Esther

What is one takeaway from the book?

-God's faithfulness to His covenant -God's involvement in the everyday "stuff" -God's strategic positioning of His people

What is one example of an ironic reversal in Esther?

-Mordecai is honored by Haman -Ester is revealed to also be a Jew -Haman is hung on the gallows prepared for Mordecai -The Jews are given freedom to defend themselves and they overpower their enemies

What is one example of a divine "coincidence" in the book?

-Queen Vashti loses her queenship and Esther is chosen to be queen -Esther is a Jew -Mordecai overhears the plot to kill the king Ahasuerus -Esther finds favor in the eyes of king Ahasuerus when she comes before him uncalled -King Ahasuerus can't sleep and thus discovers that Mordecai was not honored for saving his life

What is the outline of the book?

-The Threat to the Jews (chs. 1-4) -The Triumph of the Jews (chs. 5-10)

What name never appears in Esther?

God's name

What is the purpose of Esther?

To show God's people that He is hidden but active