Chapter Summary

Haman compelled to exalt Mordecai.

Discussion Questions for Esther, Chapter 6

1. As the chronicles were read to the king at the start of Chapter 6, he realizes that Mordecai had not yet been honored for saving the king's life. Consider the threat at this time to Mordecai's life. With this in mind, how does God use the king to enact his plan?
2. What does the rescue of Mordecai tell us about God's timing and about his sovereignty over all things? Do you trust that God is sovereign in your own life? In what ways have you failed recently to do so? How might you trust more fully in God's power and plan for your life?
3. How is Haman's plan for Mordecai's destruction turned on its head? How does this serve as an encouragement to believers facing opposition from the world?
4. When the king asks Haman how he should honor someone, Haman answers believing the recipient of this honor would be himself. Do you believe his answer, then, was over the top, or do you believe Mordecai was honored appropriately according to what he had done? Why do you think so?
5. Consider how Haman's pride in this chapter lead to his ultimate humiliation. In what ways should this warn readers against prideful behavior?
6. What does Haman do when the king instructs him to honor his great enemy? What does this tell us about the authority of the king?
7. How do you think Mordecai felt as he was being honored by a man who sought to destroy him? What is the contrast between the two enemies in verse 12?
8. Though Haman obeys the king's command seemingly without hesitation, what were his true emotions in honoring Mordecai? If he obeyed, do you think his attitude really mattered? Why or why not?
9. Though in chapter 5, Haman's wife and friends encouraged him to sin against Mordecai, after Haman is shamed they speak against his behavior. Can you think of any people in your own life who are only supportive when they have something to gain? How might you guard against these relationships for the sake of purity?
10. Though God is not mentioned in this chapter, how do we see him at work?

Key Words/Phrase

Honored, v. 11.

Characters

Ahasuerus, Esther, Haman, Mordecai, Zeresh.

Strong Verse(s)

13