Esther is a real pivotal book in the Bible as it helps bridge a gap that connects a people once governed by God and His laws to a people ruled by ruthless tyrants and dictators. Their plight continues to this day as they, (the Jews) are hated by those who don’t understand them or willfully choose to reject them.

The story of Esther doesn’t just reveal the triumph of good over evil, but more important it shows the intervention by God who preserved His chosen people through not only a series of unusual circumstances, but by His own sovereign power.

The events recorded in the book of Esther take place over a 10 year period of time (483 B.C. to 473 B.C.), and occurred during the reign of Xerxes (Ahasuerus) who reigned over the Persian Empire from 485-465 B.C. The book of Esther (along with Ezra and Nehemiah) is placed in the middle of our Bibles, however from a chronological standpoint, the events actually occur toward the end of the recorded Old Testament period. (483-473 B.C.)

Esther was clearly chosen for an unexpected calling which was to be used by the Lord to gain the attention of a pagan king and turn his heart in favor of the Jews. The Old Testament Book of Esther remains one of my all-time favorite books of the Bible and I trust you will enjoy the study notes provided here on my web site. These lesson notes are designed for a 10 hour lecture/study and can be broken up over a 10 week period and you are free to download them for your own personal use. If you are interested in having me teach the series with your group then I can be reached at mikesouthwick@gmail.com

Introduction and Overview

Preparations – Esther 1

Providence – Esther 2

Haman’s Plot – Esther 3

Esther’s Purpose – Esther 4

Haman’s Pride – Esther 5

Pride Has its Price – Esther 6

Esther’s Plea – Esther 7

Morcecai’s Promotion – Esther 8

The Lord’s Protection – Esther 9

The Lord’s Provision – Esther 10