After mourning the devastating news of Haman's plan, Mordecai and Esther plan to intervene. We see in this chapter the weak and vulnerable believer going into the place of ultimate power to mediate and plead for the deliverance of her people. The rescue of the entire covenant people hinges on the decision Esther makes. The events of the rest of the book flow from Esther's decision in this chapter. Had she not resolved as she did, the story would have been very different indeed
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
Mordecai tears his clothes (v. 1). Read Numbers 14:6, 2 Samuel 1:11; 3:31; 13:31, Isaiah 36:22 and Ezra 9:3 to help you understand what this gesture means.
Read Genesis 12:1-3. This original covenant with Abraham lies behind the story. How does it help explain what Mordecai says in verse 14?
Mordecai’s famous final statement in verse 14 offers a positive argument. What assumptions are at work in this “Who knows . . .”? To what is Mordecai turning Esther’s thoughts here?
FEELING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Esther's situation is unique. In what she is about to do, she foreshadows a greater Mediator. How does her courage at the end of the chapter make us grateful for the even greater courage and mediation of Jesus Christ?
How does this display the love of God for his covenant people?
DOING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
How does the gospel Mordecai preaches in verse 14 encourage you to follow Jesus today, despite the pressures?
How do you think God may have put you in your present circumstances 'for such a time as this'? How can you – like Esther and above all like Jesus – be faithful where God has put you?
Some questions adapted from Teaching Ruth & Esther by Christopher Ash & Knowing The Bible: Ruth and Esther.
