Esther 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Esther 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

After King Ahasuerus' wrath was calmed, he sought a new queen to replace Vashti (vv. 1-4). Mordecai, a Jew in Susa, raised his cousin Esther, who was beautiful and motherless (vv.

Key verse

“The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
Esther 2:17 (WEB)

Outline

Esther 2:1–4 Search for a New Queen
Esther 2:5–7 Introduction of Esther and Mordecai
Esther 2:8–10 Esther's Selection
Esther 2:11–14 Preparation for the King
Esther 2:15–17 Esther's Favor with the King
Esther 2:18–20 A Feast and a Secret
Esther 2:21–23 Mordecai Uncovers a Plot

Discussion questions

In v2, what do the king's servants suggest to find a new queen?
What instructions does Mordecai give Esther in v10 regarding her identity?
Esther's favor in v9: what might this suggest about her character or actions?
In v21, why does Mordecai sit at the king's gate during the conspiracy?
When have you kept a part of your identity hidden as Esther did in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Esther 2: Esther 1, Esther 4, Esther 6.

Before next time: read Esther 3.