Teaching

Esther

God's Quiet Hand in Our Lives

Pastor Paul LeBoutillier

Life Bible Ministry · April 18, 2026

Video Coming Soon

Audio and transcript are available below

Discover how God works quietly behind the scenes in our lives, guiding us through ordinary moments to achieve extraordinary outcomes, just as He did in the story of Esther.

ESTHER When God Works In the Shadows g A Bible Study by Sue LeBoutillier Copyright © 2024 Sue LeBouƟllier Published by: Calvary Chapel — Ontario, Oregon g The Book of Esther g GreeƟngs Friend, Do you believe that God is, and always has been involved in the lives of His people? Some parts of our Bible show His intervenƟon loudly and miraculously, like the plagues on Egypt in order to release Israel, the crumbled walls of Jericho to assist Joshua, and dramaƟc fire from heaven to prove Elijah’s faith. Other parts of our Bible show God’s in- volvement a bit more quietly, a bit more nuanced, as if He is direcƟng from the shadows. That was the type of intervenƟon God was working in the Ɵme of Esther. As we study through the book of Esther, the truth that we’ll discover is that God has always been working, everywhere, all the Ɵme! In our lives, we don’t usually recognize His work in real Ɵme because it’s rarely as loud as we expect. The Jews in Esther’s day certainly did not perceive God’s work unƟl He was done. But this narraƟve helps us understand that He was there from the beginning, working through ordinary events and ordinary people to accomplish an extraordinary deliverance. This will be a short Bible study, but it will be packed with insights that help us see God’s work in our lives when we think He is silent and when we think things are spinning out of control on their own power. This study may just help us to understand God’s silent but mighty intervenƟon from the shadows of our lives. It is my prayer that you are blessed as you invest your Ɵme in studying this small but mighty book of the Old Testament! Sue LeBoutillier sue@ccontario.com “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” ~ Esther 4:14

How to use this Bible Study Esther is a women’s Bible study comprising five weekly lessons. Each of these lessons is broken down into four days of study; but you can adapt it to any system that works for your schedule. Whether you are meeƟng to study with a friend, a small group, or doing this study on your own — the following would be an ideal path: #1 Your first step will be to watch/listen to Week One — IntroducƟon, either independently or with your group. #2 Begin Week Two in your Study Guide ¨ Read the assigned scriptures and answer the quesƟons for each day. This Study Guide is intended to be completed independently before you watch the teaching associated with each week’s lesson. (Also note the QuesƟons for Thought and Discussion at the end of each lesson — you won’t want to miss them). ¨ Then watch/listen to that week’s teaching using the links below. You can do this privately or with your group. ¨ Discuss the week’s lesson in your group and pray together about applying the passages to your lives. ¨ Repeat this process as you do all the weeks in your Study Guide. One last reminder — be sure to approach each of the above steps with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to give you understanding and speak to your heart. The best translaƟon of the Bible to use is the one you understand best, and using more than one translaƟon can be a useful aid in your study! This study guide was created using the ESV (English Standard Version). To watch the video teachings for this Bible Study go to: ccontario.com/womens-studies or YouTube.com/calvarychapelontario

Use these pages to accompany the Week One teaching video. (www.ccontario.com/wow-esther) If you’re studying in a group, the quesƟons on page 7 may provide some good discussion starters following the video. ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes from Teaching Week 1 — Introduction Map of the Persian Empire During the Days of Esther

Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Share your thoughts on the character qualiƟes of King Ahasuerus. 2. Memucan claimed that Queen VashƟ’s offense was not only toward the King, but who else? Do you agree with him? 3. A nugget of truth can someƟmes be found under a pile of exaggeraƟon. How does the opening of this story inspire you to keep things in perspecƟve in your own situaƟons in life? 4. In v.12 we read that the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him. What tends to enrage you? Read Proverbs 14:16-17 and discuss how these verses describe Ahasuerus and how they apply to our lives. 5. How do you think the seven days of liberal drinking played a part in this offense? How might liberal use of substances play a part in how we perceive offense in our life? 6. Godly advisors can be one of the most important blessings in our life! Discuss some character traits of godly advisors that could prevent you from over-reacƟng and help you walk in truth?

In Chapter Two, we’ll meet our book’s namesake — Esther. But we should remember, she’s not the focus of the story, she’s merely an ordinary girl that God chose to use for his divine purposes. The main character of the story is God Himself — even though His name is used exactly zero Ɵmes in the book of Esther, while the king’s name is referred to 192 Ɵmes. God is sƟll the focus and He’s sƟll in charge. Before we begin Chapter Two, we’re going to use our first day of study to re-read Chapter One in order for us to revisit some of the important themes. a READ Esther Chapter 1 — Learning from a Leader We covered the history and the seƫng of this book fairly well in our IntroducƟon. We also touched on some of the personal themes that surfaced in the story during our group discussion Ɵme. But, the themes of anger, becoming offended, and the influences of our inner circle are so relevant to our personal lives that I didn’t want us to leave them behind unƟl we had a chance to search the Scriptures for a few more layers. Take a moment to consider these themes, how they played out in Chapter One of Esther and how they may play out in your own life. Dealing with anger: Maybe, like Ahasuerus, a short fuse (or straight up anger) has been an issue in your life. Consider what the following passages have to say about controlling our anger: Psalm 37:8 Proverbs 14:15-17 Week Two — Esther 1-2 Day 1:

Proverbs 16:32 EcclesiasƟcs 7:9 James 1:19-20 Overlooking offenses: Maybe anger isn’t your buƩon as much as a perceived lack of respect, or just being easily offended in general. What is the Lord saying to you through these passages: Proverbs 12:16 Proverbs 17:9 Proverbs 19:11 Godly advisors: Note how we can either be helped or sent down a dark path by those who we have allowed close ready into our lives: Proverbs 1:10 Proverbs 12:5 Proverbs 12:15 Proverbs 13:20 When we see negaƟve traits pop up in Bible characters, it’s good to check our own heart, rather than merely cast a verdict on any bad behavior we see in others.

Now, we get to move on in our story. Chapter Two will introduce two new and notable characters — Esther and Mordecai. For the sake of mental organizaƟon, the opening phrase “AŌer these things” is quite an understatement. Between Chapter One and Two, Ahasuerus had gone off to Greece on that risky military campaign (that the banquets in Chapter One were promoƟng). He returned four years later, less than successful, and was in need of some instant graƟficaƟon with no risk of failure! a READ Esther 2:1-6 — AŌer a Cooling-off Period · Summarize the proposal for a project that the king’s young aƩendants made in v.1-4: · A new character was introduced in v.5. List his name and describe his heritage: The name Shimei might be familiar from our study of David’s dark experience fleeing from Jerusalem when his son Absalom was aƩempƟng to steal the kingship. READ 2 Samuel 16:5-14 to refresh your memory. Because of David’s leniency toward Shimei, he lived on to beget Mordecai who will play a crucial role in God’s current plan of protecƟon. There’s also a hint here as to a possible reason why Mordecai's family had not been keen on returning to Jerusalem with the rebuilders. There may have been a long-standing family sƟgma regarding how their ancestor had treated the greatest king of their naƟon. Day 2: a READ Esther 2:7-10 — A BeauƟful Contestant · Our next notable character is introduced in v.7. List her names, her relaƟonship to Mordecai, and her appearance. Hebrew name: ______________ Persian Name: ____________ Family relaƟonship to Mordecai: __________________________ Describe her physical appearance: · What was the one thing that Esther concealed from everyone around her (v.10)? · From v.10 was there a reason to keep her ethnicity a secret? · What addiƟonal Persian character was introduced in v.8? · How do you see God working in the shadows as it relates to the interacƟon between Hegai and Esther? The word eunuch literally meant ‘bed keeper’. It referred to a male servant, who was usually castrated. Eunuchs could thus provide any type of service to the court, including safekeeping of the harem. This practice was actually forbidden among the Hebrews and was only practiced among the pagans.

a READ Esther 2:11-19 — We Have a Winner We might be tempted to envy Esther’s situaƟon. Who wouldn’t love a full year at a spa with all the latest and greatest products? No chores! No demands! No worries! I actually don’t think it was that way at all. Plus, there were enormous risks. There would be only one winner, who would become the partner of a power-hungry ruler. There would be hundreds of losers who would never have a real chance at life and love — they would live out their days in the king’s harem. · Mordecai was well aware of Esther’s risk. From v.11 what was his habit and how did this demonstrate his heart as a guardian? · Describe the beauty treatments that Esther and the young wom- en underwent (v.12). · From v.13-14 describe the Ɵme frame each young woman had to make a good impression on the king. What was she allowed to take with her? · From v.17 what was end result of Esther’s Ɵme spent with the king? Day 3:

Along with a new queen came another banquet (v.18) — the third banquet (or feast) within two chapters. Obviously the whole country loved the new queen since she was inaugurated with a lavish feast including tax breaks and giŌs to all! Esther was set up for success. But this wasn’t all accidental. God was clearly the force behind the posiƟoning of Esther. This is the focus of our study — God’s work in the shadows. However, Esther played her part admirably by listening to advice and not being stubborn. Let’s consider her posiƟve moves: In v.8 we note her willingness to be counted among the beauƟes. This may not have been an opƟon, or her cousin may have put her forward as a contestant and she willingly agreed to his suggesƟon. · In v.10 how had Esther listened to the advice of Mordecai and complied with his wisdom? · In v.15 how had Esther listened to the advice of Hegai and complied with his suggesƟons? Esther developed a lifestyle of listening to the advice of her mentors and obeying their suggesƟons. A habit such as this can go a long way toward success. Consider these passages and note anything God is showing you in this area. Proverbs 12:15 Proverbs 13:10 a READ Esther 2:19-23 — AssassinaƟon Averted Once Esther became queen, she didn’t abandon her former habits, especially related to taking advice. · Explain how Esther sƟll took counsel from Mordecai, and why, from v.20. · Why do you think Mordecai was so persistent in his requirement that Esther keep her heritage a secret? Do you agree or disagree with his insistence? · What is menƟoned twice (v.19 and v.21) about where Mordecai could be found on a regular basis? · While on duty at the gate, Mordecai overheard some important informaƟon. What did he hear (v.21)? Day 4: The fact that Mordecai was stationed at the ‘king’s gate’ and not merely the ‘city gate’ meant that he held some form of official position within the king’s court.

Discerning how to handle informaƟon that was overheard can be a very delicate maƩer. Mordecai had a decision to make. What was he to do with what he heard? · From v.22 list the informaƟon chain as it made its way all the way up to the king: Bigthan and Teresh conspiring —> ____________________ —> _____________________ —> _______________________ InvesƟgaƟons were made and the chapter ends with two men geƫng what they deserved by hanging on a gallows. Only a small notaƟon was made in the king’s record book as to what had happened. No credit or reward was given to Mordecai for disclosing the lethal plot against the king. But, we’ll find out later this was a divine oversight! It was actually God’s hand in the shadows prevenƟng a reward in the moment. · In what ways might this inspire you when you are wrongly overlooked, don’t get promoted, when you’re not properly recognized, or simply not thanked? · In what way might this apply to something that you are currently experiencing? How can this change your outlook on that parƟcular situaƟon? The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of man, and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without this notice, it is improbable that an empire can rise without his aid. Benjamin Franklin

Seeing God’s Work from the Shadows We know that God is in control all the Ɵme, even when we think life is spinning out of control. This parƟcular book of the Bible highlights Divine Providence through ordinary circumstances. We’ll use this secƟon to recap and discuss the silent movement of God that we observe in each chapter. 1. How did God use David’s pardon of Shimei’s offense all those years ago to bring about His plan in the Book of Esther? 2. How did God use the fact that Mordecai had chosen not to re- turn to Jerusalem with the other exiles, but remained in Susa? 3. How did God use the tragic loss of Hadassah’s parents and the fact that she was orphaned? 4. How did God use the beauty of Esther in this story? 5. How did God use the king’s divorce and his loneliness once he returned from the Greek military campaign? 6. How did God use the king’s eunuch, Hegai, to move His plan forward? 7. How did God use Mordecai’s posiƟon at the king’s gate? 8. How did God use Esther’s good sense to take advice from her mentors?

Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. We highlighted Esther’s habit of listening to advice and acƟng on wise counsel, even aŌer she was elevated to a high posiƟon. In what ways might you be tempted to abandon advice once you have achieved some level of importance, age or posiƟon? 2. Our internal sense of jusƟce requires rewards for good acƟons and punishment for bad. Yet, we can see God’s hand at work when Mordecai’s deed was overlooked. Read MaƩhew 16:27. How can Jesus’ words, along with this story, help brace you to gracefully endure injusƟce, or being overlooked? 3. Discuss the contrast between two relaƟves: 1) how Mordecai blessed King Ahasuerus without a reward, and 2) how Shimei cursed King David (from 2 Samuel 16) without punishment. 4. Discuss any qualiƟes you see in Esther that you want to make more of a habit in your life. What would be the steps to achieve those changes? 5. Read Proverbs 21:1 and discuss how it describes what has been going on in the first two chapters of Esther.

So far it’s been preƩy easy to not only see God’s work in the shadows but to celebrate it as well. Most things have turned out beƩer than expected. Esther won the beauty pageant and had become Queen of the Persian Empire. Mordecai seemed to have been promoted to an influenƟal posiƟon at the king’s gate. And the king himself seemed quite happy with his new queen, not to menƟon relieved that the aƩempted assassinaƟon plot was revealed and handled. But, in this week’s chapters, God’s hidden work from the shadows didn’t look quite as aƩracƟve. In fact, one might have thought, ’God, how could you let this happen? Where are you in this mess?’ a READ Esther 3:1-6 — The Birth of AnƟ-SemiƟsm Mordecai wasn’t the only one promoted to an important posiƟon: · List the next important character that we find introduced in v.1, along with his ancestry: ____________________ the _____________________ · Briefly describe Haman’s posiƟon and the protocol of honor that came along with it. Mordecai was not about to bow before Haman. The text didn’t spell out exactly why, but the context shouts a clear reason — Haman was an Agagite, meaning he was an Amalekite, an ancient enemy of God’s people. It will become crystal clear if we walk back in Scripture to connect the dots. The problem began way back in Israel’s wilderness journey, conƟnued through the Ɵme of King Saul, and progressed right up to our current point in history. Week Three — Esther 3-4 Day 1:

Read Exodus 17:8-16 — Note the conflict between the Amalekites and Israel, along with God’s declaraƟon regarding them: Read Deuteronomy 25:17-19 — Note God’s instrucƟons concerning the Amalekites: Read 1 Samuel 15:1-26 — Note God’s specific instrucƟons to King Saul to carry out His hand of jusƟce: Not only was Haman an Amalekite, but he was of the lineage of their leader, Agag. It’s obvious that Saul’s failure hundreds of years prior, contributed to the present threat. Now...back to our current Ɵmeline: · Mordecai’s refusal to obey the king’s command eventually led to the disclosure of what criƟcal piece of informaƟon in v.4? · Describe Haman’s over-reacƟon to this offense (v.5-6). · Compare Haman’s response with that of King Ahasuerus’ in 1:12. Read Proverbs 29:11. Consider how it applies to those Ɵmes when we are tempted to overreact! What is the current applicaƟon in your life?

Haman had goƩen all worked up — filled with fury — is how the text described him. Anger, rage, and fury oŌen lead to over-reacƟons, and that was exactly the outcome here. He not only wanted Mordecai dead, but he wanted all the Jews dead! a READ Esther 3:7-11 — Haman, the Enemy of the Jews · From v.7 how much Ɵme would pass from the casƟng of the Pur, in the first month, to the appointed date of the exterminaƟon? Drawing straws or flipping coins isn’t necessarily an evil pracƟce for us today. Many arguments between siblings can be solved by the simple toss of a coin. However, in this instance, the casƟng of lots was definitely a pracƟce meant to be influenced by pagan gods. Read Proverbs 16:33 and explain who really controls the outcome of things such as this? · Haman finally shared his concerns with the king in v.8. How did he describe the certain people, and what threat was implied? · Haman didn’t wait for the king to respond but offered his own soluƟon. What was it (v.9)? · What was the amount of the bribe that Haman offered? Day 2:

· Read Exodus 23:8 and explain what affect a bribe has in a relaƟonship. a READ Esther 3:12-15 — So Let it be WriƩen, So Let it be Done In Persian rule of law, once an order was put in place, it could not be rescinded. You’ll remember this happened in 1:19 with Queen VashƟ. It was also a problem in Daniel 6 with King Darius. Anyone who made a peƟƟon to any god or man except the king would be cast into the den of lions. The law could not be revoked. As we say, it was what it was. · What incenƟve was listed in the king’s order that could have enƟced the Persians to carry out this order (v.13)? Can you imagine the shock and confusion throughout the kingdom when these documents were issued? · Describe the contrast that you see in v.15 between the king and Haman and the remainder of the people in Susa. This enƟre fiasco really sprouted from an offense. Have you noƟced that some people in your life are much more easily offendable than others? In which category are you? Can you let things go? Or do small offenses bug you to the point of anger? Read these passages and note what the Lord shows you: Proverbs 19:11 Philippians 4:5 a READ Esther 4:1-9 — What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You At this point in the story, Queen Esther had been living securely in the palace for four years. Certainly her life must have been sheltered. I’m sure she didn’t go out into the market. She probably only received whatever news came through her court employees. Everyone else, outside of the palace, was either in great confusion or profound mourning. · From v.1-2 describe how Mordecai responded to the king’s edict and where he chose to grieve: · From v.3 describe how the general populaƟon of the Jews responded to the king’s edict: · From v.4 describe how Esther learned of the edict and how she responded to it: Day 3:

Esther may have sent a change of clothes to Mordecai to enable him to enter through the king’s gate where Esther could possibly talk with him. Mordecai refused. Esther had to move to Plan B — a messenger named Hathach. · What was Hathach to learn from Mordecai (v.5) and why do you think that was a wise move on Esther’s part? · What evidence of the gravity of the situaƟon did Mordecai send back to Esther through Hathach (v.8)? · What did Mordecai suggest that Esther could possibly do about the situaƟon (v.8)? · Why do you think Mordecai may have been feeling parƟcularly responsible for these tragic events? “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke a READ Esther 4:10-17 — For Such a Time as This Today’s passage contains the most familiar phrase of the enƟre book — For such a Ɵme as this! Mordecai’s words emphasize God’s work from the shadows. Perhaps it was the Lord’s plan that Esther would have a prominent posiƟon in the palace. Perhaps she was God’s tool of redempƟon at this Ɵme. Let’s discover how the drama unfolds as Esther sent a return message to Mordecai explaining the road blocks. · Explain the well-known law that would have put Esther into great peril if she were to approach the king. · Why was Esther worried that she might not be immediately welcomed into the king’s presence. I’ve discovered in life that some people are problem solvers and some aren’t. Mordecai belonged to the first category. He wasn’t about to take ‘I can’t’ for an answer. He instructed a blunt response to be sent back to Esther. · Why might Esther have thought that the king’s decree wouldn’t affect her personally (v.13)? Day 4:

· What two things did Mordecai predict would happen if she were to remain silent (v.14)? Mordecai’s communicaƟons were effecƟve and Esther began to understand God’s call on her life. She also began to understand just how unprepared she was to meet the challenge before her! She would need supernatural strength. I would say realizing our weakness is the first step to being empowered by God’s strength. · What did Esther ask Mordecai to organize and for how long? Although it’s not specifically stated, the implicaƟon is that the Jews were to fast and pray on Esther’s behalf that God would grant her favor. This should inspire us as we oŌen face situaƟons for which we feel completely unequipped. God had already granted Esther some level of courage because she was able to chart a course for the next three days and assume on God’s providence. But she would need a big dose of courage on the third day when she would face the possibility of life or death. Read Psalm 145:18-20 and note how it inspires you to lean into the Lord for the strength you need for situaƟons in your life.

Seeing God’s Work from the Shadows God’s work from the shadows conƟnued in these chapters, even though everything might have seemed evil and desperate. Consider these ways that you see the hidden hand of God at work. 1. How did God use Haman to force Mordecai to reveal his idenƟty? 2. How did God use the outcome of the lot (landing on the twelŌh month) to the Jews’ benefit? 3. How did God use the fact that Mordecai and Esther were related and both held posiƟons in the inner circles in Susa? 4. How did God use Mordecai's connecƟons, so that even though he was not able to talk with Esther, they were able to communicate? 5. How did God use the very presence of Esther in the king’s palace at this parƟcular Ɵme? 6. How did God use Mordecai’s personally connecƟons in the Jewish community to create a network of fasƟng and prayer? “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” John 12:27

Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. The very presence of Haman (because Saul hadn’t completely destroyed the Amalekites) should cause us to consider areas in our own lives that have not been completely surrendered to the Lord, and the future problems they might create. Read Colossians 3:5-11 and discuss possible applicaƟons of this principle in a ChrisƟan’s life. 2. Discuss the wisdom in establishing rules, orders, or laws that cannot be changed. What about in our homes? Is it a good rule if it can easily be changed? Where is the balance? 3. Not many of us have stacks of money lying around to use as bribery, yet we do know how to manipulate people to get them to do what we want. In what way can manipulaƟon be just as destrucƟve as bribery? 4. Esther seemed to understand that she could play her part in God’s plan of redempƟon if she was strengthened by the Lord himself. How does this relate to your life? In what ways has the Lord called you to do something for which you need to be strengthened? 5. The willingness of the Jews in Susa to fast and pray for Esther was impressive and effecƟve. How has this passage inspired you to both ask for prayer from others and offer it as well?

Only three days have passed from the end of Chapter Four to the beginning of Chapter Five. For God’s people, they have been days of fasƟng and prayer, and they have transformed Esther into a woman of confidence and courage. a READ Esther 5:1-8 — From Compliant to Confident Throughout this enƟre book, the author has helped us create mental pictures by vividly describing surroundings, even right down to people’s clothing. · Why do you think Esther decided to ‘put on her royal robes’ before coming into the king’s inner court (v.1)? · How did King Ahasuerus show that he was favorable toward the approach of Queen Esther (v.2)? · What offer did he make her (v.3)? · And what did Esther ask of the king (v.4)? Right there we may have felt a liƩle disappointed. The people fasted for three days — Esther was looking all royal and beauƟful — King Ahasuerus gave her a blank check for whatever she wanted — and she merely asked him to come to dinner? With Haman? Day 1: Week Four — Esther 5-6-7

We might think she blew her big opportunity. But, by the end of this week’s study it will be clear that all that prayer support had equipped her with wisdom and paƟence. She was well aware of the kind of man with whom she was dealing. Yes, she could have manipulated him into giving her what she asked, (just like his advisors had in Chapter One). But Esther resisted the shortcut. This would have to be HIS idea, some how, some way. · In v.5, what helps us see that the king was eager to do what Esther had asked? · While at the feast, the king asked Esther once more what he could do for her. What was her request the second Ɵme (v.8)? Esther is one paƟent woman. She had been specifically equipped by the Lord to not push forward willy nilly, but to strategically wait for the best possible moment to present her case. We can learn a lot from her example. Read the following passages and note anything the Lord shows you or wants you to apply to a situaƟon in your life. Proverbs 16:32 Romans 12:12 a READ Esther 5:9-14 — Building a Gallows · According to v.9, Haman leŌ Esther’s banquet quite pleased with himself. Why do you think he might have been glad of heart? · In the same verse, what event changed his happy mood, and how did he respond to that? In v.10-12 we find that Haman went home to toot his own horn (as we say) before his wife and his friends. List his three bragging points: · · · Now list the cherry on the top of the list from v.12: · We conƟnue to circle back to important life lessons throughout this book, like how easily we become irritated or offended. Do you also find it ironic that the same man who was able to list off all of the posiƟve things in his life was the same man who allowed himself to get Ɵed up in knots over the acƟons of one humble Jew? Day 2:

Does that resonate with you in any area of your life? Is there any Ɵny kernel of offense that you have allowed to consume your thoughts? Here are some addiƟonal passages that might speak to both Haman’s situaƟon and perhaps a situaƟon in your life. Note what you find: Proverbs 12:23 Proverbs 16:18 Proverbs 27:1-2 · What did Haman’s wife suggest as the perfect soluƟon for Haman’s irritaƟon (v.14)? We recently read about another wife who craŌed a dreadful soluƟon for her pouƟng husband. Review the story of Ahab and Jezebel found in 1 Kings 21:1-16. · List the commonaliƟes from the two narraƟves. And right there we find a life lesson for wives. SomeƟmes the men in our lives do need to blow off some steam and use us as a safe place to express their legiƟmate frustraƟons. Our choice of responses could make or break the outcome of the situaƟon. · If you could have entered the story, what would you have advised Mrs. Haman to say?

a READ Esther 6:1-9 — Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears the Crown · What sort of difficulty did the king have the night aŌer his first banquet with Esther? · What was his soluƟon for insomnia? · What account just so happened to be read to him (v.2)? It pleases us that King Ahasuerus seemed to have a sense of jusƟce. Apparently he hadn’t been aware that thanks were never expressed to Mordecai for saving his life; that was an oversight! Good call on the king’s part to recƟfy that mistake. · Who just so happened to be hanging around the courtyard right at the moment the king wanted some advice (v.5)? · What did the writer reveal about Haman’s inward thoughts with regard to someone the king wanted to honor (v.6)? · Because Haman was usually thinking about himself, describe the type of honor that he suggested the king should bestow on the one the king wanted to honor (v.7-9). Day 3: a READ Esther 6:10-14 — Honor and Humility Now it perplexes us that King Ahasuerus described Mordecai as a Jew in v.10. How can the king sign an edict for the annihilaƟon of the Jews one week and then honor a Jew with his royal robes, and a ride on his horse through the square of the city, the next week? We have no real answer to this dichotomy, other than realizing the plot to kill the Jews wasn’t really the king’s idea in the first place. Remember, he was sort of bribed into it. One wonders if he had perhaps even forgoƩen about the whole maƩer. But, we do know what it meant to Haman as he was the one who had been requisiƟoned to lead Mordecai and speak words of exaltaƟon! · Describe Haman’s countenance in v.12 aŌer leading the parade of honor. · Why do you think his emoƟons were so dramaƟc? · How did his wife and his advisors view this turn of events (v.13)? The author of this book was masterful at expressing events through the tempo of his words! · How does the final verse of this chapter turn this story into a page-turner? Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness. Proverbs 14:22 a READ Esther 7:1-5 — What a Difference a Day Makes The second banquet began and ended in the same way as the first — a feast, followed by wine. This was the moment when Ahasuerus asked Esther, once more, what he could do for her. Note that Esther didn’t just blurt out what she thought the king should do. She was much more diplomaƟc, even appealing to the king’s self-interest. · Explain what Esther asked of the king from v.3-4. · What specific informaƟon did the king want to know about the enemy who had threatened Esther and her people (v.5)? Finally, the mounƟng tension in our story has been mildly relieved. Esther called out Haman for his wicked plan. But the drama doesn’t end there… a READ Esther 7:6-10 — A Gallows Named “PoeƟc JusƟce” · Describe the king’s reacƟon to Esther’s disclosure. · Describe Haman’s reacƟon to the situaƟon. Day 4:

The pace of events quickened even more as things couldn’t possibly have gone any worse for Haman. He had probably been kneeling or siƫng in close proximity to the queen, while begging for his life. But the king’s fury, combined with his alcohol consumpƟon, may have distorted his percepƟon of what had happened in his absence. Quickly, Haman’s head was covered and he was removed from the king’s presence. · In v.9, Harbona told the king that a gallows had been built by Haman for what original purpose? · What was the gallows ulƟmately used for? WOW! What a change of events! What a reversal! But the death of Haman didn’t solve the problem — the Jews sƟll faced an impending order of death and no one could do anything to change that. As we close our study for this week, we’ll remind ourselves that we too are under a law that cannot be changed. Romans 3:23 tells us that we’re all sinners and Romans 6:23 tells us the penalty is death. There’s nothing that can be done to change either of those laws. In the narraƟve of Esther, we’ll find a new law enacted in our final lesson that will spare their lives of her people. In God’s Unfolding Story of RedempƟon we also find a new law that has been enacted. Anyone who takes advantage of the new law, which is new life in Jesus the Messiah, will find that their life has been spared. And not only spared, but elevated to the life that is really life!

Seeing God’s Work from the Shadows God’s work from the shadows is probably the most prominent in these chapters. The pace of events is accelerated and the supposed coincidences are almost unbelievable! Consider the following ways that you see the hidden hand of God at work. 1. How did God use Haman running into Mordecai just as he leŌ the banquet with Esther? 2. How did God use the terrible advice of Haman’s wife and friends to build a gallows and ask for the life of Mordecai? 3. How did God use the king’s sleepless night? 4. How did God use the fact that the Book of Memorable Deeds just happened to be open to the account of Mordecai uncovering the assassinaƟon plot? 5. How did God use the fact that Esther had delayed by one day her request to the king? 6. How did God use the presence of Haman in the king’s court at just the moment when the king intended to honor Mordecai? 7. How did God use the awkward moment when Haman was begging the queen for his life to put a final nail in his coffin?

Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Esther’s paƟent restraint in presenƟng her request to the king inspires us. Let’s convert this concept into other areas of our lives. Under what circumstances might paƟence and restraint serve us beƩer than sharing everything all at once? 2. You can oŌen tell quite a bit about a woman by how much it takes to irritate her. What are some pracƟcal strategies to learn to let offenses go without challenging every one of them? 3. Are you a fueler or a fencer? Read Ephesians 4:29. When a family member or a friend shares their hurts, challenges, or frustraƟons; do you add fuel to their emoƟons, or do you help them build a fence around it and lay it to rest. 4. Leaders like King Ahasuerus can be worrisome. We’ve all been under the leadership of people whom we didn’t exactly respect or have huge confidence in their decisions. Read Proverbs 21:1 and discuss God’s sovereignty, even over poliƟcians and leaders. 5. Discuss the parallel between the irrevocable penalty of sin that plagues humans and the unchangeable law that plagued the Jews in Persia.

________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes from Teaching on Week 4 — a READ Esther 8:1-17 — A Reversal for the Irreversible · What giŌ did the king immediately give to Esther and how was that a reversal of fortunes? · What posiƟon was immediately given to Mordecai and how was that a reversal of power? Now that things had seƩled down a smidge, Esther became bolder and even slightly more vulnerable in her approach to the king. · From v.5 what was Esther’s plea before the king this Ɵme? Since the king had already given his signet ring to Mordecai, that meant that he basically allowed him to write a new edict that would carry the king’s blessing. Once again the scribes were busy wriƟng and translaƟng and the messengers were busy riding and announcing. · From v.11-12 summarize the content of the latest edict wriƩen by Mordecai and sancƟoned by the king. Day 1: Week Five — Esther 8-9-10

· Calculate how many months remained now unƟl the fateful day that was first chosen to kill the Jews. · How was the second edict communicated to everyone in Persia? Once again, the writer gave us abundant details for our imagina- Ɵons, including the quality of the horses, the emoƟons of the king, and even Mordecai’s clothing. · How did the people in Susa (and most importantly, the Jews) respond to both Mordecai’s leadership and the relief that the new edict brought? · From v.17 what surprise reversal of events happened among the people in the country?

a READ Esther 9:1-19 — A Reversal of Fortunes The first verse of this chapter could be described as a one sentence summary of the enƟre book. It has all the important informaƟon — the daƟng, the problem, and the reversal. In fact this week’s lesson will be centered around that word — reversal! · The Jews didn’t go around indiscriminately killing Persians. In v.2 the writer told us precisely what type of people the Jews were able to avenge themselves on. Write the phrase here: “to lay hands on ____________________________________” · The same verse also eludes to a certain unseen help that came their way. Write the phrase here: “no one could stand against them, for __________________ _________________________________________________” · It seems that the government itself provided help for the Jews. From v.3-4 what moƟvated the poliƟcians to get involved? · Who was specifically pointed out as being killed by the Jews in v.7-10? · Why do you think that informaƟon was important enough so as to list all of their names? Day 2:

· What was unique about the fate of the plunder from that family? This story is complicated on so many levels. As always, we will get high-centered if we read it exclusively from a 21st century western viewpoint. It’s already perplexing that 500 Persians were reported to have been killed in Susa alone, and a much larger number through- out the country. But then the king turned around and asked Esther what else he could do for her. It’s crazy, but it happened! · In v.13-17 what two addiƟonal things did Esther ask of the king? You’ll remember that the original edict which was craŌed by Haman gave permission for the Persians to kill any Jews and seize their property. The Persians had almost a full year’s noƟce to lay their eye on homes, businesses, vineyards, all sorts of property they might like to have for themselves. That type of genocide for profit is almost unthinkable. But once the reversal was in place, the moƟvaƟon was not the same. · What phrase from v.10, 15, 16 was given as a constant reminder to inform us that the Jews were not out for material gain? · In both the countryside and in Susa, what was the final outcome aŌer the days of avenging themselves on their enemies?

a READ Esther 9:20-32 — The Feast of Purim One of the main purposes of the Book of Esther is to provide a history of the Feast of Purim — which is sƟll celebrated to this day. Even in that moment, Mordecai knew that what had just happened was extraordinary and should be commemorated on a regular basis. · How did Mordecai convey the observance of this new annual feast to all of the Jews living in all the regions of Persia? · Based on the events in the previous day’s lesson, why did some rest and feast on the 14th day and some on the 15th day? · From the informaƟon in v.22, write one sentence that describes the purpose of the Feast of Purim: · From v.24 and 26 explain how the Feast of Purim got its name. Day 3: a READ Esther 10:1-3 — The Greatness of Mordecai These brief three verses of Esther Chapter Ten may seem like an anƟ-climax, but every great event in history requires an aŌer-story — something that lets us know how the events of that Ɵme put their mark on history. · In this case, from these three verses, how would you describe history to have moved on? · How would you describe the lasƟng legacy of Mordecai? Day 4: The Feast of Purim Today God had given several feasts to Israel that were intended to commemorate great work He had done in their midst — Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Booths, etc. But this feast was different. It wasn’t given by God but was instituted by Esther and Mordecai. That doesn’t make Purim unimportant, it just puts it in a different category. Perhaps we could title this category Feasts Commemorating God’s Hidden Work from the Shadows! Today, Purim is one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar. The Jews participate in a boisterous public reading of the book of Esther. Each time the name of evil Haman is read the children boo or hiss or shake rattles to blot out his name from being heard. People often dress up in costume, deliver baskets of food and drink to friends, give gifts to the poor and eat hat-shaped cookies called Hamantaschen after the villain in the story.

Seeing God’s Work from the Shadows We’ve been contemplaƟng God’s work from the shadows each week. Mostly, we’ve considered all of the seeming coincidences that had to take place for the people of God to be saved. In this final lesson, we’re going to focus on all of the reversals that have been imprinted within the story to drive home the point that God is sovereign over all. Even when things seem the most bleak, God is in the business of reversing the trial for His glory. 1. How did God reverse the house and property that originally belonged to Haman? 2. How did God reverse the power and posiƟon within the king’s palace that originally belonged to Haman? 3. How did God reverse the sƟgma that originally went along with being Jewish? 4. How did God reverse the original edict against the Jews? 5. How did God even reverse the moƟvaƟon of the edict from the Persians killing Jews to the Jews defending themselves against their enemies?

Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. The greatest theme in the book of Esther is that God oŌen works in the shadows of ordinary life in order to fulfill His promises and enact His purposes. Share something from your own past that seemed ordinary at the Ɵme, but that God used for a larger purpose in your life. 2. Share something from a Bible character’s ordinary life that God used in an extraordinary way in God’s Story of RedempƟon. 3. Consider something that might be happening right now in your own life, or in your community, or poliƟcally that may have God’s fingerprints from the shadows. 4. Read Psalm 7:12-16 and discuss how it relates to this parƟcular story. 5. Finally, share with your group your greatest take-away from your study of the Book of Esther.

RĊċĊėĊēĈĊĘ ESV Bible verses: Scripture quotaƟons are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV Bible verses: Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Interna- Ɵonal Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 1— DeRouchie, Jason S. What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About, Kregel PublicaƟons, 2450 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 2— CurƟs, A. H. W. Canaanite Gods and Religion, DicƟonary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. Downers Grove, IL; Leicester, England: IVP, 2005. pp. 132–142. 3— Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008. Page 4 Map — Used by Permission Under: hƩps://commons. wikimedia.org /wiki/Commons:GNU_Free_DocumentaƟon_ License,_version_1.2 (no changes were made)

The following WOW Bible Studies wriƩen by Sue LeBouƟllier are available through the Calvary Chapel Ontario bookstore, and through our online store at www.ccontario.com. Old Testament: · Genesis — Divine Design, From Eden to Egypt · Exodus — Divine Deliverance, From Egypt to Sinai · Numbers —The Wilderness Way, From Sinai to the Jordan · Joshua —The Path of Promise, From the Jordan into Canaan · Judges — A Time of Turning · Ruth — Walking with My Redeemer · 1 Samuel — The Coming King · 2 Samuel — The Reigning King · 1&2 Kings (Part One) — Solomon and the House of the Lord · 1&2 Kings (Part Two) — Learning from Leaders · Esther — God’s Hidden Work from the Shadows · Jonah —The Call of Compassion New Testament: · The Way of Jesus — The Sermon on the Mount from MaƩhew · Simply Jesus — The “I AMs” of Christ in the Gospel of John · Acts — Walking in the Spirit, The First Days of the Last Days · GalaƟans — Finding Grace in a Demanding World · Ephesians — Finding Purpose in a Confused World · Philippians — Finding Joy in a Disjointed World · Colossians — Finding Stability in a Changing World · Titus — While We Wait · James — Real Faith for Daily Life · 1&2 Peter — Hope, Holiness and Humility in a HosƟle World · 1,2,3 John — Light, Love and Logic, Lessons from the Apostle John Women of the Word Bible Studies

Apr 18, 2026

Pastor Paul LeBoutillier