Free group study handout
Esther 9: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Esther 9 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The Jews' victory begins on the thirteenth day of Adar when they gather in their cities to defend themselves against their enemies (vv. 1-2). Officials support the Jews because the fear of Mordecai has fallen on them (vv.
Key verse
“The Jews accepted the custom that they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them;”
Esther 9:23 (WEB)
Outline
- Esther 9:1–2 The Jews' Victory Begins
- Esther 9:3–4 Support from Officials
- Esther 9:5–10 Defeat of Adversaries
- Esther 9:11–14 Report to the King
- Esther 9:15–19 Continued Defense and Rest
- Esther 9:20–28 Establishment of Purim
- Esther 9:29–32 Confirmation of the Decree
Discussion questions
- In v6, how many men do the Jews kill in the citadel of Susa?
- What does Esther request in v13 regarding the day after their victory?
- Esther's petition in v14: what does this indicate about her relationship with the king?
- In v22, what is meant by the phrase 'turned to them from sorrow to gladness'?
- When have you experienced a change from fear to confidence like the Jews in v2?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Esther 9: Esther 8, Nehemiah 8, Esther 3.
Before next time: read Esther 10.