The chapter briefly summarizes Mordecai’s greatness and his services to his people. Mordecai is exalted in the kingdom and holds a high position under King Ahasuerus. Mordecai establishes the feast of Purim to commemorate the victory. On the day originally decreed for their destruction, the Jews defend themselves and defeat their enemies throughout the kingdom.Įsther requests a second day of fighting in Susa, and the king grants it. The king allows the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies.Įsther and Mordecai write a new decree, and there is great rejoicing among the Jews. Esther Chapter 8 – The Jews are Granted ProtectionĮsther pleads with the king to revoke Haman’s decree. The king, enraged, orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. Esther Chapter 7 – Haman’s DownfallĪt Esther’s second banquet, she reveals her Jewish identity and accuses Haman of plotting to annihilate her people. Haman, thinking the honor is for himself, is humiliated when he must parade Mordecai through the city in royal garments. The king, unable to sleep, reads the royal records and learns of Mordecai’s earlier service in saving his life. Haman, meanwhile, builds gallows to hang Mordecai. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet.Īt the banquet, she requests their presence at another banquet the following day. She resolves, “If I perish, I perish.” Esther Chapter 5 – Esther’s BanquetĮsther approaches King Ahasuerus, who extends his scepter, sparing her life. She asks Mordecai to have the Jews fast and pray for her. Initially hesitant, Esther decides to risk her life by approaching the king uninvited. Mordecai urges Esther to use her position to help her people. Esther Chapter 4 – Esther Agrees to Help the Jews Mordecai learns of the decree and is devastated, as are Jews throughout the kingdom. He convinces King Ahasuerus to issue a decree to destroy all Jews. Haman, an arrogant official, is enraged when Mordecai refuses to bow to him.

Esther Chapter 3 – Haman’s Plot Against the Jews Meanwhile, Mordecai uncovers a plot to assassinate King Ahasuerus and informs Esther, who reports it to the king in Mordecai’s name. She finds favor with the king and is crowned queen. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is chosen among the candidates. Esther Chapter 2 – Esther Becomes QueenĪ search is initiated for beautiful young women to replace Vashti. The chapter paints a picture of the king’s wealth and Vashti’s defiance, which unwittingly paves the way for Esther’s role in the story. This sets the stage for Esther’s entrance. Furious, the king removes her from her position as queen on his advisors’ counsel. When he summons Queen Vashti to display her beauty, she refuses. King Ahasuerus of Persia holds a lavish feast. Conclusion The Book of Esther Summary by Chapter Esther Chapter 1 – King Ahasuerus’s Feast and Queen Vashti’s Removal.As you learn more about the social world of the Old Testament, you will be struck not only by our differences but also our common humanity and that we share the same dreams, hopes, and fears as they did. Baker will address aspects of life from our own culture and time, as well as family structure and societal systems from ancient Israelite life. This course will undertake the task of crossing the bridges of geography, climate, time, and a landscape unknown to us: ancient Israel. In the same way it is necessary to understand someone who comes from a different place than we do, how much more necessary is it to understand someone who is from not only a different geographical place but also a different time than we are? The Old Testament starts at the beginning of the world.

To become friends, it’s helpful to understand where they come from and how they do things differently, or the same, as we do.

In an age of international travel and migration, we’re familiar with people who look, sound, eat, and believe differently than we do. Mobile Ed: OT204 Social World of the Old Testament (4 hour course)

Esther bible study outline