1. Why did Xerxes throw a 6 month party? What was taking place in world history? Why does he summons the queen to appear? Why does she refuse?

2. Whom does the king seek for advice? What are the advisors concerned about? What do they suggest he do about the queen’s refusal?

3. What takes place between chapter 1 and 2? How much time has elapsed?

4. What qualities does Esther posses to make her a candidate to be queen? How does she enter the competition?

5. There is a recurring theme in both Ruth and Esther. What is it? How does that affect us?

What similarities are there between Esther’s time and ours? How might it seem that God is indifferent to our plight?