The Story Haman, the king’s right-hand man, was on top of the world! The king had honoured him above everyone else, and he couldn’t wait to tell his friends and family all about it. But as he left the palace, he saw Mordecai, a Jewish man who refused to bow down to him. This made […]
Esther Chapter 5:1-8 – The Bold Queen
Esther, the brave queen, had prepared herself for three days through fasting and prayer. Now, it was time for her to take a big risk. On the third day, she dressed in her finest royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, hoping to catch the king’s attention. This was dangerous! The […]
Esther Chapter 4:1-17: Sackcloth
What’s Happening? Chapter 4 of Esther is where the story gets intense! Mordecai, Esther’s cousin and guardian, has learned of the evil plot to kill all the Jewish people. He’s heartbroken and scared, and he shows it by tearing his clothes, wearing sackcloth (a rough, scratchy fabric used to show mourning), and crying out loud […]
Esther Chapter 3:1-15 – The Rise of Haman and the Threat to the Jews
Commentary Chapter 3 introduces us to a new character, Haman. He’s described as an “Agagite,” which links him to Agag, the king of the Amalekites, an enemy of the Israelites. This connection hints at Haman’s potential hostility towards Mordecai and the Jews. King Xerxes promotes Haman to a high position, commanding everyone to bow before […]
Esther 2:19-23: Unseen Protection and Unexpected Courage
These verses mark a shift in Esther’s story. She’s no longer just a young woman adjusting to palace life; she’s becoming a key player in events far bigger than herself. Commentary Study Questions Key Takeaway The story of Esther reminds us that even young people can make a big difference. By paying attention, having courage, […]
Esther Chapter 2:1-18: A Queen in the Making
This part of Esther’s story is like a captivating drama full of beauty, secrets, and unexpected turns. King Xerxes, who was known for his lavish lifestyle, decided to hold a huge beauty pageant to find a new queen. This wasn’t just any beauty pageant – the winner would become the most powerful woman in the […]
Esther Chapter 1:10-22: A King’s Pride and a Queen’s Defiance
The Story Imagine a massive party, the biggest and most extravagant you can think of. The king, Ahasuerus, is showing off his wealth and power to everyone in his kingdom. It’s a feast that lasts for days, and on the seventh day, when the king is probably a little tipsy from all the wine, he […]
Esther 1 v 1-9: A King’s Extravagance: Power, Pride, and a Party
Esther opens with a glimpse into the opulent world of King Ahasuerus (later identified as Xerxes I), who ruled over a vast Persian empire from India to Ethiopia. He’s not just any king; he’s a king of kings, with power over 127 provinces. The Scene: Imagine a massive party, the likes of which you’ve never […]
Ruth 4:18-22: The Family Tree Takes Root
In these final verses of the book of Ruth, we’re given something unexpected – a family tree! This isn’t just any genealogy, though. It traces the lineage of a very special baby boy named Obed, all the way back to an important figure named Perez. Why is this important? Study Questions for Young People Let […]
Ruth 4:13-17: A New Beginning and a Promise Fulfilled
In this passage, we see the beautiful culmination of Ruth and Boaz’s story. Their marriage leads to the birth of their son, Obed, marking a new beginning not just for them but for Naomi and the entire lineage of Israel. Let’s delve deeper into this passage. Verse 13: So Boaz took Ruth, and she became […]
Ruth 4:1-12: The Redeemer Steps Up
The book of Ruth is like a beautiful short story full of love, loyalty, and unexpected twists. In chapter 4, we reach the exciting climax where everything falls into place. What’s Happening? Boaz, the kind landowner who has been so good to Ruth, isn’t just any guy. He’s a kinsman-redeemer. That’s a fancy title for […]
Ruth 3:16-18 – A Lesson in Trust and Patience
When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then she told Naomi everything that had happened. “He even gave me these six measures of barley,” she said, “because he said to me, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out […]