Esther 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Esther 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In the days of King Ahasuerus, he held a grand feast to display his wealth, lasting one hundred eighty days (vv. 1-4). Afterward, he hosted a seven-day banquet for all in Shushan the palace (vv. 5-9). On the seventh day, Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to appear before him, but she refused, which angered him greatly (vv. 10-12). Seeking counsel, the king asked his wise men what to do about Vashti’s disobedience (vv. 13-15). Memucan advised that Vashti’s actions would lead other women to disrespect their husbands, recommending a permanent decree to ban her from the king’s presence and give her royal estate to one better than she (vv. 16-19). The king accepted this advice and sent letters throughout his kingdom, instructing all men to rule their own houses (vv. 20-22).

Key verse

“But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by the eunuchs. Therefore the king was very angry, and his anger burned in him.”
Esther 1:12 (WEB)

Outline

Esther 1:1–4 The King's Grand Feast
Esther 1:5–9 The Seven-Day Banquet
Esther 1:10–12 Vashti's Refusal
Esther 1:13–19 Seeking Advice on Vashti
Esther 1:20–22 Decree Against Vashti

Discussion questions

In v4, what does the king display during the feast that lasts 'one hundred eighty days'?
In v12, why does Queen Vashti refuse to come at the king’s 'commandment'?
Memucan's advice in vv. 16-19: what does it suggest about the consequences of Vashti's 'deed'?
In vv. 21-22, what is the implication of the king sending letters to 'every province'?
When have you felt pressured to conform to a standard set by those in 'authority'?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Esther 1: Ephesians 5, Esther 8, Esther 2.

Before next time: read Esther 2.