This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Esther, the 17th book in the Bible. Taught by Simeon Forder at our Sunday evening service on the 13th November 2022.

About this book

Esther records the incredible deliverance of the Jews during their Babylonian captivity, which is still celebrated today in the feast of Purim. While this book of the Bible is unusual, in that God is not directly mentioned, in it we see God’s providence in arranging the circumstances for their deliverance, and examples – good and bad – in the characters we follow there.

About this study

In chapter 5 we see Esther follow through with the commitment she made at the end of chapter 4, despite the risk to her life – while at this same time the king’s sleepless night ends up with him being reminded of the plot against him that Mordecai had helped thwart some 5 years previous. The king wishes to honour Mordecai, but full of pride Haman presumes the king wanted to honour him, and so when he not only finds out Mordecai is to be honoured, but he himself is to carry out the kings instruction, he is deeply troubled. What could seem an amazing coincidence is in fact God working things together for our good and His glory.

Application questions

• Do you do the things you commit to, when you said you would?
• Are you indignant or bitter toward anyone about anything?
• In what ways are you prideful? What are you doing about it?
• Are you willing for God to exalt you in His timing, not yours?