The Feast of Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the genocidal plot of Haman, as told in the Book of Esther. This celebration is a reminder of God's sovereignty and power to reverse seemingly impossible circumstances, and it serves as a model for the Christian celebration of the Lord's Supper, which commemorates the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and darkness. [... more]

The Jewish nation has faced relentless persecution throughout history, from ancient times to modern-day anti-Semitism. Despite this, God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people remain unwavering. The story of Esther highlights the ongoing battle between good and evil, with Satan seeking to thwart God's purposes. Yet, God's promises and word assure us that His people will never be destroyed, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. [... more]

The story of Haman's hatred towards the Jewish nation provides profound insight into a spiritual battle that continues to this day. God preserves his people even when powerful forces are aligned against them, and the account of Esther reminds us of this eternal truth. [... more]

The story of Esther takes place in ancient Persia, where King Ahasuerus rules with absolute power. His wife, Queen Vashtai, defies his command, leading to a chain of events that impacts the Jewish nation. As Pastor John Monroe explores the book of Esther, he reveals how God's hand is often invisible, but He is working out His plans, and how trusting Him is essential, even in difficult times. [... more]

The story of King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive decisions, particularly when fueled by excessive drinking. Alistair Begg explores how the king's actions, influenced by his ego and wine, led to the banishment of his queen and the issuing of a decree that had far-reaching consequences. This narrative highlights the importance of self-control and seeking guidance from wise counsel, rather than acting impulsively. [... more]

Esther, a young orphan, rises to become the queen of Persia and uses her position to save her people from genocide. Through her story, listeners learn about the importance of faith, courage, and obedience in the face of adversity, and how to approach God's throne with confidence and love. [... more]

The Israelites faced annihilation at the hand of the Persians, but through strategic self-defense, they enjoyed a great victory. This great reversal highlights the importance of recognizing the gravity and demonic nature of living in a sinful and rebellious world, where men are utterly opposed to God and his goodness. [... more]

The Jews, led by Mordecai, experience a great reversal as they gain mastery over their enemies, who had previously sought to destroy them. This victory is a testament to God's providence and sovereignty, as he works through the Jews to bring about their salvation. The Jews gather together in self-defense, operating within the framework of the edict issued by the king, and ultimately emerge victorious, killing over 75,000 of their enemies. This story highlights the importance of unity and self-defense in the face of adversity, and serves as a reminder of God's power and sovereignty in all aspects of life. [... more]

Queen Esther's moment of truth arrives as she reveals her true identity and the plot to destroy the Jewish people, exposing Haman's wicked plans and ultimately leading to his downfall. Through her clever use of words and timing, Esther demonstrates the wisdom of Solomon and the power of God's providence in the face of evil. [... more]

Alistair Begg teaches from the book of Esther, highlighting God's plan for deliverance, the importance of trusting in God's timing, and the value of faithfulness. He draws moral lessons from the story of Mordecai and Haman, emphasizing the need to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. [... more]

Queen Esther's approach to King Ahasuerus is a masterclass in subtlety, as she navigates the treacherous waters of the palace to advocate for her people and fulfill her calling under God. Her bravery, humility, and clever planning set a powerful example for those who seek to obey God's will, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. [... more]

Mordecai, the cousin of Queen Esther, urges her to take action to save the Jewish people from a life-threatening decree issued by the king. Esther is initially hesitant, but Mordecai's words challenge her to consider the purposes of God and her own role in fulfilling them. The story raises questions about faith, obedience, and the role of God's intervention in human affairs. [... more]

The story of Esther highlights the importance of trusting in God's providence, even when faced with moral dilemmas and questionable decisions. Alistair Begg explores how God is the true hero in the story, working out all things according to his eternal counsel. He emphasizes the need to affirm one's trust in God's sovereignty and to live in the security of knowing that God is in control, even when the consequences of our actions may seem uncertain. [... more]

The story of King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti in the Book of Esther highlights the dangers of impulsive decisions fueled by excessive alcohol consumption and a lack of self-control. The king's actions demonstrate how a big ego, inordinate interest in alcohol, and quick temper can lead to rash and foolish decisions, ultimately causing lasting damage. [... more]

Alistair Begg explores the biblical perspective on authority, discussing how Christians should view earthly leaders and the ultimate authority of God. He examines the story of King Ahasuerus in the book of Esther, contrasting his authority with that of Jesus Christ, who is the true King and ruler of the world. [... more]

Alistair Begg teaches from the opening verses of the Book of Esther, emphasizing God's providence and sovereignty in the details of life, even when his name is not mentioned. He explains that God's purposes are far greater than human empires and that he is working in the everyday events of life to achieve his unified plan for all of history. [... more]

The story of Esther, a beautiful Jewish girl who becomes the queen of Persia, is set against the background of an attempt to exterminate the Jewish population. God's unified plan in all of history is to unite all things in and through the work of his Son Jesus, and the events recorded in the Bible are in the books of the Bible because God wants them to be. [... more]

Mordecai's words to Esther in the book of Esther serve as a reminder that our position won't guarantee our protection, our silence won't prevent our deliverance, and our prominence is God's providence. Esther's decision to risk her life to save the Jews is a testament to bravery and selflessness, and a reminder that we can make a difference in the world by being willing to take risks and trust in God's plan. [... more]

Godly priorities are crucial in today's ungodly culture. Pastor Greg Laurie shares insights from the book of Esther on how to have inner beauty as well as outer attractiveness. He emphasizes the importance of finding balance between physical appearance and spiritual growth, citing the example of Queen Esther, who was both beautiful on the outside and inside. The Bible teaches that focusing solely on outer beauty is not enough, and that inner qualities are essential for a fulfilling life. [... more]

Megan Brown, a military missionary, shares her story of how God worked through her husband and a pastor to bring her to faith. She discusses her book, Summoned, Answering a Call to the Impossible, an eight-week study of Esther, and how it reveals God's faithfulness even in difficult circumstances. Brown emphasizes the importance of engaging with the Bible, being still to hear God's whisper, and sharing sorrow with others. She hopes that women who complete the study will gain a love for God's Word and be found by Him. [... more]

The story of Esther reveals God's providential hand at work behind the scenes, even when his name is not mentioned. Through the narrative, we are taught to consider what's going on in ordinary things and to recognize God's work in ways that may seem like amazing happenstances or peculiar coincidences. The book of Esther challenges our contemporary perspective on the world, where we often feel empty, lonely, and disconnected despite having everything we need. [... more]

God honors those who honor him first, as seen in the life of Mordecai, who rose from an ordinary life to become the prime minister of the Persian Empire. Mordecai's story teaches us that our promotion and success come from God's sovereign hand, and that we should not rely on human maneuvering or unsanctified ambition. Instead, we should put God first in our lives and honor him, even if it means going against the world's expectations. [... more]

The providence of God reflects his grace and ought to be remembered. The gospel brings light and peace, and it's essential to build monuments to the good things God has done in our lives. The providence of God is spiritually discerned, although widely ignored, and it's crucial to recognize God's hand at work in our lives. [... more]

The Gospel According to Esther reveals a message of hope and deliverance, reminding us that our future destiny is to reign with Christ and that we are chosen to be wedded to the king. The story of Esther illustrates the edict of death, but also the intercession of Esther, who willingly risks her life to save her people, and the ultimate reversal of our circumstances through faith and hope. [... more]

God's providence is at work in the book of Esther, where a Jewish woman becomes queen and risks her life to save her people from destruction. Through her courage and diplomacy, Esther thwarts the plans of the prime minister, Haman, who had condemned the Jews to death. Meanwhile, the king is unaware of his own role in the edict and is shocked to learn that his wife's life is in danger. As the story unfolds, God's strategy is revealed, using reversals and unlikely events to move the characters forward and deepen their faith. [... more]

Esther's life is a Cinderella story, but as we delve deeper, we discover that things aren't as good as they seem. Queen Vashti's refusal to obey the king's command sets off a chain of events that will change the course of history. As we explore the book of Esther, we see how God's providence works behind the scenes, arranging for a position to be opened up in the greatest kingdom on earth, and ultimately leading to the rescue of the people of God. [... more]

As sinners, we approach the holy and majestic God with no right to his presence, but through the merits of Jesus Christ, we can come boldly to the throne of grace and find mercy and help in our time of need. Like Esther, we come arrayed in royal robes, standing in full view of the one on the throne, and relying on the king's promise to receive favor and life. [... more]