Esther and Mordecai – Outline

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Esther and Mordecai

OVERVIEW

This week we are learning about the incredible journey of Esther and Mordecai from the Bible. Esther, a Jewish girl, became a queen in a distant land called Persia. The lesson unfolded with insights into their background, showing us that even in unfamiliar places, God’s people can stand firm for what’s right. Throughout the week, we explored the challenges Esther and Mordecai faced in a foreign culture and court, witnessing how their faith and courage made a difference in a critical moment. Despite God’s name not being mentioned, His actions were evident in a hidden miracle during the celebration of Purim. The week concluded with a thought-provoking question, asking us to reflect on whether we are where we are for a special purpose, much like Esther in her time. The lesson encourages us to find courage in our faith, trust in God, and be willing to make a positive impact in our own unique ways.

SATURDAY – Introduction

Memory Text

Isaiah 49:6

KJV 6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

CEV 6 Now the Lord says to me, “It isn't enough for you to be merely my servant. You must do more than lead back survivors from the tribes of Israel. I have placed you here as a light for other nations; you must take my saving power to everyone on earth.”

A H S
I I A L T
T T S B M S
T R U T T O J
A T R T P O I
I W A G T
F A L T T G
T T M B M S
U T E O T E

Lesson

The Bible has an exciting story about Esther and Mordecai, who were Jews living in a place called Susa in the Persian Empire. Esther became a queen, and the story is celebrated during the feast of Purim  a  .

This week, let’s read the book of Esther to learn more about their story!

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

The Israelites, who were once captives, returned to their land thanks to a kind decree from Cyrus. However, only a few went back; many stayed in Persia. Years later, King Darius issued another friendly decree for the Jews to return, setting the stage for Esther’s story. God often gives us chances to follow His plans even in foreign places. Ellen White reminds us that, like polishing jewels, God shapes us through challenges, making us shine with His light.

Conclusion

Today, we learned about Esther and Mordecai, who lived in a distant place called Persia. Esther became a queen, and their story is an exciting part of the Bible. This week, we’ll find out more about their story.

Reflection

1. Have you ever read a story in the Bible that made you curious to learn more?
   
2. What do you think it means to be a witness for truth?

SUNDAY – Captive in a Foreign Culture

Lesson

Imagine moving to a foreign country where everything is different. The Jews faced this challenge under Babylonian and Persian rule. Unlike us, who live in places where our Adventist beliefs are not the law, the Jewish people once lived in their own country where their faith was part of the law.

Even if laws support our faith, the Bible teaches that true faith comes from the heart.

To see how people can stay faithful to God in challenging foreign environments, read stories from Daniel in the Bible, like:

Babylonian Training Daniel resists defiling himself, opting for a Jewish diet during Babylonian captivity's training program – Daniel 1:1-12

KJV 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

CEV 1 In the third year that Jehoiakim was king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia attacked Jerusalem. 2 The Lord let Nebuchadnezzar capture Jehoiakim and take away some of the things used in God's temple. And when the king returned to Babylonia, he put these things in the temple of his own god. 3 One day the king ordered Ashpenaz, his highest palace official, to choose some young men from the royal family of Judah and from other leading Jewish families. 4 The king said, “They must be healthy, handsome, smart, wise, educated, and fit to serve in the royal palace. Teach them how to speak and write our language 5 and give them the same food and wine that I am served. Train them for three years, and then they can become court officials.” 6 Four of the young Jews chosen were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 But the king's chief official gave them Babylonian names: Daniel became Belteshazzar, Hananiah became Shadrach, Mishael became Meshach, and Azariah became Abednego. 8 Daniel made up his mind to eat and drink only what God had approved for his people to eat. And he asked the king's chief official for permission not to eat the food and wine served in the royal palace. 9 God had made the official friendly and kind to Daniel. 10 But the man still told him, “The king has decided what you must eat and drink. And I am afraid he will kill me, if you eat something else and end up looking worse than the other young men.” 11 The king's official had put a guard in charge of Daniel and his three friends. So Daniel said to the guard, 12 “For the next ten days, let us have only vegetables and water at mealtime.

Fiery Furnace Defiance Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego defy Nebuchadnezzar's order to worship a golden image, facing consequences – Daniel 3:1-12

KJV 1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3 Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, 5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. 9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. 10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: 11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

CEV 1 King Nebuchadnezzar ordered a gold statue to be built 27 meters high and nearly 3 meters wide. He had it set up in Dura Valley near the city of Babylon, 2 and he commanded his governors, advisors, treasurers, judges, and his other officials to come from everywhere in his kingdom to the dedication of the statue. 3 So all of them came and stood in front of it. 4 Then an official stood up and announced: People of every nation and race, now listen to the king's command! 5 Trumpets, flutes, harps, and all other kinds of musical instruments will soon start playing. When you hear the music, you must bow down and worship the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Anyone who refuses will at once be thrown into a flaming furnace. 7 As soon as the people heard the music, they bowed down and worshiped the gold statue that the king had set up. 8 Some Babylonians used this as a chance to accuse the Jews to King Nebuchadnezzar. 9 They said, “Your Majesty, we hope you live forever! 10 You commanded everyone to bow down and worship the gold statue when the music played. 11 And you said that anyone who did not bow down and worship it would be thrown into a flaming furnace. 12 Sir, you appointed three men to high positions in Babylon Province, but they have disobeyed you. Those Jews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refuse to worship your gods and the statue you have set up.”

Daniel's Prayer Challenge Daniel's loyalty to God leads to conflict as jealous colleagues plot against him, testing his faith in God – Daniel 6:1-9

KJV 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

CEV 1 Darius divided his kingdom into 120 states and placed a governor in charge of each one. 2 In order to make sure that his government was run properly, Darius put three other officials in charge of the governors. One of these officials was Daniel. 3 And he did his work so much better than the other governors and officials that the king decided to let him govern the whole kingdom. 4 The other men tried to find something wrong with the way Daniel did his work for the king. But they could not accuse him of anything wrong, because he was honest and faithful and did everything he was supposed to do. 5 Finally, they said to one another, “We will never be able to bring any charge against Daniel, unless it has to do with his religion.” 6 They all went to the king and said: “Your Majesty, we hope you live forever! 7 All of your officials, leaders, advisors, and governors agree that you should make a law forbidding anyone to pray to any god or human except you for the next 30 days. Everyone who disobeys this law must be thrown into a pit of lions. 8 Order this to be written and then sign it, so it cannot be changed, just as no written law of the Medes and Persians can be changed.” 9 So King Darius made the law and had it written down.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Life tests us, revealing the power that guides our hearts. Professing faith isn’t enough; true faith leads to good deeds and noble hearts. We can’t rely on past experiences but should have a daily connection with God. Examples like Daniel in Babylon teach us to honor God even in challenging situations. In a world often against genuine faith, standing firm brings tribulations but also reveals our loyalty to God.

Conclusion

We explored how the Jews faced challenges in a foreign land and how real faith comes from the heart, not just following rules. Looking at stories from Daniel, we saw how people can stay faithful to God, even in difficult places.

Reflection

1. Can you think of a time when you had to follow your beliefs, even if it was hard?
   
2. What helps you stay true to your faith in challenging situations?

MONDAY – In a Foreign Court

Lesson

After Babylon fell, some Jews returned home, but not everyone. Esther’s story begins in the Persian Empire with King Ahasuerus in Shushan.

To learn about Mordecai and Esther’s situation, read Esther 2:1-9

KJV 1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 8 So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

CEV 1 After a while, King Xerxes got over being angry. But he kept thinking about what Vashti had done and the law that he had written because of her. 2 Then the king's personal servants said: Your Majesty, a search must be made to find you some beautiful young women. 3 You can select officers in every province to bring them to the place where you keep your wives in the capital city of Susa. Put your servant Hegai in charge of them since that is his job. He can see to it that they are given the proper beauty treatments. 4 Then let the young woman who pleases you most take Vashti's place as queen. King Xerxes liked these suggestions, and he followed them. 5 At this time a Jew named Mordecai was living in Susa. His father was Jair, and his grandfather Shimei was the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. 6 Kish was one of the people that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem, when he took King Jeconiah of Judah to Babylonia. 7 Mordecai had a very beautiful cousin named Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah. He had raised her as his own daughter, after her father and mother died. 8 When the king ordered the search for beautiful women, many were taken to the king's palace in Susa, and Esther was one of them. Hegai was put in charge of all the women, 9 and from the first day, Esther was his favorite. He began her beauty treatments at once. He also gave her plenty of food and seven special maids from the king's palace, and they had the best rooms.

..Esther, chosen to be presented to the king, lived in the Persian culture due to her position. Mordecai told her to keep silent about their Jewish background for safety.

Think about situations where it might be wise not to openly share your faith. When is it okay to do so?

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Queen Vashti’s brave decision to defy the king’s order had unforeseen consequences, working for the good of Israel. God can use unusual situations for His purposes. Esther, through fasting and prayer, played a vital role in saving her people. Sometimes, like Daniel before, following God might seem risky, but it leads to unexpected blessings and victories.

Conclusion

Esther and Mordecai stayed in Persia even when others went back home. Esther became a queen, but she had to be careful about her beliefs. Sometimes, it’s wise not to openly share everything about ourselves.

Reflection

1. Are there times when you feel it’s better not to talk about your beliefs openly?
   
2. Why do you think Esther and Mordecai kept some things private in a foreign land?

TUESDAY – Mordecai’s Faithful Witness

Lesson

Living in a foreign land, Mordecai faced trouble when he refused to bow to Haman, a powerful man in the kingdom.

Read Esther 3:1-15

KJV 1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. 2 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. 3 Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? 4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. 7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. 8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. 9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries. 10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy. 11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. 12 Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. 13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. 14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. 15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

CEV 1 Later, King Xerxes promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha to the highest position in his kingdom. Haman was a descendant of Agag, 2 and the king had given orders for his officials at the royal gate to honor Haman by kneeling down to him. All of them obeyed except Mordecai. 3 When the other officials asked Mordecai why he disobeyed the king's command, 4 he said, “Because I am a Jew.” They spoke to him for several days about kneeling down, but he still refused to obey. Finally, they reported this to Haman, to find out if he would let Mordecai get away with it. 5 Haman was furious to learn that Mordecai refused to kneel down and honor him. 6 And when he found out that Mordecai was a Jew, he knew that killing only Mordecai was not enough. Every Jew in the whole kingdom had to be killed. 7 It was now the twelfth year of the rule of King Xerxes. During Nisan, the first month of the year, Haman said, “Find out the best time for me to do this.” The time chosen was Adar, the twelfth month. 8 Then Haman went to the king and said: Your Majesty, there are some people who live all over your kingdom and won't have a thing to do with anyone else. They have customs that are different from everyone else's, and they refuse to obey your laws. We would be better off to get rid of them! 9 Why not give orders for all of them to be killed? I can promise that you will get tons of silver for your treasury. 10 The king handed his official ring to Haman, who hated the Jews, and the king told him, 11 “Do what you want with those people! You can keep their money.” 12 On the thirteenth day of Nisan, Haman called in the king's secretaries and ordered them to write letters in every language used in the kingdom. The letters were written in the name of the king and sealed by using the king's own ring. At once they were sent to the king's highest officials, the governors of each province, and the leaders of the different nations in the kingdom of Xerxes. 13 The letters were taken by messengers to every part of the kingdom, and this is what was said in the letters: On the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month, all Jewish men, women, and children are to be killed. And their property is to be taken. 14-15 King Xerxes gave orders for these letters to be posted where they could be seen by everyone all over the kingdom. The king's command was obeyed, and one of the letters was read aloud to the people in the walled city of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink together, but no one in the city could figure out what was going on.

Mordecai, a faithful Jew, wouldn’t bow down because Haman was an enemy of his people. How do you think we should respond when our faith is tested in challenging situations?

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Satan, working through Haman, planned to destroy the Jews. Mordecai’s refusal to bow angered Haman, leading to a sinister plot. Ellen White warns against harboring hatred, emphasizing the importance of love among God’s people. The conflict faced by Esther and Mordecai has parallels in the last days, where standing for truth might bring opposition.

Conclusion

We learned about Mordecai’s strong faith and how he faced trouble for staying true to his beliefs. His story makes us think about how we might be tested and how we should respond.

Reflection

1. Can you think of a time when it was hard to stick to what you believe in?
   
2. How do you think Mordecai’s faithfulness influenced others around him?

WEDNESDAY – For Such a Time as This

Lesson

Esther, Mordecai’s cousin and the queen, faced a critical moment when she needed to help her people. Mordecai encouraged her to use her position.

Read Esther 4:1-14

KJV 1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; 2 And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. 3 And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4 So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. 5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was. 6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate. 7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them. 8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. 9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. 10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; 11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. 12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. 13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

CEV 1 When Mordecai heard about the letter, he tore his clothes in sorrow and put on sackcloth. Then he covered his head with ashes and went through the city, crying and weeping. 2 But he could go only as far as the palace gate, because no one wearing sackcloth was allowed inside the palace. 3 In every province where the king's orders were read, the Jews cried and mourned, and they went without eating. Many of them even put on sackcloth and sat in ashes. 4 When Esther's servant girls and her other servants told her what Mordecai was doing, she became very upset and sent Mordecai some clothes to wear in place of the sackcloth. But he refused to take them. 5 Esther had a servant named Hathach, who had been given to her by the king. So she called him in and said, “Find out what's wrong with Mordecai and why he's acting this way.” 6 Hathach went to Mordecai in the city square in front of the palace gate, 7 and Mordecai told him everything that had happened. He also told him how much money Haman had promised to add to the king's treasury, if all the Jews were killed. 8 Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the orders for the murder of the Jews and told him that these had been read in Susa. He said, “Show this to Esther and explain what it means. Ask her to go to the king and beg him to have pity on her people, the Jews!” 9 Hathach went back to Esther and told her what Mordecai had said. 10 She answered, “Tell Mordecai 11 there is a law about going in to see the king, and all his officials and his people know about this law. Anyone who goes in to see the king without being invited by him will be put to death. The only way that anyone can be saved is for the king to hold out the gold scepter to that person. And it's been thirty days since he has asked for me.” 12 When Mordecai was told what Esther had said, 13 he sent back this reply, “Don't think that you will escape being killed with the rest of the Jews, just because you live in the king's palace. 14 If you don't speak up now, we will somehow get help, but you and your family will be killed. It could be that you were made queen for a time like this!”

Esther risked her life, showing courage and faith. How can we learn from Esther’s bravery and reliance on God in tough times?

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Esther’s crisis demanded swift action, but she recognized the need for God’s intervention. Fasting and prayer preceded her courageous approach to the king. God orchestrated a series of events, turning the tables and saving the Jews. Ellen White draws a parallel with Daniel’s steadfast prayer, highlighting the power of earnest prayer in the face of challenges.

Conclusion

Esther showed great courage by risking her life to help her people. Mordecai’s encouragement and Esther’s trust in God teach us that even in tough situations, we can make a difference for the better.

Reflection

1. Have you ever had to be brave and do the right thing, even if it was difficult?
   
2. How do you think Esther’s faith in God helped her make a brave decision?

THURSDAY – The Miracle of Purim

Lesson

The book of Esther doesn’t mention God directly, but His actions are seen in the events that unfold. Esther’s efforts led to a miraculous turn of events for the Jews.

Read Esther 9:1-12

KJV 1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them; ) 2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. 3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater. 5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them. 6 And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. 7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, 8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, 9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, 10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. 11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. 12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.

CEV 1 The first law that the king had made was to be followed on the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. This was the very day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to do away with them. But the Jews turned things around, 2 and in the cities of every province they came together to attack their enemies. Everyone was afraid of the Jews, and no one could do anything to oppose them. 3 The leaders of the provinces, the rulers, the governors, and the court officials were afraid of Mordecai and took sides with the Jews. 4 Everyone in the provinces knew that the king had promoted him and had given him a lot of power. 5 The Jews took their swords and did away with their enemies, without showing any mercy. 6-10 They killed 500 people in Susa, but they did not take anything that belonged to the ones they killed. Haman had been one of the worst enemies of the Jews, and ten of his sons were among those who were killed. Their names were Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha. 11 Later that day, someone told the king how many people had been killed in Susa. 12 Then he told Esther, “Five hundred people, including Haman's ten sons, have been killed in Susa alone. If that many were killed here, what must have happened in the provinces? Is there anything else you want done? Just tell me, and it will be done.”

The Jews were saved, and people from other nations noticed God’s actions. How can we recognize God’s presence in our daily lives, even in seemingly ordinary events?

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

The day of destruction became a day of victory for the Jews. Angels protected them, and their enemies were defeated. Ellen White stresses that God reveals future events to prepare His people. Urgent, earnest work is needed, accompanied by unwavering faith and prayer. God’s power can turn even the darkest situations for the good of His people.

Conclusion

God’s name isn’t mentioned in Esther, but His actions are seen in a hidden miracle during the celebration of Purim. The lesson reminds us to look for God’s presence in everyday events.

Reflection

1. Can you think of a time when you felt God’s presence in your life?
   
2. Why do you think the Jews declared a yearly celebration in remembrance of God’s deliverance?

FRIDAY – Further Thought

Lesson

Esther’s story teaches us that we might be in certain places or situations for a reason. Ellen G. White asks us to consider if we are where we are “for such a time as this.”

Reflect on your own life. Are there moments when you can make a difference, just like Esther did? What can we learn from Esther’s courage and faithfulness in our own lives?

Remember, even in small things, God can use us for a purpose.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes the importance of a deep, personal experience with God. Prayer, living faith, and individual soul-searching are crucial. In times of spiritual challenges, a personal connection with God and a humble heart are essential. The readings urge us to trust in God’s promises, walk in His light, and prepare for the final crisis with unwavering faith.

Conclusion

We end the week by thinking about the question, “Are we where we are for such a time as this?” Inspired by Esther’s story, we consider how God can use us for a purpose, even in small things.

Reflection

1. What small things can you do to make a positive difference in the world?
   
2. How can you trust God to guide you in your everyday life, just like Esther did?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Esther faced challenges as queen. How do you think she balanced her faith in that role?

Reveal Suggested Answer

2. Esther said, “if I perish, I perish!” How can we be faithful even when it’s hard?

Reveal Suggested Answer

3. Are there times when we shouldn’t talk openly about our faith? Why or why not?

Reveal Suggested Answer

LESSON SUMMARY

Esther and Mordecai

The remarkable story of Esther and Mordecai, two Jews residing in Susa in the Persian Empire, with their adventures celebrated during the joyous feast of Purim. As we delve into the Book of Esther, we uncover profound lessons: from the return of once-captive Israelites to their land, shaped by God through challenges, to the Jews navigating foreign cultures under Babylonian and Persian rule, emphasizing that true faith transcends rules and emanates from the heart. Esther’s discreet faith in a foreign court, Mordecai’s unwavering witness, and Esther’s courageous intervention, preceded by fasting and prayer, reveal the power of standing firm in challenging situations. The miraculous turn of events in the face of impending destruction illustrates God’s subtle presence in ordinary moments, calling for urgent, earnest work accompanied by unwavering faith and prayer. Throughout, Ellen G. White’s insights echo the importance of a deep, personal connection with God, underscoring prayer, living faith, and individual soul-searching as crucial components. Esther’s story serves as a poignant reminder that we may find ourselves in specific places or situations “for such a time as this,” urging us to trust in God’s promises, walk in His light, and prepare for the final crisis with unwavering faith, as even in the smallest actions, God can use us for a purpose.