Chapter Summary

Fasting among the Jews. Esther's resolution to defeat the decree.

Discussion Questions for Esther, Chapter 4

1. Chapter 4 opens with Mordecai's reaction to the decree ordering the destruction of Jews by Haman. Mordecai expressed his grief publicly in the tradition of the time (see verse 1). Was his expression of grief appropriate? Why or why not?
2. Though Jews across the land were "lamenting" (ESV) as news reached them of their impending doom, Esther did not grieve in a similar way. In fact, she sought to conceal Mordecai's grief by offering him clothes in verse 4. Why do you think this is? Do you believe her lack of reaction indicates she was not grieving at all? Why or why not?
3. In verse 11, Esther brings up a very real danger to her life should she go through with Mordecai's request. Is God uncaring towards threats against his people? How do we know this? With this in mind, was Esther valid in considering the threats she faced in obeying her uncle? Why or why not?
4. How does Mordecai's desire for justice conflict with Esther's desire for safety? Do you believe one is in the right, while the other is in the wrong? If so, whom? If not, why?
5. Mordecai's response to Esther in verse 13-14 indicate that Esther was content to hide her identity in the midst of threats against her people. She was trusting in herself for protection rather than God. Have you ever found yourself in this position? How did it turn out? If you are currently in this position, what is keeping you from trusting in God's faithfulness?
6. In verse 14, Mordecai demonstrated faith that God would deliver his people from destruction, regardless of the actions of man. If this is true, why did he make a point to publicly grieve what Haman planned to do? Can grief and faith in God exist simultaneously? Why or why not?
7. "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (ESV) In verse 14, Mordecai speculates that the circumstances which led Esther to become queen were a part of God's plan for this moment, to deliver the Jews from annihilation. Can you think of other times God led his people to hold positions of power for the sake of protection and deliverance? How might this demonstration of God's care and sovereignty bring comfort to people suffering today?
8. Despite her initial reluctance, Esther agrees to seek out the king. What does her request that all the Jews of the land fast for three days suggest about her view of God's sovereignty? How might this be an example for us to follow in our own prayer lives?
9. In verse 16, we see that Esther has accepted she may die in order to follow her uncle's command: "If I perish, I perish." (ESV) Do you think this statement means she did not have hope God would preserve her life? Why or why not?
10. How is Esther's obedience to her uncle truly obedience to God? How is her obedience in the face of fear an encouragement to believers today?

Key Words/Phrase

Fasting and weeping, v. 3.

Characters

Ahasuerus, Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Hatach.

Strong Verse(s)

14. 16.