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Study Sheet: The Deliverance of the Jews
**Lesson Text:** Esther 8:3-8; 9:18-23
**Related Scriptures:** Esther 5:1-7:10; 8:15-9:16; Psalm 106:1-5, 44-48
**Golden Text:** “Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another” (Esther 9:19).
Key Sections
Esther's Petition
1. **Appearance (Esther 8:3-4)**
- Esther’s second appearance before King Ahasuerus without being invited.
- She falls at the king’s feet, weeps, and pleads with him to avert Haman's evil plan.
2. **Appeal (Esther 8:5-6)**
- Esther requests the king to revoke Haman’s letters that ordered the destruction of the Jews.
- She emphasizes her inability to bear the calamity that would befall her people.
3. **Answer (Esther 8:7-8)**
- The king grants Esther and Mordecai the authority to write a new decree allowing Jews to defend themselves.
- The new decree is issued in the king’s name and sealed with his ring.
The Jews' Joy
1. **Celebration (Esther 9:18-19)**
- The Jews celebrate their deliverance with feasting and gladness.
- The celebration becomes an annual tradition in both Susa and rural towns.
2. **Communication (Esther 9:20-21)**
- Mordecai writes to all Jews, establishing the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar as annual days of celebration.
- This feast is known as the Feast of Purim.
3. **Custom (Esther 9:22-23)**
- The celebration includes feasting, sending gifts of food to one another, and giving to the poor.
- This is a time to remember God's deliverance and goodness.
Questions for Reflection and Study
1. What important events took place between Esther’s two dinners?
2. Why did Esther make a second appearance before the king?
3. What was Esther’s approach as she asked the king to change the decree established by Haman?
4. What was her concluding emotional appeal to the king?
5. What did King Ahasuerus remind Esther and Mordecai, and what was he implying they could do?
6. What decree did Mordecai write?
7. What did the king grant Esther at the conclusion of the day on which the Jews defended themselves?
8. What did Mordecai and Esther ask the Jews to establish?
9. What name was given to the feast celebrating the Jews’ deliverance?
10. How does the faithfulness of God toward the Jews encourage you?
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Applications
1. **Faith and Courage in Adversity**
- Like Esther, act with courage and faith, trusting in God's purposes.
- Intercede and pray in times of crisis for divine intervention.
2. **Providence and Sovereignty of God**
- Recognize that God is always at work, even when His presence is not overtly visible.
- Trust in God's plan and timing, knowing He works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
3. **Celebrating and Remembering God's Deliverance**
- Celebrate and remember the times God has delivered you from difficult situations.
- Establish traditions and memorials to help future generations remember God's faithfulness.
4. **Generosity and Community**
- Foster a sense of community and gratitude by giving and helping others during celebrations.
- Reflect God's abundant blessings through acts of generosity.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the story of Esther and the reminder of Your sovereign hand in our lives. Help us to act with courage and faith, trusting in Your plans and purposes. May we always remember and celebrate Your deliverance, sharing Your blessings with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.