Esther - Lesson One

Lesson One: A Providential Divorce|
DAY FIVE: A Providential Divorce

Please carefully read Esther 1:19–22 and answer the following questions.

1. What solution did Memucan offer to this problem, and what were the desired results (vv. 19, 20)? How did he also appeal to the king’s ego and “butter him up” in this presentation?

NOTE: The nlt translates the end of v. 20, “husbands everywhere, no matter their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”

2. How did this idea go over (v. 21)?

3. What was the edict sent out via the Persian Pony Express (v. 22)?

NOTE: The Amplified Bible translates the end of v. 22, “saying that every man should rule in his own house and speak there in the language of his own people. [If he had foreign wives, let them learn his language.]” In other words, if their wife was from a foreign land, they wouldn’t even be allowed to use their native language, but only speak their husband’s language.

4. Thus Ahasuerus and Vashti were divorced. She was exiled either in the palace or elsewhere. Thankfully, couples can’t get divorced today (yet) for one person refusing a foolish request. Yet we take divorce much too lightly in our culture, especially in the church where divorce rates equal or surpass the world’s. This is said to our shame! What does God feel about divorce (Malachi 2:14-16)?

What are the biblical conditions for a believer to divorce and then remarry according to Jesus (Matthew 5:31, 32; 19:3-9) and Paul (1 Corinthians 7:10–16)?

5. We can’t always understand things that happen in our lives. If these events were recorded without connection to the rest of the story, we would see the story of a tragic end to a marriage, and that’s all. But God was at work, using these circumstances to prepare the way for Esther to enter the scene. What did Paul tell us about God’s foreknowledge and providential work in us? How can we remain hopeful when we can’t see a good outcome to our circumstances (Romans 8:28–32; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18)?

Scripture Memory: Can you write out this week’s passage by memory here below? Give it a try, and keep reviewing the passage several times throughout the day.

1 John 2: 15–16

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Esther - Lesson One - Day 5