Study together · The Cast

Esther

An orphan made queen, who kept quiet about who she was until silence would cost her people.

The story

1. An orphan in Susa Est 2:5-7

   Her parents are dead. Mordecai takes her in and raises her as his own daughter.

2. Taken into the palace Est 2:8-18

   She is brought into the king's harem, hides that she is a Jew, and is crowned queen.

3. Hesitates Est 4:4-11

   Mordecai asks her to plead with the king. She reminds him that anyone who goes in uncalled may die.

4. Chooses to go Est 4:13-17

   Pressed by Mordecai's hard words, she calls a three-day fast and decides to go in, whatever it costs.

5. Names the enemy Est 5:1-7:6

   The king holds out his scepter. Over two feasts she reveals her people and points to Haman.

6. Pleads and writes Est 8:3-6; 9:29-32

   She weeps at the king's feet for her people, then writes with full authority to fix the days of Purim.

Key verses

“Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 (ESV)

Read together: Est 2:5-7 · Est 2:8-18 · Est 4:4-11 · Est 4:13-17 · Est 5:1-7:6 · Est 8:3-6; 9:29-32

Questions to sit with

1. Where are you staying quiet because speaking up would cost you something?
2. The book never names God, yet things turn. Where might God be at work in your life in ways you have not named?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.