Esther's Feast:  A Study of the Book
of Esther
Return to Contents
Lesson One
Introduction
Problems of race and gender confront Americans publicly every
day. About once a week, anti--Semitism becomes a national news
item, either in reminders of the Holocaust or in outbursts of
neo--Nazism. Power, violence, and vengeance dominate not only
actual events but also fiction, on television, in the cinema,
and in countless novels.
The biblical book of Esther is filled with these same themes:
vengeance, violence, power, racial and gender conflicts, even
anti--Judaism. All these ever--so--contemporary themes make the
story read like a modern parable. Set in the ancient empire of
Persia, and opening as exotically as A Thousand and One Arabian
Nights, the book of Esther quickly draws us into its extravagantly
dangerous, darkly funny, sharply satirical, and yet breathtakingly
poignant world of intrigue in the palace of King Ahasuerus.
There, failure to heed the call of drunken kings spells banishment,
and refusal to bow before arrogance means death. Yet Esther,
a young heroine who is at once foreign, female, and orphaned,
takes courage alone and, aided by a providential chain of circumstances
and an excellent wine list, rescues the Jewish nation from genocide.
Esther is unusual among books of the Bible in that, throughout
the story as it appears in the Hebrew text and is best known
to Protestants, God never appears, nor is even mentioned. Prayer,
worship, sacrifice, and the law never come into play. The story
takes place outside the promised land, in the Persian capital
city of Susa (see map), where Jews were living as a result
of Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem over a hundred years before.
Unlike most of the Old Testament, the book of Esther takes no
interest in the Jewish homeland. Rather, as in later periods
in Christian Europe, the Jews were a minority scattered throughout
an empire, making their lives among Gentiles while surviving
as a distinct people. Esther could well be the only biblical
story emerging from Jews of this Eastern world, people who had
reconciled themselves to the diaspora and could describe
it authentically.
Is the book of Esther historical? The setting is genuine,
and many details reflect knowledge of Persian customs. King Ahasuerus
(identified in Greek literature as Xerxes I) indeed reigned over
the Persian Empire in the early fifth century B.C.E.
But the Ahasuerus of history was married neither to a Vashti
nor to an Esther, but to an Amestris. Many of the events,
descriptions, and numbers in the story fit hyperbole more than
fact. Strong currents of coincidence and "blind luck"-or
divine providence-lend the story's plot more ethical satisfaction
than historical realism. Powerless people often survive on the
edge of the whims of spoiled rulers, as Esther and her people
do, but rarely overturn the intents of a great empire. Yet a
narrative in which such an overthrow is portrayed, step by ironic
step, not only brings hope to refugees but also lends insight
into the deep structures of God's realm.
Suggestions for Leaders
Most Christians know little about the book of Esther, unlike
Jews, who know it well and drink deep of its treasures year by
year. The seventeenth book in Old Testament, it is the twelfth
book in the category called History. At first, the story seems
alien to us and to our times. Yet, the issues it raises: facing
moral dilemmas, being in solidarity with the oppressed, and telling
truth to power are relevant today. So much so, in fact, that
that we can readily identify ourselves with the happenings and
personalities the story presents so dramatically.
This study provides an opportunity to understand more deeply
God's providence and how God works in and through the lives of
people. Esther, an orphan who became queen, is an example of
a woman used by God to accomplish God's purposes. She is a reminder
that one person can make a difference with God's guidance.
To assist you in leading the study, each suggestions page has
eight parts: Preparing to Teach, Opening the Lesson, Introducing
the Lesson, Listening to the Story, Exploring the Story, Applying
the Story, Closing the Lesson, and Expanding the Lesson. You
will not have time to use all the suggestions under each heading,
so choose what will be most suitable for your group. Encourage
participants to read the scripture and the lesson before coming
to the meeting. Assign tasks to group members in advance.
As you lead others in this study, pray for God's guidance and
presence. Who knows, you may find that you are where you are
in order to speak at that moment. You may be privileged to be
used by God "for such a time as this!"
Preparing to Teach
Pray for God's guidance and presence. Be well prepared by reading
and studying the lesson ahead so that you will have time to let
God speak to your heart and to gather any supplies needed. Be
sure that you have Bibles in varying translations, hymnals, pencils,
markers, writing and drawing paper.
Opening the Lesson
Begin the lesson with prayer. Either pray yourself or ask a member
of the group to do so. Substitute the words of a hymn, a psalm,
or a favorite prayer poem occasionally.
Introducing the Lesson
The theme of the lesson should be stated clearly. Make a running
list of questions the theme raises in the minds of the participants.
Refer to it throughout the study (or pass it on, if you are one
of several study leaders) and take note of the ones still unanswered
at the end of the study. Encourage participants to keep reflecting
on these questions, even after the study ends.
Listening to the Story
A good story has engaging characters who take action with unexpected
results. Esther has all the elements of a tall tale. Enjoy
it! Assign roles to readers and heighten the drama with a bit
of costume, such as veil for Esther, and a few props, such as
crown for the king. Have fun, but don't forget to allow for some
quiet reflection so that God can speak to your heart through
the story.
Exploring the Story
Seek a deeper understanding of the scripture passage for the
lesson, ask questions and probe into the meaning and significance
of the story of Esther. Know your group members well, so that
you can adapt your teaching methods for varying learning styles.
Some enjoy looking up words in a Bible dictionary; others would
prefer writing a poem.
Applying the Story
Does Esther have meaning for us today? How do the issues
of racism and prejudice apply to our daily lives? Use the discussion
questions provided, but be ready to follow the group's lead in
talking about sensitive issues. Look for ways the group can put
their insights into action in the congregation and community.
Consider organizing an ongoing service application, such as,
at each session, naming a different homebound member "Queen
for a Day." Flood her with visits, letters, tapes, fruit,
or flowers on an agreed-on day.
Closing the Lesson
Suggestions are given for a closing prayer or perhaps a question
to ponder for the next meeting. Printed prayers are also included
at the end of each lesson. Singing a hymn is a great way to end
on a unified note after a heated discussion. Several have been
suggested, but add others where appropriate.
Expanding the Lesson
Suggestions are made with a 30- to 40-minute study session in
mind. These expanded activities may be used for longer study
periods or as the basis of a tenth
session.
To order this Bible study call 800-524-2612
Past and Future
Bible studies are listed on other pages on our Web Site.
Return to Contents
Lesson One
To order this Bible study call 800/524-2612
Past and Future
Bible studies are listed on other pages on our Web Site.
Back to top
|
