Esther 01
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Two thousand five hundred years ago one of the most amazing dramas of all time unfolded in the heart of the world's super power. A young girl named Hadassah became queen. Her adopted father pushed her to endanger her life for the life of her people. Hadassah was reluctant. Her settled determination became, “If I perish, I perish” (Est. 4:16).The book of Esther tells one of the most moving stories of all time. Some believe it is fictional. We know it is historic. It inspires us: To have faith in God; To know God is in control; To take a stand for what is right - for God’s people & for His kingdom; To think we might be in the “kingdom for such a time as this.”This is the first of several lessons from Esther and will look at:1. Background.2. Overview of chapter 1.3. Lessons from chapter 1.
Transcript of Esther 01
Amazing drama 2,500 years ago✲ Young woman✲ Great danger – life & death✲ No choice
Introduction
One of the most inspiring stories of all time✲ Faith in God✲ Know God is in control✲ Take a stand✲ We are here “for such a time as this”
Esther
Introduction
Background
Chapter 1
Lessons
Esther
Esther Introduction
Persian Empire – “super power”✲ India to Ethiopia, Est. 1:1
Background
Esther Introduction
Esther Introduction
Persian Empire – “super power”✲ India to Ethiopia, Est. 1:1✲ Capital: Susa, Est. 1:2✲ Conquered Babylon, Dan. 5:30, 31✲ King Ahasuerus (Xerxes): 486-465 BC
Background
Esther Introduction
Events take place 483-473 BC✲ Judah conquered by Babylon 606-586 BC✲ Esther’s great-grandfather captive in 597 BC✲ Daughter of Abihail, Est. 2:15✲ Cousin of Mordecai, Est. 2:5-7✲ Fits between Ezra 6 & 7✲ Chapter 1: before Xerxes invaded Greece✲ Chapter 2: after humiliating defeat in Greece
Background
Esther Introduction
Purpose – Theme✲ Providence of God
◇ God not mentioned◇ Worship not mentioned◇ Prayer not mentioned
✲ Origin of Purim✲ God exalts the humble
& humbles the exalted
Background
Esther Introduction
Glory of the kingdom displayed 180 days, Est. 1:1-9
✲ Building confidence✲ Seven-day feast, Est. 1:5-8
◇ For all the capital◇ Opulent fixtures◇ Women had separate feast
Chapter 1
Esther Introduction
Queen Vashti ordered to display her beauty, Est. 1:10-12
✲ Xerxes intoxicated, 1:10✲ Improper✲ Vashti refused
Chapter 1
Esther Introduction
Xerxes & advisors acts against the queen, Est. 1:13-22
✲ Angry & drunk, 1:12✲ Council likely intoxicated✲ Vashti removed from being queen✲ Decree
◇ Women to honor husbands◇ Man is the master of his home
Chapter 1
Esther Introduction
Money is the root of all kinds of evil,1 Tim. 6:6-10
✲ Arrogance for Xerxes✲ Wealth & power does not equal leadership✲ Christians to pursue righteousness,
1 Tim. 6:11-14
Lessons
Esther Introduction
Intoxication leads to foolish actions,Prov. 31:4, 5
✲ Caused a “national crisis”✲ Not wise, Prov. 20:1✲ Be sober to fight the devil, 1 Pt. 5:8, 9
Lessons
Esther Introduction
Poor advisors lead to poor advice,Prov. 13:20
✲ Need people to clarify your thinking✲ Need wounds of a friend, Prov. 27:6✲ Seek exhortation, Heb. 3:12, 13
Lessons
Esther Introduction
A man is the head of his household,Eph. 5:22-24
✲ Sacrificial love, Eph. 5:25✲ Cherish & nourish, Eph. 5:28, 29✲ Respect wife’s dignity, 1 Pt. 3:1-7
Lessons
Introduction
One of the most inspiring stories of all time✲ Faith in God✲ Know God is in control✲ Take a stand✲ We are here “for such a time as this”
Esther
