When we concluded last week we were beginning to list the cast of characters for the study of Esther. In my humble opinion there is the inflated ego of King Xerxes, the host of the seven day party.
The wine that is being served is;
1) being poured into goblets (have you seen the size of goblets....and I'm sure these were king-sized goblets!)
2) each man was drinking "in his own way" which probably means consuming quite a bit
3) the wine was abundant - no end in sight
4) the King was in "high spirits" on the last day of the banquet...meaning he was high as a kite and probably not wanting the party to end....so what else can he do to impress his male friends?
Queen Vashti's character; in my opinion she could be a Jackie Kennedy. She would be wearing pearls if that was the fashion. Queen Vashti is gorgeous, perfectly sized, just the right outfit for the occasion, a hostess with the "mostess" and every detail of her affair, opposite of her husband's, is one that would give you the "wow" effect when you stepped into the room. I admire her integrity and dignity with not wanting to be put on display for a bunch of drunken men.
Why do I believe she refused the King? For the last statement written above.
Finally, is it tough being in another woman's shadow? I guess now that I'm older, I don't feel the pressure of being in another woman's shadow, or at least it's not something I think about a lot. However, being a writer and loving to speak at women's retreats and functions, I sometimes compare myself to this study's author, Beth Moore. That is quite a shadow! But I have learned that God has a place for both the incredible ministry of Beth Moore and my humble little offerings.
Now on to....
DAY FOUR questions for the week of February 6th!
After reading the information in Day Four, think about a couple of issues;
1) Those who gave the advice to the King. Who were they and what was their main concern? The material asks the question; "What can you do to keep from giving someone else inflammatory advice when the temptation is strong?" Do you have words of wisdom to share with us?
2) Using the scripture Proverbs 31:4-5, what advice does the Word give to those in places of authority? Do you think this advice is limited to those in authority?
Hope you are enjoying this material as much as I am....let me hear from you when you get a chance! Blessings on a great week in the Lord!
The wine that is being served is;
1) being poured into goblets (have you seen the size of goblets....and I'm sure these were king-sized goblets!)
2) each man was drinking "in his own way" which probably means consuming quite a bit
3) the wine was abundant - no end in sight
4) the King was in "high spirits" on the last day of the banquet...meaning he was high as a kite and probably not wanting the party to end....so what else can he do to impress his male friends?
Queen Vashti's character; in my opinion she could be a Jackie Kennedy. She would be wearing pearls if that was the fashion. Queen Vashti is gorgeous, perfectly sized, just the right outfit for the occasion, a hostess with the "mostess" and every detail of her affair, opposite of her husband's, is one that would give you the "wow" effect when you stepped into the room. I admire her integrity and dignity with not wanting to be put on display for a bunch of drunken men.
Why do I believe she refused the King? For the last statement written above.
Finally, is it tough being in another woman's shadow? I guess now that I'm older, I don't feel the pressure of being in another woman's shadow, or at least it's not something I think about a lot. However, being a writer and loving to speak at women's retreats and functions, I sometimes compare myself to this study's author, Beth Moore. That is quite a shadow! But I have learned that God has a place for both the incredible ministry of Beth Moore and my humble little offerings.
Now on to....
DAY FOUR questions for the week of February 6th!
After reading the information in Day Four, think about a couple of issues;
1) Those who gave the advice to the King. Who were they and what was their main concern? The material asks the question; "What can you do to keep from giving someone else inflammatory advice when the temptation is strong?" Do you have words of wisdom to share with us?
2) Using the scripture Proverbs 31:4-5, what advice does the Word give to those in places of authority? Do you think this advice is limited to those in authority?
Hope you are enjoying this material as much as I am....let me hear from you when you get a chance! Blessings on a great week in the Lord!
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