Esther 7: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Esther 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The king and Haman attend a banquet with Esther the queen for the second day. The king asks Esther about her petition, promising to grant her request. Esther responds by asking for her life and the lives of her people, revealing that they are sold to be destroyed.

Key verse

“Then Esther the queen answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.”
Esther 7:3 (WEB)

Outline

Esther 7:1–2 The Banquet Continues
Esther 7:3–4 Esther's Plea Revealed
Esther 7:5–6 Haman Exposed
Esther 7:7–8 Haman's Desperation
Esther 7:9–10 Haman's Downfall

Discussion questions

In v2, what does the king promise Esther regarding her request?
In v9, what does Harbonah say about the gallows Haman made?
Esther's identification of Haman in v6 raises the question: what are the implications of her timing?
In v8, why does the king interpret Haman's actions as an assault on Esther?
When have you felt compelled to speak against a threat like Esther did in v3?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Esther 7: Esther 5, Esther 3, Esther 1.

Before next time: read Esther 8.