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Women's Bible Study

The following is the text of the study guide on the Book of Esther for Crown of Life's women's Bible study. This text can be downloaded as a PDF document, which can be opened with the free Adobe Reader, available from Adobe. The PDF of the text below can be downloaded by clicking here. Right click and choose "Save link as..." The women's Bible study is held every other week. For more information, please contact coordinator Lisa Solomon.

Esther -- Chapters 5 and 6

What was risky about Esther’s plan?

Read Verses 5-8. What request did Esther make of Xerxes?

What two feelings did Haman have after the banquet?

What was Haman’s wife’s advice? How did Haman plan to gain satisfaction for himself?

Why do you think Esther delayed making her appeal for herself and her people?

Whatever the reason for Esther’s delay, it is interesting to note what the Lord did with that extra day! (Note the “coincidences!”)

Verse 1 (two coincidences)

Verse 2 (one coincidence)

Verse 3 (a question)

Verse 4 (two coincidences, an irony!)

Verses 6-9 (completely unintended advice!)

Verses 10,11 (a most demeaning irony)

How did Haman’s wife Zeresh interpret these events?

What sins had Haman been carried away with?

Haman shows how jealousy or holding a grudge can destroy a person’s happiness. How can such attitudes destroy the earthly happiness of a person?

How can they destroy the spiritual life of a believer?

How can a Christian overcome such feelings? (Philippians 4:11-13)

Do the emotions of pride and revenge ever have a place in the life of a Christian? (Prov. 8:13, 11:2, 16:18, 29:23, Rom. 12:19, and Prov. 26:27)

As royalty, Esther interceded for her people. Can we intercede for people before God?

How are we like Esther in that regard? (I Peter 2:9)

Read about other intercessors/intercessions: Exodus 32:7-14, Ephesians 6:18-19, and Acts 7:59,60. Notice the how and why…

Read Romans 8:26-39. What confidences does this passage give us?

In chapter six, there are many seemingly insignificant events that some people would call lucky. Is there such a think as luck?

Clearly God was in control of this situation from start to finish. Can you think of some “coincidences” in your past that show God’s sovereignty over your life?

In what areas of your life are you most tempted to become cocky or arrogant?

Why?

Put another way, if God desired to humble you, where do you think He might focus His attention?

What are some specific and concrete safeguards against a prideful spirit? (You can a small hint from James 4:5-10.)

How can you implement some specific practices today?