Esther Archives - Steps to Life

Bible Study Guides – God Delivers His People

May 11, 2020 by Reformation Herald Publishing

June 7 – 13, 2020

Key Text

“Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him” (Psalm 91:14, 15).

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 582–602.

Introduction

“God would have us recall His dealings with His people in the past to save them from their enemies. He has always chosen extremities, when there seemed no possible chance for deliverance from Satan’s workings, for the manifestation of His power. Man’s necessity is God’s opportunity.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 714.

Sunday

DELIVERANCE THROUGH UNSEEN AGENCIES

When Elisha was surrounded by the horses and chariots of the king of Syria, his servant was troubled. What did Elisha tell him? 2 Kings 6:16.
What did Elisha pray for, and how did God answer his prayer? 2 Kings 6:17. How can we have the same protection in the day of trouble?

Note: “Between the servant of God and the hosts of armed foemen was an encircling band of heavenly angels. They had come down in mighty power, not to destroy, not to exact homage, but to encamp round about and minister to the Lord’s weak and helpless ones.

“When the people of God are brought into strait places, and apparently there is no escape for them, the Lord alone must be their dependence.” Prophets and Kings, 257.

“Pray much. Be willing to separate from everything that separates you from God. Then, in the day of trouble, He will come to your deliverance, and will hide you under the shadow of His wings.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 234.

Monday

DELIVERANCE THROUGH OBEDIENCE

What test was given to Daniel’s three friends? Daniel 3:4–6. What was their response? Verse 12.
When brought before the king and given a second chance, what answer did the three young men give? Daniel 3:16–18.

Note: “Conscience in regard to the things of God is a sacred treasure, which no human beings, whatever be their position, have a right to meddle with. Nebuchadnezzar offered the Hebrews another chance, and when they refused it, he was exceedingly angry and commanded the burning fiery furnace to be heated seven times hotter than it was wont to be heated. He told the captives that he would cast them into this furnace. Full of faith and trust, the answer came, Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us; if He does not, well: we commit ourselves to a faithful God.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Book 1, 327.

How did God deliver them? Daniel 3:19–27. What did the king acknowledge? Verse 29, last part.

Note: “We should now purpose, as did Daniel and his fellows in Babylon, that we will be true to principle, come what may. The flaming fiery furnace heated seven times hotter than it was wont to be heated, did not cause these faithful servants of God to turn aside from allegiance to the truth. They stood firm in the time of trial, and were cast into the furnace; and they were not forsaken of God. The form of the Fourth was seen walking with them in the flames, and they came forth not having even the smell of fire upon their garments.” Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 329, 330.

“If you are called to go through the fiery furnace for Christ’s sake, Jesus will be at your side. ‘When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee’ (Isaiah 43:2).” Our High Calling, 358.

Tuesday

DELIVERANCE THROUGH INTERCESSION

How did Satan influence a Persian king to make a decree against God’s people? Esther 3:12, 13.

Note: “Haman cherished bitter malice against Mordecai, a Jew. Mordecai had done Haman no harm, but had simply refused to show him worshipful reverence. Scorning to ‘lay hands on Mordecai alone,’ Haman plotted ‘to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai’ (Esther 3:6).

“Misled by the false statements of Haman, Xerxes was induced to issue a decree providing for the massacre of all the Jews ‘scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces’ of the Medo-Persian kingdom (verse 8). A certain day was appointed on which the Jews were to be destroyed and their property confiscated. Little did the king realize the far-reaching results that would have accompanied the complete carrying out of this decree. Satan himself, the hidden instigator of the scheme, was trying to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God.” Prophets and Kings, 600, 601.

What action did Esther take in response to the decree? Esther 4:15–17.

Note: “Through Esther the queen the Lord accomplished a mighty deliverance for His people. At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met the issue, and brought salvation to their people.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1140.

How did God intervene to deliver His people? Esther 8:11–14; 9:1, 2.

Note: “God wrought marvelously for His penitent people; and a counter decree issued by the king, allowing them to fight for their lives, was rapidly communicated to every part of the realm by mounted couriers. …

“Angels that excel in strength had been commissioned by God to protect His people while they ‘stood for their lives’ (Esther 9:2, 16.)” Prophets and Kings, 602.

Wednesday

DELIVERANCE AT THE END OF TIME

What great test will come upon God’s people just before the second coming of Jesus? Revelation 13:15–17.

Note: “The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. May God help His people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His assistance!

“Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God’s power to save do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the children of God were sealing their destiny. Beset with temptations without number, they knew they must resist firmly or be conquered. They felt that they had a great work to do, and at any hour they might be called to lay off their armor; and should they come to the close of life with their work undone, it would be an eternal loss.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 213.

Who will follow this false system of worship? Revelation 13:8.
How can we retain our names in the Book of Life? Revelation 3:5.

Note: “If we would be overcomers, we must search our hearts to be sure that we are not cherishing anything that is offensive to God. If we are, we cannot wear the white raiment that is here promised. If we would stand before God in the white linen, which is the righteousness of the saints, we must now do the work of overcoming. …

“Whose names will not be blotted out of the book of life? Only the names of those who have loved God with all the powers of their being, and their neighbors as themselves.” Lift Him Up, 326.

“I beseech you, in the name of Christ, that you confess your sins and reform your ways, that your name may not be blotted out of the book of life, but may be confessed before the Father and before His angels. Jesus is pleading His blood before the Father; and now, while mercy lingers and probation is prolonged, seek the approbation of Heaven.” Reflecting Christ, 57.

Thursday

GOD’S OVERCOMERS

How can we be overcomers in the last great conflict with evil? Revelation 12:11.

Note: “It is through the grace of Christ that we are to be overcomers; through the merits of His blood we are to be of that number whose names will not be blotted out of the book of life.” This Day With God, 175.

“The spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness is placed upon the tried, tempted, faithful children of God. The despised remnant are clothed in glorious apparel, nevermore to be defiled by the corruptions of the world. Their names are retained in the Lamb’s book of life, enrolled among the faithful of all ages. They have resisted the wiles of the deceiver; they have not been turned from their loyalty by the dragon’s roar. Now they are eternally secure from the tempter’s devices.” Prophets and Kings, 591.

What is promised to those who are faithful? Revelation 2:7, 10; 3:21.

Note: “We must share the conflicts if we wear the crown of victory. Like Jesus, we must be made perfect through suffering. … We can walk safely in the darkest path if we have the Light of the world for our guide.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 71.

“The redeemed saints, who have loved God and kept His commandments here, will enter in through the gates of the city, and have right to the tree of life.” My Life Today, 355.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What daily sacrifice should we be willing to make in preparation for the deliverance God is seeking to give us in the future?

2 How can I be true to principle today, like Daniel’s three friends?

3 How did God bring salvation to His people in the time of Esther? What can we learn from this?

4 Whose names will be retained in the Book of Life?

5 What does it mean to “have the Light of the world for our guide”?

Bible Study Guides – A Great Crisis in Israel

October 25, 2017 by Reformation Herald Publishing

November 29, 2015 – December 5, 2015

Key Text

“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14.

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 598–606.

Introduction

“In the providence of God, Esther, a Jewess who feared the Most High, had been made queen of the Medo-Persian kingdom.” Conflict and Courage, 244.

1 A WICKED DECREE CAUSES A GREAT CRISIS

What were the names of the Medo-Persian kings that signed the first two decrees (in B.C. 536 and 528 respectively) allowing the Jews to return to their homeland? Ezra 1:1–3; 6:1, 2, 6–8.
What crisis did the children of Israel meet during the reign of Ahasuerus in B.C. 510? Esther 3:8–13. What anguish did the decree cause among the Jews? Esther 4:3.
What message had the Lord sent to them before the crisis? Zechariah 2:6–9.

Note: “The Lord foresaw the troublous times that were to follow during the reign of Xerxes—the Ahasuerus of the book of Esther—and He not only wrought a change of feeling in the hearts of men in authority, but also inspired Zechariah to plead with the exiles to return. …

“It was still the Lord’s purpose, as it had been from the beginning, that His people should be a praise in the earth, to the glory of His name.” Prophets and Kings, 598, 599.

2 GOD’S PROVIDENCE DEFEATS THE PLAN OF SATAN

When faced with a crisis, what should God’s people always remember? Romans 8:31. How did the providence of God work to defeat the plan of the enemy? Esther 2:15, 16.

Note: “Satan himself, the hidden instigator of the scheme, was trying to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. …

“But the plots of the enemy were defeated by a Power that reigns among the children of men.” Prophets and Kings, 601.

Did the king know that his decree would include his own Jewish wife in the prospective massacre? Why did Mordecai find it providential that Esther was now queen? Esther 4:13, 14.

Note: “Mordecai was a near relative of hers [Esther’s]. In their extremity they decided to appeal to Xerxes in behalf of their people. Esther was to venture into his presence as an intercessor.” Prophets and Kings, 601.

What instruction did Queen Esther send to Mordecai? What shows that she was ready to sacrifice her life in behalf of her people? Esther 4:16.

Note: “The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther took time for communion with God, the Source of her strength.” Prophets and Kings, 601.

“The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. … The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations are being made for this last great conflict.” Ibid., 605.

3 WHAT PRAYING AND FASTING CAN DO

After Esther had spent three days praying and fasting, what favorable reaction did she receive when she appeared before her husband? Esther 5:1–3.

Note: “At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met the issue.” Conflict and Courage, 245.

What invitation did Esther extend to her husband and Haman, and what was Haman’s reaction upon its fulfillment? Esther 5:4, 5, 12, 13. What did Haman’s wife suggest to him when she saw his hatred of Mordecai? Verse 14.
How was God’s providence at work the night before the second banquet? Esther 6:1–3. What did the king tell Haman to do just as he arrived to ask permission to kill Mordecai? Verses 4–10.
How did Haman feel when he hurried home to tell what had just happened? Esther 6:11, 12. What warning did Zeresh give her husband? Verse 13.

Note: “God’s love for us is proved daily; yet we are thoughtless of His favors and indifferent to His entreaties. He seeks to impress us with His Spirit of tenderness, His love and forbearance; but we scarcely recognize the marks of His kindness and have little sense of the lesson of love He desires us to learn. Some, like Haman, forget all God’s favors, because Mordecai is before them and is not disgraced; because their hearts are filled with enmity and hatred rather than love, the spirit of our dear Redeemer, Who gave His precious life for His enemies. We profess to have the same Father, to be bound for the same immortal home, to enjoy the same solemn faith, and to believe the same testing message; and yet many are at strife with one another like quarrelsome children.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 222, 223.

4 GOD CAN REVERSE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

What petition did Esther make to King Ahasuerus at the second banquet? Esther 7:3, 4. Astonished by the words of Esther, what did the king ask her? Verses 5, 6.
What did the chamberlains suggest to the king when they saw his anger against Haman? Esther 7:7, 10. What should wicked people bear in mind when they are intent on hurting others? Proverbs 26:27.

Note: “Mordecai was given the position of honor formerly occupied by Haman. He ‘was next unto King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren’ (Esther 10:3); and he sought to promote the welfare of Israel. Thus did God bring His chosen people once more into favor at the Medo-Persian court, making possible the carrying out of His purpose to restore them to their own land. But it was not until several years later, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes I, the successor of Xerxes the Great, that any considerable number returned to Jerusalem, under Ezra.” Prophets and Kings, 602, 605.

What counter decree was ordered by Ahasuerus? Esther 8:5, 13. How were the Jews, who had been seeking the Lord’s help through prayer and fasting, delivered? Esther 9:1, 2, 16, 17.

Note: “God wrought marvelously for His penitent people; and a counter decree issued by the king, allowing them to fight for their lives, was rapidly communicated to every part of the realm by mounted couriers, who were ‘hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment’ (Esther 8:14).” Prophets and Kings, 602.

“For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 187, 188.

5 HOW HISTORY WILL BE REPEATED

What prophetic words will the commandment-keeping people of God see fulfilled in the near future? Matthew 24:9; Revelation 12:17.

Note: “The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations are being made for this last great conflict.

“The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. …

“Satan will arouse indignation against the minority who refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, men will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a ‘Thus saith the Scriptures’ to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. … On this battlefield will be fought the last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error.” Prophets and Kings, 605, 606.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How did God foretell the crisis during Esther’s reign faced by the Jews?

2 What was Esther’s first step in seeking to avert the catastrophe?

3 How did God change the plans of evil men and devils in Esther’s time? Will He do the same today?

4 How did God punish Haman for instigating the crisis?

5 How did God use this crisis, providentially, as a tool for evangelism—and explain the way history will victoriously repeat itself.