Esther Ch. 2 | Assimilation & Compromise

Sermon Discussion | Esther Ch. 2

We pick up the story in chapter 2 after Xerxes had been defeated in battle. Verse 1 says, he remembers what Vashti had done and what he had decreed about her. In an effort to cheer up the king or attend to him, his servants suggest a search be made for "beautiful young virgins for the king", verse 2.

1. Read Esther 2:5-9. Here we meet Mordecai, what do you learn about him? What kind of man is Mordecai?..how can we compare him to Xerxes? Why the random comment about Esther being beautiful v7? They were bringing girls in from all over to see who might win the favor of the king. It seems that there is no concern for these women to be of noble blood. Does it seem odd that the king does not care who or where the next queen comes from? The text goes on to say, the girls are put through beauty treatments and given a diet to follow. Does it seem odd that they would be more concerned with outward appearance than where these girls come from or their religion? Given what we have already learned about Xerxes, does this fall in line with his character?...why or why not?   

3. Read verses 2:10-14. We learn that Mordecai has told her not to reveal her nationality or family background. It would seem that there is some deep seated racism against the Jews, in any case there is a risk involved if she were to divulge that information and yet, God will have her reveal it in the future. Why hold off now? Could it be that the king wanted his new queen to be "the girl from anywhere" she brought some possibility? Could Esther be the queen that Vashti wasn't for the king? How does this show God working in ways that are unseen? If it's wrong or disobedient for Esther to withhold that information, what does this say about the ways that God works in his people? Have you seen God work in disobedience?

4. Read verses 15-23. Esther has her turn to go in and see the king and he was "attracted to her more than any of the other women". How is Esther's interaction with the eunuch significant? What do we start to learn about Esther? We learn that Mordecai has continuous access to Esther and is regularly sitting at the king's gate. What does Mordecai overhear? Do you think this is a coincidence? Jeremy has been laying the groundwork that this book is full of God moving, yet he is never named and there is a story "under the story". Jeremy made the comment that God continues to be faithful even when we are not. Can you share a time in your life when you have experienced that?