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Captive in a strange land

 [WOMEN of the Old Testament] 

ESTHER: Captive in a strange land_ 

Esther 2-4 

 
There are many things that are out of our control, starting with where, when and to whom we are born. 

[Group discussion starter] As you look over your life, what factors are outside of your control? 
What are you most sorry about, or what makes you the angriest? 
How do you keep from letting your own disadvantages limit you as a person? 

 

Esther is certainly a disadvantaged young woman. But she is a woman with inner strength. She does more than cope. We have no idea how many tears she cried, but she rises to make the most of the circumstances in which she finds herself... 
 

[Read Esther 2-3] 

 
What factors in Esther’s life are outside of her control? 
 

 
What could she control? 
 

 
[Activity] Re-read the last two questions, putting your name in place of Esther’s. 
How relevant are these questions in your life? 
 
 
 

 
Describe the situation of the women who are chosen (2:2-4 & 12-14). 
 

 
What details of the story give you insight into Mordecai’s character? 
 

 
[Read Esther 4] 
 
 

 
In Esther 4:1-4, 7-8, 12-14 & 17, how did Mordecai handle this outrage against the Jews? 
 

 
What philosophical / theological understanding undergirds the request Mordecai makes of Esther? 
 

 
In 4:13-14, what three arguments does Mordecai use to persuade Esther to act? 
 
 

 
When threatening circumstances arise, what makes it difficult to believe that God is at work behind the scenes? 
 

 
How is Esther’s reply (4:15-16) a confession of faith, even though she doesn’t mention God? 
 

 
Looking back over this part of the story, in what ways does Esther overcome her circumstances? 
 

 
What do you do when circumstances hem you in? 
What are your options? 

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