Free group study handout
Esther 5: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Esther 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Esther approaches the king on the third day, wearing royal clothing. She stands in the inner court, and the king sees her, granting her favor by holding out the golden scepter (vv. 1-2).
Key verse
“Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.”
Esther 5:3 (WEB)
Outline
- Esther 5:1–2 Esther Approaches the King
- Esther 5:3–4 The King's Inquiry and Invitation
- Esther 5:5–8 The Banquet Begins
- Esther 5:9–11 Haman's Pride and Anger
- Esther 5:12–14 Haman's Plan Against Mordecai
Discussion questions
- Why does Esther wear 'royal clothing' in v1?
- What does the king offer Esther in v3?
- Esther's invitation to the banquet, vv. 4-5: what might her motivations be for delaying her request?
- Haman's reaction to Mordecai in v9: what does it indicate about his character?
- When have you felt joy overshadowed by someone else's actions, as Haman did with Mordecai in v13?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Esther 5: Esther 6, Esther 7, Esther 9.
Before next time: read Esther 6.