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Thru the Bible in 24 Weeks

Thru the Bible in 24 Weeks. E S T H E R. Introduction. The Bible contains stories of the greatest EVILS . . . . . betrayals, revenge, deception, and The ultimate Prince of Deception: Satan The Bible contains stories of the greatest GOOD . . . . . m iracles, achievements, courage, and

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Thru the Bible in 24 Weeks

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  1. Thru the Bible in 24 Weeks E S T H E R

  2. Introduction The Bible contains stories of the greatest EVILS . . . . . betrayals, revenge, deception, and The ultimate Prince of Deception: Satan The Bible contains stories of the greatest GOOD . . . . . miracles, achievements, courage, and The greatest sacrifice for you and me The crucifixion & resurrection Of Jesus Christ our Lord!

  3. Esther / Hadassah Translated: “star” Date of writing: 400 BC Author: Unknown (some say Mordecai) Last of the 12 historical books: from Joshua – Esther Time Period: When Jews were captives in Persia Jewish maiden to Queen of Persia Used to deliver her people from massacre The name of God is not mentioned in book of Esther There is no excerpts to the book of Esther in the NT God’s Providential Care of His People is Evident

  4. Overview of How Esther Became Queen Esther’s Parents died and Mordecai, her cousin, from Tribe of Benjamin, raised her as his own daughter. • Mordecai descendant of Shimei, who was descendant of King Saul – David showed grace to Saul – didn’t kill him when he had the chance when Saul wanted to kill David (2 Sam). King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) in his 3rd reign of city of Susa (SW Iran 486 – 465BC), held a banquet. His wife, Queen Vashti, refused to come & banished from kingdom forever King Xerxes, with choice of hundreds of beautiful virgins, chose Esther as new queen (Esther hid fact that she was a Jew)

  5. The Plot Begins Mordecai (Cousin) heard about a plot to kill the king. Told Queen Esther to warn the king. She gave credit to Mordecai but Mordecai received no reward (God had a better plan). Assailants were killed. Haman (evil man that hated the Jews) held highest position under king and demanded people kneel to honor him. Mordecai refused. Haman, knowing Mordecai was a Jew, plotted to convince King Xerxes to issue a decree to annihilate ALL Jews. Does this remind you of another time in history that someone tried to annihilate the Jews? Why the Jews? Who do you think . . . is ultimately behind this destruction?

  6. Esther Receives Her Calling from God Mordecai tells Esther she should plead mercy for the Jews from her husband, the king. Esther urged all of the Jews in the city to fast and pray for her as she prepared to risk her own life to request an audience with the King. 40 days: Moses (Exodus 34), Elijah (1 Kings 19), Jesus (Matthew 4) 1 day: Darius, loved but put Daniel in lions den (Daniel 4) Jesus said this kind (spiritual power) can come out by nothing but prayer & fasting Mark 9:29

  7. FASTING EXAMPLESU.S. Forefathers (1775)In times of war The Benjamites fasted and defeated the other Israelites. Judges 20:26 Repentance King of Nineveh ordered whole city to fast & repent; forgiven of their sin. Jonah 3:5 Facing danger Ezra fasted as he prayed for wisdom and protection preparing people to return from Babylon. Ezra 8:21, 23 Courage and Wisdom Esther & Jews fasted when faced with their destruction planned by Haman. Esther 4:3,16; 9:31 In times of grief 7-day fast when bones of Saul and his sons were buried. 1 Samuel 31:13In times of distress David fasted after hearing that Saul and Jonathan were dead. 2 Samuel 1:12 Ultimate denial of the flesh Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights before being tempted by Satan. Matthew 4:2 WisdomPaul and Barnabas prayed and fasted at the appointment of elders for the churches. Acts 14:23 Answered prayer Cornelius fasted 4 days, angel appeared, Him & family received the gospel & baptized. Acts 10:30-31 Mourning Daniel fasted 3 weeks, then received a vision. Daniel 10:1-3 Special revelationMoses fasted for 40 days and received the law. Exodus 34:27-28 Spiritual RecuperationElijah fasted 40 days after killing prophets of Baal. 1 Kings 19:1-9

  8. Esther’s Plan in Action Esther went to king’s inner court without invitation King Xerxes was pleased to listen to Queen Esther and grant her whatever request she had. What’s the big deal about a wife talking to his wife? • Persian rules very strict - NO ONE came to king’s throne without being summoned – punishable by death. • King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), unpredictable, big building ideas (canal, bridge) but terrible temper; when Pitheus, main contributor for bridge, asked that 1 of his sons not have to serve In military, King Xerxes ordered he be cut unto pieces & army march between the pieces.

  9. Esther’s Next Steps • Esther invited King & Haman to a banquet (Haman thinking, WOW for me!) . . . Nothing talked about. • Esther invited them to another banquet. That night King Xerxes couldn’t sleep and read chronicles of empire, finding Mordecai never rewarded for exposing plan to kill him • Xerxes asks for Haman’s advice – how to reward someone he wanted to honor. Haman thought WOW – talking about me! Said let person wear his crown & robe for a day, parade around. • Xerxes said “GOOD IDEA HAMAN – DO IT FOR MORDECAI! • 2nd Banquet: King said would give her up to ½ kingdom – Esther asked her & her people be spared. What do you think king’s reply was?

  10. Climax of Story When Esther revealed her identity as a Jew and then pleaded for her own life and the lives of her people . . ? ? ? ? ? the King left the room to compose himself, came back as Haman pleading for his life with Esther; king accused him of attacking queen, became enraged with Haman, had him and his sons killed Because of strict Persian rules, his previous decree to kill the Jews could not be reversed. What now?

  11. Story Ending • King gave Mordecai authority to enact any orders necessary. Authorized Jews to defend themselves & fight. • 127 provinces, India to Ethiopia, governments helped Jews defend themselves. • Mordecai (now 2nd in command) recorded events and sent out decree for all Jews to celebrate annually – feasting, giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor. Feast of Purim Still celebrated by Jews today. Book of Esther is read at feast each year. Hamentaschen

  12. Final Thoughts: Intervention of Jesus Purim is a celebration of God's faithfulness, deliverance and protection from Jews being sentenced to death by King Xerxes' original decree. Through Queen’s Esther’s courageous intervention and willingness to face death, the people's lives were spared. We have sinned and have been issued a decree of death, but through the intervention of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the old decree has been satisfied and a new proclamation of eternal life has been established: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

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