The
Book Of Esther |
Outline
J. Deering,
AncientPath.net
Theme: Providence and Preservation
I. The Jew's Grave Danger 1-3
A. The background of the plot 1:1-3:5
1.
The feasts and folly of Xerxes, Queen Vashti deposed 1
a. The three feasts 1:1-9
b. Vashti's refusal 1:10-12
c. Memucan's advice and the King's decree 1:13-22
(Interval of 3-4 years 1:3, cp. 2:16)
2.
Esther, a Jewess, chosen Queen as Vashti's successor 2:1-20
a. The King's remorse 2:1-4
b. Mordecai and Esther 2:5-7
c. The process of elimination 2:8-14
d. Esther loved and chosen Queen 2:15-17
e. Feast in Queen Esther's honor 2:18-20
3.
Mordecai saves the King's life (but providentially goes unrewarded) 2:21-23
(Mordecai is Esther's cousin and guardian)
Interval of 4-5 years (3:7, cp. 2:16)
4.
Haman (recently exalted by Xerxes) is enraged by Mordecai's refusal to bow to him 3:1-5
B. The formation of the plot 3:6-15
1.
Haman's pernicious plot against the Jews 3:6
2.
Casting "lots" for "the Lucky Day" 3:7
3.
Securing the King's permission for Jews extermination 3:8-15
a. Permission cleverly secured 3:8-11
($19,400,000.00 "chicken feed?!)
b. Decree sent forth 3:12-15
II. The Jew's Great Deliverance 4-10
A. The frustration of the plot 4:1-9:19
1.
Esther identifies herself with her doomed people 4
(dies in heart purpose)
a. Mordecai's great sorrow 4:1-3
b. Esther sends him a new suit 4:4
c. Hatach reports to Esther 4:5-9
d. Esther's alibi 4:10-12
e. Mordecai's warning and challenge 4:13-14
f. Esther's courageous resolve 4:15-17
2.
Esther's courage and cleverness in dealing with King Xerxes
a. The first banquet 5:1-8
(1). Esther obtains favor in King's eyes 5:1-5a
(2). The banquet of wine and a postponed request 5:5b-8
3.
(Parenthesis: Haman's joy and sorrow 5:9-6:14)
a. Mordecai spoils Haman's joy 5:9-14
b. The King's providential insomnia 6:1-3
c. Haman, arriving to request Mordecai's hanging is forced to honor his enemy instead 6:4-11
d. Haman's friends predict his doom 6:12-14
4.
The second banquet and Haman's doom 7
a. Esther pleads for herself and her people 7:1-4
b. The King amazed and enraged by news that Haman is plotting against Esther 7:5-6
c. Haman pleads with Esther for his life 7:7-10
5.
The second decree and the Jew's defense successful 8:1-9:19
a. Mordecai put over Haman's house 8:1-2
b. Esther with tears pleads reversal of decree 8:3-6
c. King consents to new decree that Jew's may defend themselves 8:7-14
d. Jews and many others rejoice (contrast 3:15) 8:15-17
e. Jew's defense successful 9:1-11
f. The extra day of defense at Shushan (Susa) 9:12-15
g. Summary and day of gladness 9:16-19
B. The Sequel To The Plot 9:20-10:3
1.
The feast of Purim instituted to celebrate the Jew's victory 9:20-32
2.
Mordecai exalted next to King Xerxes in authority 10:1-3
Major Characters:
1. Esther (Hadassah, Myrtle) - Heroin - 2nd Queen
2. Mordecai - Esther's Cousin, guardian, step-father
3. Ahasuerus [Ah-has-u-eras] (Xerxes [zerk-zees]) - The King
4. Vashti - 1st Queen
5. Haman (Hay-man) - King's evil advisor
6. Memucan (Mem-ookan) - King's henpecked advisor
2012-11-21