Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 1:13? 2. How does Esther 1:13 highlight the importance of seeking wise counsel today? 3. What qualities should we seek in advisors, based on Esther 1:13? 4. How can we apply the principle of seeking counsel in decision-making? 5. How does Esther 1:13 connect with Proverbs 11:14 on seeking guidance? 6. What role does wisdom play in leadership, as seen in Esther 1:13? 7. Why did King Xerxes consult experts in law and justice in Esther 1:13? 8. How does Esther 1:13 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Persia? 9. What does Esther 1:13 reveal about the role of advisors in biblical times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 1? 11. What does the Bible say about Christians in government? 12. Esther 6:2—Why is there no extra-biblical record of Mordecai’s act to foil an assassination plot, if such an event would likely have been recorded by Persian scribes? 13. How does 1 Kings 13 align with other biblical passages where faithful prophets are protected rather than misled or punished? 14. Esther 3:10–15 – Why is there no mention in Persian archives or other sources of this monumental royal decree to annihilate an entire ethnic group? Discussion Questions 1. How does the role of the wise men in Esther 1:13 compare to the role of advisors in your life today? What qualities should you look for in a godly advisor?2. In what ways can Christians today "know the times" and apply this understanding to their daily lives? 3. How does the concept of law and justice in Esther 1:13 relate to the biblical call for justice and righteousness in our communities? 4. Reflect on a time when seeking wise counsel helped you make a better decision. How can you ensure you seek God's guidance in future decisions? 5. How does the account of Esther demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this assurance impact your trust in God's plan for your life?1. How does King Xerxes' display of wealth and power influence your understanding of his character? 2. Why might Queen Vashti have chosen to defy the king's command? 3. How does the cultural context of the Persian empire impact the characters' decisions? 4. What might be the implications of Vashti's actions on other women in the kingdom? 5. How do you think you would have reacted if you were in Vashti's place? 6. What does the advisors' counsel reveal about the societal expectations and norms of that time? 7. In what ways might Vashti's act of defiance be seen as courageous? 8. Compare and contrast the reaction of King Xerxes and his advisors to disobedience. What does this reveal about their respective characters? 9. How can the story of Vashti's disobedience and her subsequent punishment relate to present-day situations? 10. How would you respond to a situation where you were asked to do something against your personal convictions? 11. Does the outcome for Vashti seem fair to you? Why or why not? 12. What is your interpretation of the relationship between King Xerxes and Queen Vashti? 13. Do you see any patterns in the Bible where God uses difficult situations to accomplish His purposes? 14. How might the banquets described in this chapter reflect the excesses of our society today? 15. What life lessons can be learned from Queen Vashti's character and actions? 16. Can you think of modern examples where societal or systemic expectations have been challenged, much like Vashti challenged the king? 17. What can we learn from the role of the king's advisors in the narrative? 18. In what ways can we apply the lessons from this chapter to issues of gender equality today? 19. How does the response to Vashti's disobedience reflect the views on female subordination in ancient societies? 20. How does this chapter set the stage for Esther's entry into the story? What anticipations do you have for the subsequent chapters? Links Esther 1:13 NIVEsther 1:13 NLT Esther 1:13 ESV Esther 1:13 NASB Esther 1:13 KJV Esther 1:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |



