Containing all the elements of high drama, the book of Esther reads like a finely crafted play. The curtain rises at a difficult time in history. In the eyes of the world, the most important person on the whole planet is King Ahasuerus. Esther opens in the third year of Ahasuerus’ reign, Esther 1:3. For six months, 1:4, he displayed his wealth and power by throwing a big party. At the peak of the drunken gathering, King Ahasuerus called for his beautiful wife, Vashti, to be brought out so he could show off her beauty. Vashti refused to be put on display and did not obey the King’s command. This made the King furious and burn with anger, 1:12.

Why do you think that Vashti did not come to the King’s banquet and let him show her beauty off?

King Ahasuerus consults his experts and asks them what they think he should do, 1:13-15.

What punishment did they say the king should do? 1:19-20

It was a decision he would eventually come to regret and found himself longing for his queen. But since the law could not be revoked, the only solution was to find a new queen. Enter stage left, Queen Esther.

Read Esther 2:2-4 and write down all you learn about the details of the plans to find a new queen.

Read Esther 2:5-6 and write down all you learn about Mordecai.

Why was Mordecai raising Esther?

What are we told of Esther’s appearance?

Look at Esther 2:9 and write what you observe about how Esther is viewed by Hagai, the king’s eunuch.

Read Esther 2:16-17 and list what is recorded about how the kings received Esther.

One of the greatest twist in the story is how God used Esther to allow Mordecai to help the king. Read 2:21-23. What did Mordecai discover 2:21?

How does he warn the king 2:22?

What is the result 2:23?

It did not take God long to start lining up the players and plot to make Esther, Queen of Persia.

Take the time to answer these questions. Comment on any insights you would like to based on these questions. I would especially like your thoughts on why you think that Vashti did not come to the King’s banquet and let him show her beauty off.