Bible Study

Today we are going to discuss part of the Bible story about Esther that was not in our video. It takes place when Haman is on his way home after Queen Esther’s first banquet. Let’s read what happens. Divide the passages among some of the children for them to read aloud.

Esther 5:9–14 (cev):

⁹ Haman was feeling great as he left. But when he saw Mordecai at the palace gate, he noticed that Mordecai did not stand up or show him any respect. This made Haman really angry, ¹⁰ but he did not say a thing. When Haman got home, he called together his friends and his wife Zeresh ¹¹ and started bragging about his great wealth and all his sons. He told them the many ways that the king had honored him and how all the other officials and leaders had to respect him. ¹² Haman added, “That’s not all! Besides the king himself, I’m the only person Queen Esther invited for dinner. She has also invited the king and me to dinner tomorrow. ¹³ But none of this makes me happy, as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the palace gate.” ¹⁴ Haman’s wife and friends said to him, “Have a tower built about seventy-five feet high, and tomorrow morning ask the king to hang Mordecai there. Then later, you can have dinner with the king and enjoy yourself.” This seemed like a good idea to Haman, and he had the tower built.

• Why was Haman angry at Mordecai? 
• Do you think Haman’s wife and friends gave him good advice? Why or why not? 
• Do you think God is pleased if we take revenge against people who have hurt our feelings? 
• Who should we listen to or go to for advice? 
• Now, let’s read about what happens next, before the second banquet we saw in the video. 

Esther 6:1–5 (cev):

¹ That night the king could not sleep, and he had a servant read him the records of what had happened since he had been king. ² When the servant read how Mordecai had kept Bigthana and Teresh from killing the king, ³ the king asked, “What has been done to reward Mordecai for this?” “Nothing, Your Majesty!” the king’s servants replied. ⁴ About this time, Haman came in to ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on the tower he had built. The king saw him and asked, “Who is that man waiting in front of the throne room?” ⁵ The king’s servants answered, “Your Majesty, it is Haman.” “Have him come in,” the king commanded.

• What do you think—was it by chance that the king couldn’t sleep the previous night? 
• Do you think perhaps God kept Him awake? 
• Was it by chance that Mordecai was not honored as soon as he saved the king? No, God is in control, and the timing and events were part of God’s plan to fulfill Mordecai’s purpose and God’s plan.
• Based on what we read here, what can we learn about waiting patiently and trusting God? Even though Mordecai wasn’t honored right away for his good deed, he continued to serve and obey God. He wasn’t selfish; he was focused on doing what God would want him to do. 

Esther 6:6–14 (cev):

⁶ When Haman entered the room, the king asked him, “What should I do for a man I want to honor?” Haman was sure that he was the one the king wanted to honor. ⁷ So he replied, “Your Majesty, if you wish to honor a man, ⁸ have someone bring him one of your own robes and one of your own horses with a fancy headdress. ⁹ Have one of your highest officials place your robe on this man and lead him through the streets on your horse, while someone shouts, ‘This is how the king honors a man!’” ¹⁰ The king replied, “Hurry and do just what you have said! Don’t forget a thing. Get the robe and the horse for Mordecai the Jew, who is on duty at the palace gate!”  ¹¹ Haman got the king’s robe and put it on Mordecai. He led him through the city on the horse and shouted as he went, “This is how the king honors a man!” ¹² Afterwards, Mordecai returned to his duties at the palace gate, and Haman hurried home, hiding his face in shame. ¹³ Haman told his wife and friends what had happened. Then his wife and his advisors said, “If Mordecai is a Jew, this is just the beginning of your troubles! You will end up a ruined man.” ¹⁴ They were still talking, when the king’s servants came and quickly took Haman to the dinner that Esther had prepared.”

• In verses 6–9, what was Haman thinking and planning? 
• How do you think Haman felt when he realized that all the honors he had planned for himself would be given to Mordecai instead? 
• How does God look at pride?
• Optional: have children look up and read Proverbs 16:18 and Matthew 23:12.How does this story encourage you to stand up for God and do what is right?

Conclusion: God protected Mordecai, didn’t He! God is in control—He is God Most High, above everyone and everything!