:7-8.  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 be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  Galatians 6:7—8 (nkjv)