Esther 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Esther 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Mordecai mourned deeply upon learning of the decree against the Jews. He tore his clothes, wore sackcloth, and went to the city center, where he wailed loudly (vv. 1-3).

Key verse

“For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14 (WEB)

Outline

Esther 4:1–3 Mordecai's Mourning
Esther 4:4–8 Esther's Concern
Esther 4:9–12 Esther's Dilemma
Esther 4:13–14 Mordecai's Response
Esther 4:15–17 Esther's Resolution

Discussion questions

In v1, why does Mordecai tear his clothes and wear sackcloth?
What does Esther do in vv. 4-5 when she learns of Mordecai's mourning?
Mordecai's statement in v14 about deliverance coming from 'another place': what does this imply about Esther's role?
Esther's response in v16, 'if I perish, I perish': how does this express her understanding of the situation?
When have you faced a situation like Esther's, where you had to act despite fear?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Esther 4: Genesis 45, 1 Samuel 12, Esther 2.

Before next time: read Esther 5.