Esther 1:1-22

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

1. [BACKGROUND] Have you ever read or heard the story of Esther? What are the key parts

of the story in your memory, and what do you think has influenced you’re your view? (For

me personally the VeggieTales edition was a regular part of my childhood, and I have to

regularly put it aside to prevent it shifting my perspective).

2. [HISTORY} What led to the Jews being in Persia in the first place? How does

that influence our view of their predicament in the book of Esther?

3. {CHARACTER and CONTEXT] In one-two words, describe the following

characters or settings thus far:

- King Ahasuerus

- The king’s advisors

- Queen Vashti

- Persia/ Susa

4. {THEOLOGY} The LORD’s name is not mentioned anywhere in the book of

Esther, leading to quite a bit of controversy around its canonization historically—

both in the Jewish and Christian traditions. How can the absence of His name

(or even direct reference to Him) inform how we read the story itself?

5. {SACRAMENTS and the CHURCH] How is the Lord’s Table (Communion, the

Eucharist, Lord’s Supper) different from the feasts of Ahasuerus? How can this

contrast enhance our view of what we experience and do in taking part in this

historic sacrament?

6. {OPEN-ENDED] What questions do you have about the book of Esther (or in

general) that you hope to explore in the next few weeks as we continue our

study?