Esther 10: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Esther 10 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

King Ahasuerus imposed a tribute on the land and the islands of the sea (v. 1). The acts of the king's power and might, along with the full account of Mordecai's greatness, are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia (v. 2). Mordecai the Jew was elevated to be next to King Ahasuerus. He held great influence among the Jews and was accepted by many of his brothers. He sought the good of his people and spoke peace to all his descendants (v. 3).

Key verse

“For Mordecai the Jew was next to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted by the multitude of his brothers, seeking the good of his people, and speaking peace to all his descendants.”
Esther 10:3 (WEB)

Outline

Esther 10:1 Tribute of King Ahasuerus
Esther 10:2 Mordecai's Greatness Recorded
Esther 10:3 Mordecai's Role and Influence

Discussion questions

In v1, what tribute does King Ahasuerus lay on the land and the islands of the sea?
What does the phrase 'the greatness of Mordecai' in v2 suggest about his influence?
Mordecai's position in v3: how does it compare to his earlier circumstances in the story?
In v3, why is Mordecai described as 'seeking the good of his people'?
When have you seen someone in a position of influence 'speak peace' to their community like Mordecai?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Esther 10: Esther 2, Esther 6, Job 36.

Before next time: read Job 1.