Learnable Bible Study Podcast

The book of Esther, is mainly descriptive.

Who, What, When, Where, and How tool

King Ahasuerus promoted Haman to be above all other other rulers within his kingdom. He was second in command to the king.

The king issued all his servants within the gates to pay homage and reverence to Haman.

Modecai refused to pay reverence to Haman. Modecai's actions were reported to Haman

Haman was filled with rage. And decided not to take up the issue with Mordecai but destroy the whole of the Jewish race.

Haman convinced the king Ahasuerus to make a law to wipe out all the Israelites.

A degree to wipe all the Jews was made and signed with the king's signet ring by Haman

This degree was delivered to the 127 provinces of king Ahasuerus. And all the people were perplexed.

What does it mean?

Why did Modecai refused to reverence  Haman?

First what does revenge mean and why did Mordecai refuse to reverence  Haman

Reverence  is an attitude of deep spiritual respect tinged with awe; veneration. To respect is so far different to reverence.

"Mordecai refused to reverence Haman. While we can see Mordecai's character obeys and honors the king, the only person  that should receive reverence is God. Being a Jew, they were to worship one  God and not man. He was working with other people who did not share his faith. They paid reverence to Haman but he would not disobey God’s law to obey man’s law.

Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite was an evil man and yet he rose to second his command. The platform of influence was not to help but to stroke his ego.

How does it apply to me today?

Standing up for  what is right even when everyone is going the other way ( if no one follows Jesus, would you still follow him?)

This is very adept of this time, where the lines  between good and evil is relative. Would you pick to obey God or rather obey the laws  of our times.

Esther's Secret

Today we would be looking at the 1st chapter of the book of Esther

In this study, the tools we would use for this study are

So let's dig in and turn the bible to the Esther 1

The book of Esther, is mainly descriptive.

King Ahasuerus who reigned over 127 provinces, from India to Ethiopia. His Capital or throne was in Shushan

He had been king over these 127 provinces for 3 years

He threw a great party to show off his riches, power and splendor to all his noble princes. This party lasted 180 day that is like 6 months.

King Ahasuerus made a further 7 days party to include all people in the city of Shushan. which include drinking as much as you can in whatever style of drinking to like.

Queen Vashti also threw a party. On the final day of the party,  the king sent for Queen Vashti to show her off. Queen Vashti refused to obey the king. The king was furious and angry.

The king consulted his ruling council. The decision to depose Queen Vashti of her position has her manner of disobedient might be copied by others. And a decree was issued by the king to that effect.

King Ahasuerus had a very large empire, he had military might and had rule over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. King Ahasuerus wanted to show off to all his subordinates and the people assigned to rule in all the provinces. He wanted to show off his might and influence.

The party was all about him, being strong and might and wealth and powerful

He also wanted to show he could be generous. He gave a party for the whole city with an abundance of wine.

Now king Ahasuerus now wanted to show off his queen but she refused. This must have been a big stab to his ego. He was so angry that he called the ruling council to settle this domestic affair.

A new law was drafted to dethrone queen Vashti

King Ahasuerus made a decision when he was angry and furious. Making a decision when one is angry does make for the right decision as the negative emotions of anger can cloud one's judgement.

When asking for counsel,  make sure to ask the right people. The ruling council was not interested in the king's domestic happiness, they were rather interested in stroking their own egos in their homes. The decision to dethrone queen Vashti was to create a fear amongst the families that.

When seeking counsel, look for people who have the right  motive. How does the impact of the decision being advised impact those affected and even those giving out the advice.?