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Courage to act

 [WOMEN in the Old Testament] ESTHER: Courage to act 

Esther 5:1-8; 7-8_ 

 
All the great stories, within literature, film, TV, as well as throughout history, are all about virtues like loyalty, honour or courage fleshed out in someone’s life circumstances. We need to see how these virtues look in other human beings so we can choose them for our own lives.  

 

[Group discussion starter] What is courage? Do you only need it in times of danger? What helps a person to make the leap from fear to courage? Can you give an example of when you took that kind of leap? 

 

Historically, Esther’s courage to go to the king saved a nation. On a personal level, her courage becomes a model for us. Her story might feel like Arabian Nights, but her decision to risk doing what was right is the kind of decision that anyone can make... 

 
[Read Esther 5:1-8] 

 
Imagine that you are Esther. What thoughts might you have as you stand in the inner court of the palace? 
 

 
In the face of the king’s extravagant offers, why do you think Esther plans one banquet, then another? 
 

 

[Read Esther 7-8] 

 

In 7: 3-4 what approach does Esther use in making her twofold request of the king? 
 
 

 
How does Esther dare to be so bold in naming the enemy of the Jews (7:6)? 

 
What irony do you see in the fate of Haman and the advance of Mordecai in the king’s court? 
What biblical principles are underscored by these events? 
 

 
 

In 8: 3-6, how does the fate of the Jews still hang on Esther’s reputation with the king? 
 

 

 
How does the king show his trust in Esther (8: 7-8)? 
 

 

 
Could you be trusted to be fair with a decree you might write against your enemies? 
Why or why not? 
 

 

 
[Activity] Every heroic story could be drastically changed by a series of “what if?” scenarios. Suggest some “what if?” alternatives and the consequences for this story. 

 

 

 
 

 
What can you apply to your own life from these scenarios? 

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