Esther 4:1-17

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

[NARRATIVE] What event in the story of this chapter was fresh, new, or struck you

differently than it has in the past?

2. {GOD’S CHARACTER] God’s three most referenced traits in the Old Testament1

are that He is “good,” “faithful,” and “able.” How are these traits important to

the context of this chapter? When have those traits been evident to you in your

life, and how can they form the way we pray?

3. {GRIEF} How does this passage describe what it looks like to grieve, even in the

midst of hope based upon God’s character/promises? (Mordecai in v. 1-2 & v.14)

4. {TYPOLOGY] In what ways does Esther’s attitude in this passage echo forward

in history, finding its truest fulfilment in the work and life of Christ? How does this

help us see the Gospel, even in this narrative passage?

5. {PROVIDENCE] How does verse 14 call us to view our own situations in life—our

sufferings, our times, our circumstances, jobs, families, etc...

6. [CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT] How do we see Esther maturing and stepping

into leadership in this passage? What evidence is there?

7. [CHRISTIAN PRACTICE] What role does fasting play in this passage? When have

you fasted for spiritual reasons in the past? Do you think that fasting for spiritual

reasons is common today? Should it be part of our regular practice as

believers now?