To prepare for this study, please read the Women in Christ commentary: Vashti
 

Part I. The Example of Queen Vashti

1. Esther 1:1-3 When and where did the events of the Book of Esther take place? (Consult commentaries if desired.) Who was present and involved?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. Esther 1:4-6 Why did Xerxes bring all of these high level officials and citizens together for six months? What does the text say? Why do modern day leaders conduct meetings?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. Esther 1:7-8,10-11 With unlimited alcohol and no restraints imposed over a seven-day period of celebration, what do you think being “in high spirits” means? What did the King ask the Queen to do and why?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. Esther 1:9, 12 What was Vashti’s response?  Why do you think she would defy the most powerful ruler in the world? Would you under those circumstances?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. Esther 1:12-15 How did the king react? In your opinion, was he justified? Why or why not?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. Esther 1:16-22 What did his counselors recommend and why? How do you feel about that?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Part II. To Serve and To Give

1. I Peter 3:1-8; Genesis 21:9-12; Ephesians 5:21-33 How does the relationship between King Xerxes and Queen Vashti differ from the relationship between Abraham and Sarah?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45 Does the instruction Jesus gave his disciples affect how you evaluate King Xerxes command to his wife? Does this affect your answer to Questions 5 and 6 above? Explain.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. Hebrews 13:16-17; 4:13; Matthew 7:1-2; Ephesians 6:9 What effect should the sovereignty of God have on your attitude and treatment of people (family, church congregation, employees, children, for example) who are dependent upon your care and concern?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. Colossians 1:13; Matthew 20:28; Luke 4:18 Jesus said he came to serve and to give his life to rescue us. How has being brought into the kingdom of light by the Son of God, Jesus, changed your response to the way this world uses power to oppress you and others? How has it changed the way you use your power and influence?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. Revelation 21and 22 How does the way Jesus rules in the Kingdom of God differ from the way King Xerxes and other despots rule in this world? What part does the Bride of the King have in His kingdom? How does that differ from the way Xerxes treated his bride? What practical application can be drawn from these examples for your life?