Esther: For Such a Time as This! Session 3
Session 3: Haman's Conspiracy. 36:46-59:01 (Chapters 3 and 4)
Introduce Session 3
Often in the Bible we witness power struggles. Moses and Pharaoh. David and Saul. Herod and John. Jesus and the Pharisees. Satan and his angels vs. Yahweh. In the end, most power struggles are struggles between good and evil. Pro Life vs. Pro Choice. Slavery vs. Free Men. Free Speech vs. Man’s quest for power and influence is nothing new, and it certainly plays a part in Esther’s drama.
In Chapter 3, we are introduced to Haman, the evil villain. He has all the character traits to fit the description. Crafty, cunning, proud, deceitful, manipulative, hateful, lover of self, and the list goes on.
The first thing we learn about him, is that he is an Agagite. Agag was the king of the Amalekites during the reign of Saul. Saul was commanded to kill every Amalekite. Why? We know that the Amalekites were the sworn enemies of the Jews. They first attacked the Israelites when they were traveling to Mt. Sinai in the wilderness after the Exodus. Unfortunately, Saul disobeyed. You can read this biblical account in 1 Samuel. Haman is an advisor to King Xerxes, who, as the account progresses, works himself up through the ranks to the office of first advisor to the king, or prime minister.
The continuing drama between the Amalekites and the Jews is played out in this story…. Between two men… Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman as he parades on horseback through Susa, and Haman becomes angry. In his quest to control Mordecai, Haman goes too far, and he plots not only to destroy Mordecai, but to wipe out the entire Jewish race! Yes, this is a power struggle, and it is motivated by pride and quest for power and control. But boiling beneath the surface there is even more.. A lust for wealth, and greed…. money… above life. Sound familiar?
How about a few of these? Abortion? Vaccines? Prescription drugs? Are these mere services to the public, or are they pushed by the left for a more nefarious reason? What is the real motivation of developing vaccines? Why do so many people push free abortions? What is really going on with the doctors prescribing so many prescription drugs?
As Solomon wrote, there is nothing new under the sun. Lust for control and power are often accompanied by a lust for wealth. Enjoy reading out loud Esther Chapters 3 and 4. See if you can find the underlying reason for Haman's hatred of Mordecai. Also, look for answers to the question, "How did Esther respond to a crisis?" Finally, watch the movie, and journal the discussion questions, or talk them over with a friend. Click Here for the lesson plan packet for the entire study.
Begin the video at 36:46-59:01 (Chapters 3 and 4). (22 min.)
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think the king trusted Haman?
Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman?
This is an example of how our actions can influence the lives of others. Do you agree with Mordecai's actions in this situation? Why or why not?
Haman was deceptive to the king in regards to the Jewish people. How do we know that we are being told the truth about matters that affect us?
What strategy did Haman use to get the king to agree with his plot?
If Mordecai had not refused to bow to Haman, how might the story have worked out differently?
God is not mentioned in this book, but he is acting behind the scenes. How can we see him acting behind the scenes in this lesson? How is he acting behind the scenes in America today? In your life? How do you know it is Him?
Do we have “Haman” in our government today? If so, who would it be?
Make a list. What did Esther do in a crisis? What did she do that was wise? Did she do anything foolish? What might she have done if she was foolish? What new character traits can we observe for Esther?
Going further: Enjoy this four minute video... Who were the Amalekites?
Now we are beginning to see why God chose to elevate Hadasseh to the position of Queen of the Persian Empire. As we had seen previously, Esther was a young woman who pleased those around her with her willingness to adapt and learn, as well as listen to advice. She was not strong willed and tempermental, like Vashti!
In Chapter 4, we have another set of clues as to the character of Esther. First of all Esther was aware of what was going on around her. She was concerned about the deep mourning of her people, especially her cousin, Mordecai. When she found out what was happening, and that Haman had paid a large sum of money to the King to destroy the Jews, she returned a message to Mordecai... "What can I do? I cannot approach him on the penalty of death! And I have not seen him at all in the last 30 days! " But Mordecai only challenged Esther, "Are you sure this is not your calling for God? Maybe you are queen for such a time as this?"
Esther's response revealed her cool, calm head. She did not waste time deciding what she had to do. She must approach the king. But when? and How? What should she say? She send a response to Mordecai... "I am going to fast for three days, and pray to Yahweh for his help. If I perish, I perish. Pray with me!"
What courage! What faith! What strength! Pray that we can all be "Esther" in these last days!
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