Chapter Summary

Esther's courage in proceeding to obtain favor.

Discussion Questions for Esther, Chapter 5

1. We learn in chapter 4 that those who approached the king in his inner court faced the risk of death. How do you think Esther felt as she prepared to do this in Chapter 5?
2. Consider the term "grace". How does the king demonstrate grace in this passage? How does this reflect God's grace to us?
3. Esther's plan for the downfall of Haman was not rushed. How is her patience demonstrated in this chapter? What does this patience reveal to us about God's character and His plan?
4. King Ahasuerus promises Esther twice that whatever she wishes would be fulfilled, even to the half of his kingdom (ESV). Why do you think this is significant? Is his promise a binding one? Why do you think so?
5. Despite Haman's initial good mood, his anger is rekindled in verse 9 when he sees Mordecai once again refuse to honor him at the gate. Can you think of a time in your life when your mood was easily swayed by external circumstances? What was the result? Did your behavior honor God? Why or why not?
6. How does Haman demonstrate sinful pride in the second half of chapter 5? In what ways does this behaviour dishonor God?
7. How did Haman's wife and friends encourage his sinful attitude? Think of a time when you encouraged another person to walk in sin rather than lovingly rebuking them. What do you think was the reason behind this encouragement? Were you thinking of yourself, of them, or of God?
8. A form of "joy" is used twice, in verses 6 and 14, to describe Haman's shifting mood. How is this "joy" different from the joy believers have in Christ?
9. What actions in this chapter do you think pleased God? What actions in this chapter do you think displeased God? Why?
10. At this point in the story of Esther, it may have been tempting for Jews to believe that God had abandoned him. How does God demonstrate his hope even in the midst of uncertain times like this? How have you witnessed this in your life or the lives of those near you?

Key Words/Phrase

Favor, v. 2.

Characters

Ahasuerus, Esther, Haman, Mordecai, Zeresh.

Strong Verse(s)