As we come to Esther 5 we see Esther’s resolve begin to turn into action. She boldly approaches King Ahasuerus successfully and then hosts her first banquet for the king and Haman. Esther is planning to expose Haman's wickedness. The narrator of the story is preparing us for the great fall of Haman. We are starting to see God's providential positioning of Esther as she uses her influence to save God's covenant people.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
In verse 2, Esther is called 'Queen Esther'. She is called 'Queen' fourteen times in the book. How many of these happen in chapters 1-4? What does this change of description indicate about how Esther is changing?
How are we readers left after chapter 5? What are our questions? What might we expect to find next in the narrative?
FEELING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
What insights are we given into Haman’s heart in this chapter? What lessons can we learn?
DOING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
What are some ways in which you are called to step out in faith today? What makes it hard to do?
If we take steps of faith, what can we expect from God? What can we not necessarily expect?
Some questions adapted from Teaching Ruth & Esther by Christopher Ash & Knowing The Bible: Ruth and Esther.
