Esther 9
The Jews Successfully Defend Themselves Against Their Enemies and Celebrate with The Feast of Purim, Which is Still Celebrated Today
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Lesson 9

background notes

doctrinal points

  1. There is a time to kill.
  2. There is a time to celebrate.

practical application

Watching out for a looting mentality.

questions

  1. What happened on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar?
  2. Does the Bible say, “You shall not kill”?
  3. What is the Feast of Purim?
  4. What does “Purim” mean?

answers

  1. The people who planned to attack the Jews were overpowered, because the king’s decree permitted the Jews to defend themselves.
  2. No, Exodus 20:13 says, “You shall not murder.” Murder is the wrongful taking of life. According to Ecclesiastes 3:3, there is a time to kill.
  3. It is an official feast day in the Jewish calendar established to remember God’s protection of His people in the days of Esther.
  4. Purim means “lots,” in reference to the lot Haman cast to determine which day he planned to annihilate the Jews. God caused the lot to fall on the twelfth month, which gave the Jews time to prepare to defend themselves.

discuss\ consider

  1. Discuss when there is a time to kill. When it is right to take a life? Consider capital punishment, and refer to Genesis 9:6 and Romans 13. Also discuss self-defense and military service.
  2. The Jews observe two days of feasting in celebration of the Lord’s protection. It is good to celebrate what the Lord has done for us. Refer to Romans 12:15. Do you rejoice together with your fellow believers?

challenge

Even though the Jews defended themselves against attack, they did not take advantage of the opportunity and plunder their attackers. They kept their desires under control. We as believers need to guard against taking things by force when we have the advantage. Watch out for a looting mentality.

memorize

  • “For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces.” Esther 9:4
  • “So they called these days Purim.” Esther 9:26

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