Esther 9—10: Remembering and Celebrating
IT WAS A beautiful spring day and I was walking along a dirt road that wound through the mountains outside Bear Trap Ranch in Colorado. I was pouring out my heart to God and wrestling with where he wanted to take me in my life. As I strolled among the pine trees, God opened my eyes to the abundant life that lay before me if I would commit my future to his service. It was that moment that changed the course of my life, and I am eternally grateful to the Lord. Every time I visit Bear Trap Ranch I walk along that very road and remember that moment and God's faithfulness to me. Celebrating God's goodness helps me keep my perspective and empowers me to go on in my commitment to his service.
Warming Up to God
What is something you or your family commemorated, and how was it celebrated?
Read Esther 9—10. »
Discovering the Word
- Summarize the events of the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar.
- Describe the people that the Jews actually destroyed on these days in the month of Adar (9:5-17).
- The author mentions three separate times that the Jews did not lay their hands on their enemies' plunder. Why might the Jews have left the plunder despite the king's permission to take it (9:10, 15-16)?
- Mordecai and Esther proclaimed and established the celebration of Purim as a holiday for all the Jews. What was the purpose of the celebration (9:20-27)?
- God has saved his people and blessed Esther and Mordecai for their obedience to him. Summarize what happens to Esther and Mordecai at the end of the story (9:29—10:3).
Applying the Word
- Throughout Scripture God instructs his people to commemorate the times when he acted to provide and save his people. Why is remembering God's acts of faithfulness important for us as Christians?
- What is one thing that God has done for you that you would truly like to remember?
- What are some ways you could celebrate it?
Responding in Prayer
Begin your tradition of celebrating right now by offering your praise and thanksgiving to God.
For Further Study
Worship & Celebration by Jan Johnson