Esther 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Esther 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Haman is promoted by King Ahasuerus and given a high position above the princes (vv. 1-2). At the king's command, all servants bow to Haman, but Mordecai does not comply (vv.

Key verse

“The king said to Haman, “The silver is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.”
Esther 3:11 (WEB)

Outline

Esther 3:1–2 Haman's Promotion and Command
Esther 3:3–4 Mordecai's Defiance
Esther 3:5–6 Haman's Wrath and Revenge
Esther 3:7–9 Casting Lots for Destruction
Esther 3:10–12 Royal Decree Issued
Esther 3:13–14 Letters to All Provinces
Esther 3:15 City's Perplexity

Discussion questions

In v2, why do all the king’s servants bow down to Haman?
What is Mordecai's stated reason for not bowing down in v4?
Haman's plot in v6: why does he choose to seek the destruction of all Jews?
In vv. 9-10, what does Haman's offer of silver suggest about his motives?
When have you faced pressure to conform like Mordecai in v3?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Esther 3: Esther 8, Esther 9, Daniel 6.

Before next time: read Esther 4.