KEEP STANDING SESSION 6. The Point. The Bible Meets Life. The Passages. The Setting GET INTO THE STUDY. 5 minutes

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1 GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes DISCUSS: Draw attention to the picture on PSG page 148 and ask Question #1: What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate? GUIDE: Direct attention to The Bible Meets Life on PSG page 149 to the author s observations about celebrating milestones. Many families also celebrate faith milestones such as baptism. SAY: We celebrate the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter. Jews celebrate Passover, Yom Kippur, and Purim, which we will learn about today. Reinforce The Point on PSG page 149: Don t become complacent maintain vigilance. PRAY: Begin the Bible study with prayer. Ask God to remind us of the importance of being steadfast as we practice our faith. SESSION 6 KEEP STANDING The Point Don t become complacent maintain vigilance. The Bible Meets Life Those who have ever successfully reached a weight loss goal and improved their health know that such success can be short-lived if the habits that achieved that goal are not maintained. One victory does not mean we rest on our laurels. Injustice will continue to rise up as long as we live in a fallen world. We can celebrate what God has done even as we continue to work for what is right. The Passages Esther 8:1-8; 9:20-22 The Setting At a second banquet with Ahasuerus and Haman, Esther revealed her request that the king spare her and her people s lives. When Ahasuerus learned Haman had devised the plot against the Jews, the king left the banquet in anger. Haman fell at Esther s feet to beg for his life. When Ahasuerus returned, he interpreted Haman s act as an attempt to violate the queen. Ahasuerus ordered Haman hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. 148 Session 6

2 Esther 8:1-2 1 That same day King Ahasuerus awarded Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Mordecai entered the king s presence because Esther had revealed her relationship to Mordecai. 2 The king removed his signet ring he had recovered from Haman and gave it to Mordecai, and Esther put him in charge of Haman s estate. 1 Verse 1. Honor comes to those who live with an upright character, as it did for both Mordecai and Esther. That same day refers to the day of Haman s execution. The Hebrew verb rendered awarded carries the basic meaning to give. Esther received Haman s estate. The Hebrew term translated estate literally means house. The term can apply to the household or family as well as to the material contents of the house. King Ahasuerus gave Esther Haman s property. According to Persian law, the king had the power to confiscate the property of persons who were condemned as criminals. Thus we see a continuation of the theme of the turning of the tables or reversal. In addition to Esther s receiving Haman s estate, Mordecai entered the king s presence as a result of Esther s revelation that Mordecai was a relative. The phrase entered the king s presence indicates Ahasuerus elevated Mordecai to a position similar to the one Haman previously held. Mordecai became one of a select group who enjoyed the privilege of access to the king s presence (see Esth. 1:14). Verse 2. Ahasuerus gave Mordecai the signet ring that Haman had previously worn. The Hebrew term rendered signet ring comes from a verb that basically means to sink into something. The king used his signet ring to make decrees official by means of the ring s imprint. When the king gave this ring to an official, he was giving that individual power to act in the king s name. This ring had once symbolized death for the Jews. It had sealed the edict that sentenced them to destruction (3:8-13). In Mordecai s hands, however, the ring became a symbol of life for God s people (8:9-13). In addition, Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman s estate. With the events recorded in Esther 8:1-2, Mordecai possessed the wealth, power, and title that had once STUDY THE BIBLE Esther 8:1-2. SUMMARIZE: Before reading the passage, set the context by summarizing the information in The Setting on page 148. READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read Esther 8:1-2. GUIDE: Refer group members to the information on PSG page 150 about the honors given to: 1. Esther 2. Mordecai. 10 minutes SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 1 on this page and page 150 to provide further explanation about the honors Esther and Mordecai received. Point out the theme of reversal in this passage as Mordecai received the possessions and position that had been Haman s. OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Invite volunteers to describe their family s feasts and traditions to celebrate special occasions. SUGGESTED USE WEEK OF MAY

3 THE POINT Don t become complacent maintain vigilance. GUIDE: Refer group members to the paragraph on PSG page 151 that begins with The Bible doesn t promise material rewards or escape from trouble in this life,. Ask two volunteers to read: Romans 8: Corinthians 4:17. DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG, p. 151): What are some ways God rewards us when we stand against injustice? (Alternate: What s the most important honor you ve ever received?) TRANSITION: In the next verses we will see the steps Esther and Mordecai took to revoke the royal edict to eradicate the Jews. STUDY THE BIBLE Esther 8: minutes READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read Esther 8:3-8. belonged to the enemy Haman. A great reversal had occurred. These verses demonstrate that honor eventually comes to those who display an upright character. Esther 8:3-8 3 Then Esther addressed the king again. She fell at his feet, wept, and begged him to revoke the evil of Haman the Agagite and his plot he had devised against the Jews. 4 The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, so she got up and stood before the king. 5 She said, If it pleases the king and I have found favor before him, if the matter seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let a royal edict be written. Let it revoke the documents the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king s provinces. 6 For how could I bear to see the disaster that would come on my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my relatives? 7 King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Look, I have given Haman s estate to Esther, and he was hanged on the gallows because he attacked the Jews. 8 Write in the king s name whatever pleases you concerning the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. A document written in the king s name and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked. Verse 3. Although Mordecai and Esther secured a significant victory with Haman s execution, the edict Haman instigated remained in force. The Jews could enjoy total victory only 150 Session 6

4 after dealing with Haman s decree. These verses record Esther s plea that the king issue a royal decree revoking Haman s edict. This session reminds us not to rest until victory is complete. 2 The statement then Esther addressed the king again literally reads: And Esther caused to add and she spoke before the king [writer s translation]. This verse does not describe a second audience with King Ahasuerus. Rather, Esther had already been speaking with the king, perhaps about her relationship with Mordecai (see v. 2), then she spoke again. The queen displayed great emotion as she fell at the king s feet, wept, and begged him to revoke Haman s evil edict against her people. Esther fell at Ahasuerus s feet to petition him for her people s lives. In Esther 7:8 Haman had fallen at Esther s feet to beg for his life; in 8:3 Esther fell at the king s feet to plead not only for her life but also for her people s lives. Esther s actions indicate her strong emotion. These behaviors also signify a waning of formality between the king and his queen. The verb translated begged basically means to be gracious. In the form in which it appears in verse 3, the verb means to beseech or to implore. The term has been described as reflecting an action from someone superior in rank toward an individual who possesses no real claim for gracious treatment. In the Old Testament the verb often appears in contexts of beseeching God s grace or favor. This explanation may help us better understand the attitude with which Esther approached Ahasuerus. The verb rendered revoke literally means to cause to pass over or to cause to take away ; thus, the idea of removal. Esther included the designation Agagite in her reference to Haman, a reminder that Haman descended from the Amalekite king Agag. Enmity had existed between Israelites and Amalekites for centuries (see 1 Sam. 15:7-33). In the expression his plot he had devised a wordplay occurs in the Hebrew text. Plot derives from the verb rendered had devised. The play on words becomes more obvious if we render the phrase his device he had devised or his plot he had plotted. The basic idea behind both the noun and the verb is the use of the mind in thinking. The concept is not so much understanding as it is the creating of new ideas. Verse 4. For a second time Ahasuerus extended the gold scepter toward Esther (see Esth. 5:2). This time the king s extension of his scepter to his queen signaled his permission or encouragement for Esther to rise and speak. So Esther rose from her prostrate position and stated her request. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 2 to provide an explanation of Esther s plea to King Ahasuerus: She fell at the King s feet and wept, indicating her strong emotion. She begged him, which means to beseech or to implore. She asked that the edict be revoked, which means to cause to pass over or to cause to take away ; thus, the idea of removal. OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Examine the hymn, Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus. Explore how the hymn: Calls us to stand up and keep standing. Emphasizes that injustices will continue to arise but that we must continue to battle them. Indicates we fight from a position of victory. Issues us a challenge to finish strong. Promises a reward for maintaining vigilance and faithfulness to the end. 151

5 THE POINT Don t become complacent maintain vigilance. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 3 to show that the king again extended his scepter, giving Esther the opportunity to make her case: 1. Esther consistently was courteous and respectful of the king and the customs of the culture. 2. She cast all of the blame on the evil, scheming Haman. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 4 on page 153 to provide insight into King Ahasuerus s response: He gave Haman s estate to Esther. He executed Haman for his role in scheming to kill the Jews. He invited Esther to write whatever she wished in a new decree and to seal it with his signet ring which would make this edict binding and irrevocable. 3 Verse 5. Esther preceded her petition with several formal phrases. She extended the standard deferential phraseology used in addressing a king. The first two phrases were typical polite expressions employed in the king s court: If it pleases the king and I have found favor before him. (See Esth. 1:19; 5:4,8; 7:3.) The word translated pleases literally means good. The Hebrew term rendered favor is chen that we have seen several times before in this study. Esther added two other expressions. She also introduced her petition with, If the matter seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes. The first part of this introduction softened the fact that it would be regarded as highly improper to suggest that an edict the king had signed needed to be changed or reversed. With the second part Esther cleverly appealed to her own charm. Esther knew that reversing an edict the king had signed required great diplomacy on her part. She tactfully associated the edict to destroy the Jews with Haman, rather than with the king. Furthermore, Esther did not use the term law in connection with the edict because she knew Persian laws could not be revoked. Instead she used a term translated documents to refer to Haman s orders. This Hebrew word literally means writings or books. Esther reminded Ahasuerus that it was Haman who had written the documents aimed at destroying the Jews. The queen described Haman as scheming. The same Hebrew word was rendered plot in Esther 8:3, where it referred to Haman s evil scheme against the Jews. Verse 6. Esther concluded her plea with two parallel questions. The repetition emphasized her identification with the Jews. For how could I bear to see the disaster that would come on my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my relatives? The Hebrew word rendered disaster literally means evil. While the term can designate any calamity that causes physical or emotional pain, in this context the word may allude to the moral evil characterizing Haman s wicked scheme. The word translated destruction derives from a verb meaning to perish. The two questions recorded in this verse expressed Esther s grief over the impending doom about to fall on her people. In calling attention to the fact that the Jews were her people, the queen appealed to Ahasuerus s sympathy and affection for her personally. Her petitions do not reflect a self-focus. She genuinely cared for her people. 152 Session 6

6 4 Verses 7-8. The king reminded Esther he had put Haman to death and had given Haman s estate or property to her (see 8:1). Although the king had been moved by Esther s appeal, his response remains somewhat ambiguous. Many Bible scholars interpret his actions as a demonstration of a favorable attitude toward the Jews, especially in view of the fact that he gave Esther and Mordecai permission to write whatever they wished regarding their people and to seal it with his royal ring. Others, however, view Ahasuerus s words to mean that he was washing his hands of the matter. After reminding Esther of all he had done for her (v. 7), this Greek translation records that Ahasuerus asked the following question, What do you yet further seek? According to this interpretation, if the Jews were to experience deliverance, Esther and Mordecai must act to bring it about although they had the king s permission to do anything that was legal. In favor of the first interpretation, according to Persian law the king could not write the new decree that reversed the previous edict because no prior document written in the king s name and sealed with his ring could be revoked. Both Haman s previous edict and the new one composed by Mordecai and Esther received Ahasuerus s seal, making both edicts irrevocable. Haman s edict could only be neutralized by the one that Mordecai and Esther prepared. Thus the new decree would counter but not rescind the original decree. According to Esther 8:9-17, the edict was written precisely as Mordecai commanded to each of the 127 provinces in the Empire. Mordecai wrote in the king s authority and sealed the documents with the king s signet ring. Couriers mounted on horses delivered the documents. The edict gave the Jews the right to defend themselves and to destroy any army hostile to them. It also allowed them to take their enemies possessions as spoils of war. Mordecai received royal clothing and a gold crown. The Jews greatly rejoiced and celebrated. Chapter 9 focuses on the Jews victories. At the time the Jews foes anticipated overpowering them, an opposite situation occurred. The Jews overpowered their enemies, and fear of them fell on all the people. Mordecai s power increased and his fame spread throughout the empire s provinces. Esther requested and received from King Ahasuerus permission for the Jews in Susa to have an extra day to destroy their enemies. Thus the Jews in Susa assembled and killed their enemies on the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the month of Adar. On the fifteenth day of that month they rested and celebrated. The remainder of the Jews in the provinces fought on the thirteenth day of Adar and rested and rejoiced on the fourteenth day (Esth. 9:1-19). SAY: Esther and Mordecai followed the King s recommendation; the rest of Chapters 8 and 9 tell of the Jews victory. GUIDE: Refer members to DIGGING DEEPER (PSG, p. 153), to read about the role of Queen Esther. (Also see article on pages ) GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG page 153 to the three-point application for believers today: We must persevere in our work of justice. We must continually intercede before our King. Consider our own motives. DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG, p. 154): How would you describe the role of persistence in the Christian life? (Alternate: What promises from Scripture can help us persist when we d like to quit?) TRANSITION: In the next verses we will learn about the Festival of Purim. 153

7 THE POINT Don t become complacent maintain vigilance. STUDY THE BIBLE Esther 9: minutes READ: Read Esther 9: SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 5 on this page and page 155 for background on the establishment of the celebration of the Festival of Purim. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 6 on page 155 to describe the purpose and nature of the observance of Purim. GUIDE: Refer members to the paragraph on PSG page 155 that begins: Today, Jews still celebrate the Feast of Purim to explain some customs related to the feast. DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 155): Why is it important to remember and celebrate the things God does in our lives? Esther 9: Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all of King Ahasuerus s provinces, both near and far. 21 He ordered them to celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar every year 22 because during those days the Jews gained relief from their enemies. That was the month when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday. They were to be days of feasting, rejoicing, and of sending gifts to one another and to the poor. 5 Verse 20. We are to rejoice in what God does. These three verses depict the annual celebration the Jews were to observe in remembrance of the victory that God accomplished for His people through Mordecai and Esther. The statement Mordecai recorded these events can literally be translated And Mordecai wrote these words. What words did he write? Some Bible scholars interpret the words to refer to events leading to the two edicts. Mordecai wrote to give them the background of the events that had occurred. Verses provide a summary of the crisis. Other scholars think he was referring specifically to recent events that resulted in the Jews celebrating their victory. Where did Mordecai record these events? He may have written them in the court annals and/or in the letters he sent out. Mordecai also sent letters to the Jews in all the king s provinces. The Hebrew term rendered letters can designate letters of instruction or written decrees, legal documents, or books or scrolls. In the context of 9:20 the word probably refers to letters of instruction. In these missives Mordecai gave directions for celebrating the Jews victory over their enemies. These letters apparently differ from the previous writings mentioned in 8:9. Mordecai directed those previous writings or letters to the officials throughout the 127 provinces of the Persian Empire. In contrast Mordecai sent the letters mentioned in 9:20 to all the Jews in these provinces. Mordecai s rise in status in the Persian court had practical implications. His positive reputation as a Persian high 154 Session 6

8 official together with his loyalty to the Jews strengthened his influence among his fellow Jews. Verse 21. Mordecai s primary purpose in sending these letters to his fellow Jews concerned the time of celebrating their victory over their enemies. He authorized them to commemorate their defeat of their foes on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar every year. Adar was the twelfth month in the Jewish calendar. It included parts of our February and March. Mordecai established two days in this month for resting and rejoicing because the king granted the Jews in Susa an extra day to defeat their enemies. Mordecai s letter appears to command a two-day celebration for all Jews. Mordecai played a key role in the establishment of this victory celebration. His authority in the Persian court along with the good postal system in the Persian Empire helped to expedite the permanent institution of the festival. 6 Verse 22. This verse further describes the purpose and nature of the observance. It commemorated the days when the Jews gained relief from their enemies. Previously the Jews had experienced great mourning (4:3) because of the king s edict orchestrated by Haman. Because Mordecai and Esther kept standing, however, the Jews sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday. Instead of the fasting that had accompanied the king s edict (4:3), the holiday would involve feasting and sending gifts to one another and to the poor. The giving of gifts emphasizes community among the people. This celebration commemorating the Jews deliverance from genocide through the efforts of Esther and Mordecai became known as the Festival of Purim. The name derives from the term pur, meaning lot. It is so called because Haman decided to cast the lot to determine when he would put into effect the king s decree for the extermination of the Jews (9:24). In later history, the Jews read the Book of Esther in their synagogues as part of the celebration of Purim. Approximately 25 centuries have elapsed since Mordecai and Esther took their stand against injustice. The Book of Esther has become part of our Scriptures, and we continue to study the impact of their lives on their generation. These two committed individuals maintained vigilance until they won victory for their people. Who knows what you can accomplish in God s power if you keep standing? DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 156): How do you see God at work throughout the story of Esther? (Alternate: How has rejoicing been a part of your spiritual life?) DO: Encourage group members to take a few minutes to complete the activity Stand to the End on PSG page 156. OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Share that as a part of the annual celebration of Purim, someone reads the story of Esther with audience participation. Read or tell the story of Esther to your group, using some of the focal passages of this unit. Instruct group members to do the following when they hear the names of the key characters: Esther cheer; blow party blowers (you will need to provide these). Mordecai cheer; say, Bless Mordecai. Haman boo, hiss; say, Curse Haman. 155

9 THE POINT Don t become complacent maintain vigilance. LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes GUIDE: Emphasize The Point: Don t become complacent maintain vigilance. REVIEW: Review Live It Out (PSG, p. 157); (see text to the right). Encourage each group member to follow through this week with at least one of the applications. LIVE IT OUT Your life can still make a difference. It s not too late to stand up for what is right and good. > > Express thanks. Reflect on how God has rescued you from death through Jesus Christ. Pray and give thanks to God for the victory you have in Christ. > > Stay vigilant. If you have previously committed to helping an organization fight injustice, stick with it. Continue to look for ways you can help and make a difference. > > Celebrate Together. Plan an event when your group can celebrate together the work of God in your lives. Use this event as an opportunity to invite others to participate and learn why you are celebrating. WRAP IT UP GUIDE: Encourage group members to celebrate the goodness of God and how He works in ways not always evident to us. Challenge believers to stand up for what is right and good, no matter the risk or costs, whether these actions are ever noticed or rewarded. PRAY: Father, thanks for the story of Esther. Give us the courage to stand up for You and the things that bring honor and glory to You. 156 Session 6

10 ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ DAVID ROGERS/ MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS/ BOSTON (316/1) Figurine of two girls playing knuckle bones. The bones, each of whose six faces were different, could be used as dice. The Feast of Purim originated in the fifth century BC during the Persian captivity of the Jews. Haman was furious with Mordecai because he would not bow before him. Upon learning Mordecai was a Jew, Haman decided to destroy him and all his people. Every day for a year, Haman and his associates cast Pur, which means lot, to ascertain a favorable day to carry out his scheme. Mordecai learned of the plot and told Esther, who informed King Ahasuerus of Haman s evil plot. Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai, and the Jews put to death the conspirators throughout the land. The modern celebration of Purim is a two-day festival that celebrates the deliverance of the Jews. The happy festival is held in February. The scroll of Esther is read in the synagogues, and all the people yell and stamp their feet or shake noisemakers to drown out Haman s name when it is mentioned. Jews give alms to the poor and exchange gifts during Purim. Although the Book of Esther does not mention God, one can detect the providence of God in Esther s exploits on behalf of her people. Mordecai s words: Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. (4:14) suggest that God had placed Esther in a strategic place for a life-or-death purpose. Both Christians and Jews honor Esther for fulfilling her divine purpose. The excerpt above is from the article The Feast of Purim (Winter ), which relates to this session. More Biblical Illustrator articles are available that relate to this session. See page 7 about Biblical Illustrator. SHARING THE GOOD NEWS We will all stand before God one day. Those who will be forgiven and will enter into God s presence forever are those who have taken a stand and confessed Jesus as Lord in this life. Each week, make yourself available either before or after the session to speak privately with anyone in your group who wants to know more about becoming a Christian. See the article, Leading Someone to the Greatest Decision of All, on page 2 for guidance in leading a person to Christ. Remind group members that page 2 in the PSG offers guidance in how to become a Christian. Encourage believers to consider using this article as they have opportunities to lead others to Christ. Get expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid. MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife 157

11 THE ROLE OF QUEEN ESTHER BY JANICE MEIER Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? (Esth. 4:14, niv). These words of Mordecai addressed to his cousin, Queen Esther, reflect Mordecai s conviction of God s providence at work in Esther s life. 1 God had guided in her selection as queen to bring her to the place where she could play a crucial role in delivering His people in an hour of crisis. What was that time for which God had given Esther such a crucial role? Specifically, it was when Haman, prime minister under King Ahasuerus, devised a plot to destroy Esther s people, the Jews. More generally, it was when the Persians ruled the Jewish people. Ahasuerus (also known as King Xerxes, BC) had selected Esther to replace his former queen, Vashti. Vashti s actions, as well as those of King Xerxes throne hall or second audience hall in right of photo. ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO (23/1/14) 158 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

12 Queen Esther, grant us brief glimpses into the role of a queen during the era of the Medo-Persian Empire. What privileges and restrictions characterized the queen s role in such a time as this? The question is difficult to answer, and biblical scholars hold conflicting viewpoints on many related issues. This article will present some of those various viewpoints and conclude by summarizing Esther s contributions to the image of the Persian queen. ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/DAVID ROGERS/LOUVRE/PARIS (271/7A) A Medo-Persian Queen The role of the queen, of course, can be understood only in conjunction with that of the king. In the time of King Xerxes, the Persian king typically viewed himself as possessing unlimited personal power, as being above the law, and as displaying great splendor. 2 The king displayed that power in dethroning Queen Vashti when she refused to comply with his whims. As punishment for failure to appear before the king when summoned, this queen was never again to enter his presence. The king and his counselors immediately recognized the disastrous repercussions that could occur throughout the land if other women followed the queen s example of refusing to defer to the king s wishes (1:12 18). Queen Vashti has earned a place in history as one who was deposed for challenging not only her husband but also the royal law of the Medes and Persians. 3 Vashti s courage in refusing to come before the king when summoned parallels Esther s courage in approaching the king without first being called. The reference to Xerxes s process of selecting a new queen also sheds light on the queen s role (2:1 4,12 14). This procedure reveals that to a large degree, women were merely objects to satisfy a king s personal desires. Obviously, polygamy characterized marital practices in the palace. The Persian king surrounded himself with a large harem of women some of whom were wives and others concubines. Chapter 2 of Esther refers to two different parts of the harem. Evidently virgins had to stay in one area of the harem (vv. 8 9). After a woman had sexual relations with the king, she then was moved to another part of the harem (vv ). The women in this latter group had no guarantee the king would ever summon them again. Many virtually became like widows. The famous Hammurabi stele from Shushan in ancient Babylon, which contains the laws of Hammurabi ( BC). Although the women of the harem were isolated and dependent on male favor, a woman nevertheless could wield great power within the palace, particularly if she were selected as queen. Xerxes himself was eventually killed in a harem coup. Thus, although limited in many ways, these women did have the potential to acquire great influence and control. 4 Esther as Queen After winning Xerxes s favor, Esther succeeded Vashti as queen (2:17). She had faithfully kept Mordecai s instruction not to reveal her identity as a Jew. As the plot of the story unfolds, Haman succeeded in getting the king to issue a BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 159

13 ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO (23/1/40) Ziggurat at Susa (Shushan), Iran, from 1250 BC. Originally five floors tall, the top two have been destroyed. Queen Esther may have ruled from Susa. decree to destroy the Jews (3:8 11). Mordecai urged Esther to approach the king and plead with him for her people s lives (4:8). Aware that such an unbidden approach to the king was a violation of the law and was punishable by death, Esther courageously agreed to enter the king s presence (v. 16). Herodotus, a fifth-century BC Greek historian, affirmed that Persian kings had such a law. 5 The Jewish historian Josephus recorded that men holding axes stood near the king s throne to punish anyone who approached the king without being summoned. 6 A person desiring an audience with the king was to make such a request by first sending a message. Such a law provided defense against assassination attempts. As queen, Esther was bound by this law. Yet she demonstrated uncommon courage by her willingness to risk her life for the lives of her people by approaching the king unbidden. As Vashti had displayed courage by refusing to humiliate herself to fulfill the whimsical desires of her husband, 7 Esther demonstrated courage by risking her life for her people. When Esther finally revealed to King Ahasuerus or Xerxes that she was a Jew and accused Haman of plotting evil against her and her people, she wisely avoided criticizing the king who had authorized the genocide. She prudently recognized that she must enlist the king s help to bring about a reversal in her people s fortunes. Esther s power was that of a queen who knew herself and who refused to be defined by her circumstances. Several other passages specifically point out the status and power Esther possessed in her role as queen. First, according to Esther 8:1 2, she received the estate of Haman after he was hanged. This reward was in line with the indication we have that Persian kings took possession of the goods and property of condemned criminals. 8 Second, the king also instructed his queen, 160 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

14 along with Mordecai, to write a decree in the king s name concerning the Jews and to seal it with the king s signet ring so that none could revoke it (8:8). Queen Esther demonstrated that being faithful to God involved being faithful to His people. Furthermore, Esther 9:29-32 emphasizes that the queen used her royal authority to help establish the Feast of Purim. The Hebrew word translated authority (niv) in 9:29 literally means strength or power. The noun comes from a verb root meaning to prevail against or to overpower. 9 The noun authority is modified by the adjective full, a translation of a Hebrew term literally meaning all. Esther s authority appears to be in line with that of women of the royal house described in the ancient Persepolis texts. 10 These royal women are portrayed as resolute, enterprising, and positively active. They participated in royal feasts and organized their own banquets, traveled across the land and issued instructions, and supervised their estates and work force. 11 Esther s Contributions What contributions did Esther make to the image of the role of a Persian queen? In many ways she fit the typical model of a female Persian ruler. She acted prudently within the limitations of her role. Yet she also brought a distinct dimension to that role. Because of her faith in God, she dared to step outside the confines of the expected behavioral patterns of a Persian queen when the lives of God s people were at stake. She recognized both through Mordecai s instruction and by examination of her own experiences that God was providentially at work orchestrating her life s circumstances. She responded courageously when she recognized her place in God s plan. Queen Esther demonstrated that being faithful to God involved being faithful to His people. Thus, faithful to the meaning of her name, she became a shining star for her people in a time of darkness. I 1. Others identify Mordecai as Esther s uncle; for example, Holman Bible Dictionary (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 1991), Josef Wiesehoefer, Ancient Persia from 550 BC to 650 AD, trans. Azizeh Azodi (New York: I. B. Tauris, 2001), The Jewish historian Josephus, however, recorded that Vashti acted out of regard for the law of the Persians, which forbade wives to be seen by strangers (Antiquities of the Jews, XI.6.1). 4. Sidnie White Crawford, The Book of Esther: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections, The New Interpreter s Bible, vol. 3 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1999), Herodotus, Histories, Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, XI Many think that Vashti was expected to appear unclothed before the king. 8. Herodotus, Histories, Ronald F. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, ed. R. Laird Harris, vol. 2 (Chicago: Moody, 1980). 10. Persepolis, built by Darius the Great, functioned as one of the royal capitals of the Persian Empire (John Bright, A History of Israel [Louisville: Westminster John Know, 2000], ). The city was enhanced by Darius s son Xerxes (Wiesehoefer, Ancient Persia, 83). 11. Wiesehoefer, Ancient Persia, 85. This is an edited version of an article by Janice Meier that originally appeared in the Spring 2004 issue of Biblical Illustrator magazine. Each quarter Biblical Illustrator offers in-depth articles and information that support our weekly Bible study lessons. You can subscribe to Biblical Illustrator by going to com/biblicalillustrator, by using your church s quarterly literature order form, or by calling BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 161

15 COMING IN SUMMER Why Are We Here? looks at the foundational why questions that every philosophy, worldview, and culture attempts to answer. This study looks at the biblical answers to those questions. The study is written by Ken Braddy, manager of Adult Ongoing Bible Studies at LifeWay Christian Resources. SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF June 3 Session 1 Why Are We Even Here?... Genesis 1:1-5,26-31 June 10 Session 2 Why Are We in This Mess?... Genesis 3:1-7,14-19 June 17 Session 3 Why Can t We Fix It?.... Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Galatians 3:10-12,19a,24-25 June 24 Session 4 Why Did Jesus Come?... Luke 1:68-79 July 1 Session 5 What Should We Do Now?... Acts 2:37-47 July 8 Session 6 What Will We Do Next? Revelation 21:1-8 Tithing: An Obedient Response to a Gracious God July 15 Tithing: An Obedient Response to a Gracious God... Malachi 3:7-12 Nehemiah: Building a Life of Service is a six-week study written by Sam Rainer, senior pastor of West Bradenton Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida. The study looks at the life of Nehemiah. July 22 Session 1 Pray... Nehemiah 1:1-11 July 29 Session 2 Plan... Nehemiah 2:1-8,17-18 August 5 Session 3 Persist... Nehemiah 4:1-3,6-9,14-18 August 12 Session 4 Protect... Nehemiah 5:1-13 August 19 Session 5 Prioritize... Nehemiah 6:1-3,15-16; 8:1-3,5-8 August 26 Session 6 Praise... Nehemiah 8:9-12; 12:27-31a 162 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE