BGBC 072124 SS final

Summary

In this Sunday school lesson, the focus is on the biblical story of Esther, exploring her rise to power and the challenges she faced as a Jewish woman in Persia. The lesson delves into themes of faith, obedience, and the struggle against anti-Semitism, highlighting Esther's courage and the moral dilemmas she encountered.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The lesson begins with a prayer, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance and insight from God.
• 📚 The speaker introduces the seventh lesson in a series of ten, focusing on 'Women of Faith', highlighting the significance of women in biblical narratives.
• 🔢 The number seven is noted as a biblical symbol of completion, setting the stage for the discussion on women's roles and stories in the Bible.
• 👩 The lesson delves into the story of Esther, a queen who plays a pivotal role in the Book of Esther, despite the central character being a man.
• 🌐 The historical context is provided, explaining the transition from the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Empire and its impact on the Jewish people.
• 👑 Esther's rise to power is discussed, including her selection as queen and the advice given by her cousin Mordecai to conceal her Jewish identity.
• 🙇‍♂️ The story of Mordecai's refusal to bow down to Haman is explored, highlighting his faith and the potential consequences of his actions.
• 👑 The conflict between Haman and Mordecai escalates, leading to Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews, which is a critical turning point in the narrative.
• 📜 The decree issued by King Xerxes to kill the Jews is detailed, showing the gravity of the situation and the urgency for Esther to act.
• 🙏 Esther's decision to intervene on behalf of her people, despite the personal risk, is underscored as a key moment of faith and courage.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the lesson series being discussed?

The main theme of the lesson series is 'Women of Faith,' focusing on various women in the Bible and their roles and contributions.

What is the significance of the number seven in the context of this lesson series?

The number seven is mentioned as a number of completion in the Bible, and it is the seventh lesson in the series, although not the last.

Who is the central character in the Book of Esther, and why is she significant?

The central character in the Book of Esther is Esther herself, who becomes the queen of Persia. She is significant because she plays a crucial role in saving her people, the Jews, from destruction.

What was Esther's original Hebrew name before she became known as Esther?

Esther's original Hebrew name was Hadassa.

Why did Mordecai advise Esther not to reveal her nationality and background when she went to the palace?

Mordecai advised Esther not to reveal her nationality and background to avoid potential prejudice and harm due to anti-Semitism that was prevalent at the time.

What event led to Queen Vashti being dethroned in the story of Esther?

Queen Vashti was dethroned because she refused to come out and display her beauty to the king and his drunken guests, which was seen as a direct disobedience to the king's command.

Who is Haman, and what role does he play in the story of Esther?

Haman is a high-ranking official in King Xerxes' court who becomes the king's right-hand man. He plays a significant role as the antagonist, seeking to destroy the Jews out of revenge for Mordecai's refusal to bow down to him.

Why did Mordecai refuse to bow down and show reverence to Haman?

Mordecai refused to bow down and show reverence to Haman because he was a Jew and believed in only bowing down to God, not to any man.

What was the decree that Haman sought to have passed against the Jews?

Haman sought a decree that allowed for the Jews to be killed on a specific day, with a reward for those who participated in their destruction.

What action does Esther take in response to the threat against her people, and what is the potential risk involved?

Esther decides to go to the king, even though it is against the law for anyone to approach the king without being summoned, risking her own life to plead for her people.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Morning Prayer and Introduction to Women of Faith

The speaker begins with a morning prayer, asking for guidance and insight into the word of God. They introduce the lesson as part of a series on 'Women of Faith,' focusing on various biblical women. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and collective unity in understanding the scriptures. They also mention the significance of the number seven in the Bible, indicating completion, and set the stage for discussing the character of Esther in the upcoming lessons.

05:00

📚 Overview of Esther's Story and Historical Context

The speaker provides a detailed background to the story of Esther, explaining the transition from the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Empire. They discuss King Darius and his son Xerxes, highlighting Xerxes' power and his rule over 127 provinces. The lesson delves into the historical context, including the return of the Israelites from captivity and the rebuilding of the Temple. The speaker also touches on the cultural and religious practices of the Persians, setting the stage for the introduction of Esther and her role in the narrative.

10:00

👑 Queen Vashti's Dismissal and the Search for a New Queen

The speaker recounts the story of Queen Vashti's refusal to obey King Xerxes, leading to her dismissal. They describe a lavish celebration held by the king to showcase his power and wealth. The narrative then shifts to the king's decision to find a new queen, initiating a beauty contest among the women of the kingdom. Esther, originally named Hadassa, is introduced as a candidate for the position of queen, with her cousin Mordecai advising her to conceal her Jewish identity.

15:01

🌟 Esther's Rise to Power and the Influence of Haman

The speaker details Esther's journey to becoming queen, emphasizing her favor with all who encountered her. They discuss the rise of Haman, who becomes the king's right-hand man and is granted authority second only to the king. The lesson highlights the decree that all must bow and show reverence to Haman, drawing parallels to the worship of a deity. The speaker sets up the conflict between Mordecai and Haman, who refuses to bow to Haman, as a central point of tension in the story.

20:01

🙇‍♂️ Mordecai's Refusal to Bow and the Consequences

The speaker focuses on Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman, despite the king's decree. They explore the implications of this act of defiance, noting the daily confrontations between Mordecai and the king's servants. The lesson delves into the concept of respect and reverence, distinguishing between respect earned and respect granted. The speaker also discusses the potential reasons behind Mordecai's actions, hinting at his faith and principles.

25:02

🤔 The Debate on Respect and Reverence

The speaker continues the discussion on respect, delving into the perspectives of respect as initially granted and respect that must be earned. They use examples to illustrate the difference between courtesy and respect, emphasizing that one can be courteous without necessarily respecting someone. The lesson explores the dynamics of respect in social interactions and how it applies to the biblical context, particularly in relation to Mordecai's refusal to bow.

30:03

😡 Haman's Wrath and the Plot Against the Jews

The speaker describes Haman's reaction to Mordecai's refusal to bow, detailing his wrath and the subsequent plot against Mordecai and the Jews. They explain that Haman's anger escalates to a point where he seeks to destroy not just Mordecai, but all the Jews in the kingdom. The lesson highlights the gravity of the situation and the far-reaching consequences of Haman's decision, setting the stage for the dramatic events to unfold in the story.

35:04

💰 Haman's Bribery and the Royal Decree to Destroy the Jews

The speaker recounts Haman's bribery of King Ahasuerus with a large sum of money to secure a decree allowing the Jews to be destroyed. They explain the process of drawing lots to determine the day of the massacre and the issuance of the decree. The lesson details the widespread dissemination of the decree, emphasizing the urgency and the dire situation facing the Jews, and the role of Esther in potentially saving her people.

40:05

👗 Esther's Response and the Call for Fasting

The speaker describes Esther's reaction to the news of the decree, her decision to fast, and her plan to approach the king on behalf of her people. They highlight Esther's courage and determination, despite the risks involved in appearing before the king unsummoned. The lesson concludes with Esther's commitment to her people and her willingness to face potential death for their sake, drawing parallels to the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ.

45:07

🙏 Closing Prayer and Anticipation for the Next Lesson

The speaker concludes the session with a closing prayer, thanking God for the insights gained and asking for continued guidance in the upcoming worship service. They express gratitude for the presence of the Holy Spirit and the opportunity to learn from the scriptures. The lesson ends with an anticipation for the next session, which will delve deeper into the story of Esther and the deliverance of the Jews.

Keywords

💡Faith

Faith in the context of the video refers to the trust and belief in God's guidance and protection. It is a central theme as the characters, particularly Esther and Mordecai, rely on their faith to navigate through challenges. For example, Esther's decision to approach the king, despite the risk, is driven by her faith and the need to save her people.

💡Esther

Esther is a key character in the video script, who becomes the queen of Persia. Her story is significant as it demonstrates the role of faith and courage in the face of adversity. The script highlights her journey from being a hidden Jew to potentially risking her life to save her people, illustrating the importance of identity and moral courage.

💡Mordecai

Mordecai, also referred to as 'Mori' in the script, is Esther's cousin who raised her. His role is pivotal as he advises Esther on her identity and later informs her about the decree against the Jews. His actions and decisions are driven by his faith and his commitment to his people, showcasing the theme of loyalty and leadership.

💡Xerxes

King Xerxes is a central figure in the script, ruling the Persian Empire. His decisions, such as the decree to kill the Jews, drive the plot and highlight the power dynamics and the potential for tyranny. The script uses his character to explore themes of power, authority, and the consequences of absolute rule.

💡Haman

Haman is portrayed as the antagonist in the script, who gains power and seeks to destroy the Jews. His character is used to illustrate the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive potential of hatred. His plot against Mordecai and the Jews is a key driver of the narrative, emphasizing the conflict in the story.

💡Decree

The decree is a critical element in the script, representing the king's command to kill the Jews. It symbolizes the power of rulers and the potential for misuse of power. The script discusses the decree's impact on the Jewish community and Esther's response to it, highlighting the theme of resistance and the struggle for survival.

💡Respect

Respect in the script is explored in the context of obedience to authority and the cultural norms of the time. Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman is a significant act of defiance, demonstrating his respect for his faith over the demands of the king. This act of respect is a catalyst for the conflict and underscores the theme of personal integrity versus societal expectations.

💡Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism is a recurring theme in the script, reflecting the historical and ongoing discrimination against Jews. The script uses the context of the Persian Empire to illustrate the deep-rooted prejudice and its devastating consequences. The decree against the Jews and Haman's plot are examples of anti-Semitic actions that drive the narrative.

💡Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a key theme in the script, particularly in Esther's willingness to risk her life to save her people. Her potential sacrifice is compared to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, drawing a parallel between religious narratives and emphasizing the value of selflessness. The script highlights the moral dilemma and the courage required in making such sacrifices.

💡Identity

Identity is a significant concept in the script, as it shapes the characters' actions and decisions. Esther's hidden Jewish identity becomes a critical factor in her role as queen and her response to the decree. The script explores the tension between personal identity and societal roles, particularly in the context of power and authority.

Highlights

Introduction to the lesson on Women of Faith, focusing on the story of Esther.

Discussion on the significance of the number seven in the context of completion.

Overview of the series of lessons on women in the Bible, including Deborah, Naomi, Ora, Ruth, and Hannah.

Introduction to the Book of Esther and its relevance to the series on Women of Faith.

Exploration of Esther's background, including her Hebrew name Hadassa and her Persian name Esther.

Connection between Esther's name and the Persian goddess worshipped by the Persians.

Description of the historical context, including the transition from the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Empire.

Story of King Darius allowing the Israelites to return home and rebuild the Temple.

Introduction to King Xerxes and his rule over 127 provinces.

Account of King Xerxes' extravagant celebration to showcase his power and wealth.

Narrative of Queen Vashti's refusal to parade her beauty before the king and his drunken court.

Explanation of the political implications of Vashti's refusal and its impact on the king's authority.

Description of the selection process for a new queen, focusing on Esther's rise to the position.

Discussion on the role of Mordecai, Esther's cousin, and his advice to her about hiding her nationality.

Introduction to the conflict with Haman and the decree for the extermination of the Jews.

Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman and the subsequent plot against the Jews.

Esther's decision to intervene on behalf of her people, despite the personal risk involved.

Esther's request for a three-day fast before she approaches the king to plead for her people.

Conclusion of the lesson with a prayer, emphasizing the importance of self-study and preparation for the next session.

Transcripts

well once again good morning to

everyone and as is this beautiful Sunday

morning that we have we have another

wonderful lesson that is laid before us

so as is our custom and as always what

is right it is time now for us to rise

to our feet as we all collectively come

together as one and pray to the father

that truly would give us some insight

and guidance to what this word is saying

to us upon this day so shall we pray

father it's once again upon this hour

and upon this day that I come to you

name heart I come as always dear Lord

giving your name all praise glory and

honor for the great things that you have

done and yet are still doing in our

lives and then dear Lord we ask for

blessing upon all those that are here

and those that still may be on their way

and dear Lord we ask once again for some

guidance dear Lord May the Holy Spirit

truly direct us in the way that you

would have us to go to give us some

insight in Discerning what thus sayith

your word and we'll be careful as always

just to give you and you alone the

praise the glory and the honor for all

that's said and done here yet upon this

morning for it's in the name of that

precious Lord and Savior we call Christ

that we give this prayer it's in Jesus

name we pray

amen well folks we have another

wonderful lesson that is laid before us

today we are in lesson number seven of a

series of 10 lessons that make up what

we call unit number one and in these

seven lessons that we have before us we

have been talking about one particular

subject matter and that is in unit one

Women of Faith and this is lesson number

seven is it's not the last lesson but

seven in the Bible is a number of as we

know completion and we have been

completely speaking of that of the women

if you were to go back through these

lessons in lesson one uh we talked about

the creation of woman and how God made

her wonderfully that she was made in

man's image and that she has certain

expectations and responsibilities that

is placed upon her then we move into our

second lesson which dealt with that of a

Woman by the name of Deborah is I think

the lesson was titled Deborah encourages

Barack but we basically spoke about

Deborah and her position of being a wife

of that of being the judge of the nation

of Israel but also in that of being a

propheus other words a woman that was

proclaiming what thus saith the word of

the Lord then we move by that lesson to

cover a series of lessons that dealt

with several women as you know we

started off with talking about Naomi

then we talked about Ora then we talked

about the woman by the name of rof and

all that went on with their lives then

we move from that lesson to the lesson

that we had last week which dealt with a

woman by the name of Hannah and how she

gave us we call it the template the

guide for how we do a child dedication

at the church but today we moved into

another series of lesson up with another

woman we're dealing with a woman by the

name of Esther now leading into this

lesson as you recall our most recent

lessons we came out of a category of the

Bible known as the Oracles of the books

of History which were 12 books

we've started at the very beginning you

could say to a certain extent because

our second lesson came out of the

writings of Judges as we know then we

moved from judges to move to the Book of

Ruth then we moved from The Book of Ruth

to move to that of first Samuel and

those

were I guess you call it the top four

books leading into this but today we're

go to the end of that series of books

and dealing with the writings of that of

Esther now this is an interesting uh

book that to cover I'm not going to say

it's a hard book to cover

but we are talking about what or what we

have been talking about all these weeks

women now this book is named after

what a woman but if you ever read this

book and study it the central character

really is not the

woman it is actually the man but guess

what we're not going to talk about the

man today but we have to bring him up

because it plays a central part in the

way in which the lesson flows your in

Les we have the day of Esther uh that is

not I would call it really her first

official name you will find that her

name was actually as I'm going to get

into the background actually was uh

hadassa hadassa was her Hebrew name but

here she is known by her Persian name

which is Esther because she became the

queen of Persia and it's interesting

note that the Persians worship a

goddess and this goddess name was

similar to her name Esther and we're not

going to go back to that teaching but to

give you an idea what I'm speaking of

this goddess they name her after you

celebrated during March in

April in the secular world we call it we

call it Resurrection Sunday but the

world calls it what Easter so the name

Esther comes from that goddess because

keep in mind she was Queen now and that

was a goddess who that they themselves

had worship but today once again we're

coming out of the writings of Esther if

you notice the writer gives us a little

bit of a Twist here because in our

scriptures the lesson is Esther the thir

chapter verses 2 and three then it says

five and six then it goes chapter 4 7

and 16 so it's very important that you

yourselves may have read all the things

involved because the writer jumps over a

lot of things but we know why the writer

does that because the writer knows

within a given format of a teaching of a

class you can't cover everything so they

try to stick to basically the central

points to go over but to go over this

lesson or to bring us into this lesson

Esther the 3 chapter verse 2 reads this

and all the king servants that were in

the king's gate bowed and reverence hmon

for the king had so commanded concerning

him but morar bowed not nor did him

reverence it starts all by saying and

all the king's

servants well if you look at this lesson

you can't start there a lot went on

leaning up into this and when you look

at the individuals that involved King

servant a man by the name of hymon

another man by the name of some called

it Mori or Moriah who are these people

that just jump into it so what I have to

do now is go back a little ways to bring

us up to where we are at because if I

don't do that guess what we're playing

anybody ever watch a let's say a series

let's say it's

a two part three part series and Mike

and you start in the second

part you're playing a bunch you you

can't start a movie it has two parts and

you start with the second part and

trying to figure out what is going on so

we have to go back a little bit but how

many of you know the story leading into

this don't be bash if you don't know it

you don't know it don't know it that

well the reason why I ask that question

is keep in mind we're all family we're

all friends if you don't know you don't

know but the reason why I ask that

question is is based upon your

understanding and knowledge everybody go

yeah I know it very well guess what I

can just highlight and keep moving but

if we're not familiar with it you have

to get a little bit deeper into it to

have the understanding cuz once again we

are not here just to fly through

scriptures we're here to learn some

things and gather some things so I'm

going to give you a little bit of

overview going into this third chapter

and how things start I guess the best

way to start it is and trust me I'm just

highlighting it but it's all

scripture uh the children of Israel you

remember at one point were taken into

captivity by a king called

Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonian Empire

and we talk about these lessons before

they went into captivity for some 70

plus years they stayed there but even

though Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylon

Empire was a mighty Empire us that

always come somebody along that's bigger

and better than you are now we have a

new power in the scene a power known as

the Persian or persal median Empire and

it's led by a man named King Darius or

some call him

daras the rise now has come in and he

rules the known world at this time you

could say and at this time also he's

like the Romans he doesn't care about

really dominating and beating down the

people as long as you pay your taxes

keep the peace let's just keep it moving

so what he did when he came into place

is he allowed the nation of Israel to be

free he allowed them now to go back home

if they so desired but also if they went

back he put a decree that they had to

also rebuild the Temple back unto God so

you'll find that you could say thousands

of them went back but a whole lot didn't

go back oh I stayed where they were at

cuz keep in mind they were there for 70

years right A lot of people were born

there that's all they knew was that life

so this was to them their home so many

of them stayed there but many were

allowed to go back home well as this has

now taken place many people you said go

back home but many stayed the people

we're talking about today Esther

original name is hadassa Mori they were

the some of the ones that did not go

back

so they're staying now in the Babylonian

territory now ruled by that of the

Persians now as this now takes place

they stay there you will find that

Darius the king he dies and his son

takes his place now you might have see

his son name written here but I'm going

to butcher it his son their name they

call him as something like Aeros or

sueros or something to that nature we

know him by another name

a name that you might have read you

might have had people talk about even

seen it in movies his name was Xerxes

the most powerful King in the Persian

Empire that ever was he ruled it said

127 provinces other words he ruled the

world from India all the way over to

Africa and he ruled it with a heavy hand

you'll find that I guess most people

might have heard this name anybody

remember the movie

300 ever see that movie in the movie 300

that is really based upon a true story

now of course they going to put the

Hollywood spin on it but it based upon a

true story in that story this king of

sharos you'll find was conquering All

the known world and now they wanted to

conquer Sparta Athens and that of Greece

but king

leonitis would not bow King leonitis in

the movie took 300 of his soldiers and

went against hundreds of thousands of

Persians and gave them a devastating

blow otherwise he killed many of them

but in the end they were betrayed by one

of their very own and they were

basically uh given I guess you could say

information of how they could come

around the backside and attack uh the

Spartans the reason why the Spartan was

so successful but also too is that he

didn't just have 300 men the movie puts

it he had 300 men fighting against

hundreds of thousands and they were

defeating them actually he had 5,000

troops 300 men was his Royal bodyguard

but the movie Just talk about The

Bodyguard and why they were so

successful is they fought the Persians

in what they call the hot Gates it was

basically a valley you say kind like

these pews you have a narrow Pathway to

come through so what they did was they

got in that pathway now the Persian with

these hundreds of thousand of soldiers

only has one way to get to them and

that's through this narrow pathway I

guess give a better example it's kind of

like saying you got me and Jimmy here we

got to fight 25

people that's a hard thing to do isn't

it but guess what if all 25 come here

one time we in trouble right but how

about they come at me in a little narrow

pathway I'm taking on one at a time one

at a time one at time and that's how

they fought them just in a narrow

pathway and they were very Victorious

until they were betrayed the king at

that time was King Xerxes who went

against them that's that movie is based

about but this King Xerxes now you will

find rules the

land and to show his power and to show

his you could say his Splendor and His

glory he had had what we will call a

celebration he had I guess in our day in

time he had a cookout he had a blast of

a time other words he had used all the

best cups glasses gold silver he invited

all the people out and this went on for

100 in 80 Days that's a cookout isn't it

most I cookout last couple hours and you

know we tell them you don't have to go

home but you have to leave about here

right but 180 days really to break it

down that's like having a cookout for

six months nonstop just to show his

power and his money but guess what when

this session ended for the people he had

another one for seven full days just for

you could say it's Inner Circle the

Royal people and the people of the court

of the palace and so on from there this

went on for seven days and it says when

the King was uh full of wine and drunken

which means he was

drunk they had this thing they said

bring Queen vasta out they say cuz she

was very beautiful to look upon and have

her put on her royal crown and come out

so they can look at her beauty well you

have to read between the lines there now

I don't like to put things in scripture

that's not in scripture but some

supplements tried to say two things may

may have went on here and they may have

but you come to your own

conclusion they wanted to bring the

queen out and the scripture says in her

she must have on her royal her

crown but she

refused which is that's a stiring of

itself to refuse the king but many would

say that when when he wanted to come out

to parade in front of these men with her

royal crown on all she supposed to came

out in was her birthday

suit not in her royal Greg not with her

royal robes and all of this remember it

say she was beautiful to look upon and

guess what you got a bunch of guys bunch

of drunken

men you don't want to see all dressed up

pretty these men drunk they ready to see

some action here you know it's like for

them let's be honest like them being at

strip club or something so I believe

it's probably went that other way but

they wanted her to come out when I were

uh her crown some said they wanted to

come out naked but her having respect

and pride in herself so I'm not going to

degrade myself that way she refused to

come forth it says she refused to come

forth and made the king very angry but

that was it it just made him angry he

stopped there but you know you always

got somebody want to talk in your ear

you'll find that some of his court some

of the men said Wa minut King you can't

stand for this so you know what kind of

problem you have here you are the king

and she refused you if you allow her to

refuse you guess what going to happen

all the other women going to start doing

the exact same thing and they weren't

speaking about it in the palace they

were talking about in the countryside

husband wives and NES women going to

rise up against us because remember at

that

time men were very dominant you know the

woman was down here the man was up here

but as we know it wasn't supposed to be

that way so they said if you do this it

could set a precedent that everybody or

every woman want to try to do this thing

so we have to stop this thing so let's

set an example they said what we need to

do is the queen needs to know more be

the queen take her out of her position

and this drunk King guess what he did

just that she was no longer the queen

she was taken from the position but how

many know when when you're drunk sooner

or later but you got to sober up right

he sober up and basically said this what

in the world I'm done I'm got rid of my

wife she's gone no more Queen but the

guys already had a plan they so here's

what we're going to do we're going to

gather up all the pretty ladies in the

countryside and bring them around almost

like a beauty contest and the King gonna

choose a new Queen because remember we

talked about this a few weeks ago when a

man sees a woman what's the first thing

that use he comes to his attention or

attracts him is what his eyes but what

attracts him to a

woman Beauty what he sees now keep in

mind you read the Scripture it didn't

say gather these women up because of

their intellect because of their

character because of their sweetness

because of their kindness he all the

pretty women might be pretty on the

outside but who knows what's going on

the inside but what they did was gather

up all the pretty women to bring before

the king and they would have one that

they would end up

choosing one of these women was a woman

by the name of hadassa now hadassa was a

a small child at one point as we know

she has to be but her parents had died

her cousin by the name of Mori some

people think Mori is her dad he's not

her daddy he's her cousin but he was

much older than she was and Mori raised

her as his very own daughter and loved

her that way and she viewed him as being

her

father so when they take her to go back

to the Palace he gives her some advice

and advice was this when you go back

don't tell them what culture you from

don't tell them who you are any reason

why you may think he said that

why would you tell them don't tell them

who you are you know don't tell them

anything about your culture just go

back any

reason is leading to our lesson for next

two

weeks any

idea this should be easy one

folks right she's the children of Israel

you know anti was semitism seism how you

pronounce that basically they already

was in captivity in prison in jail the

previous his father uh xerx father had

allowed them to go free but they always

caught a hard time so don't tell them

you're nation of Israel because you

might bring some bad stuff upon you just

keep it to yourself so he gives that

advice and then from that point forward

they started calling her no more hadassa

they started calling her

Esther and now she goes out and when she

goes out it takes a long period of time

to be presented to the king these women

had to be groomed um taught and so on

for they took like I think Bible say

something like two years before they

bought for the king but whoever Esther

at this point came in contact with she

always found favor with them and he

looked out for or you could say God

looked out for her ended up guess what

she became the

queen most powerful woman you could say

now in the world next to that of King

xeres himself that's part of one of the

story part two is Xerxes now has this

man by the name of hmon who we on that

first verse hmon you could say is

arrogant he's self-centered man it's all

about him as you can read through the

lines here this man becomes his I'm GNA

call him his right-hand man because he

was not aired to the throne Xerxes the

second and third so long came long later

because he has children but this man

became his right-hand man so therefore

King xeri says to him or to the people

put forth the decree that whatever hymon

comes in everybody's to bow and give him

reverence and that my people bring us to

the point of stir we are now when it

says and all the king's servants so now

we understanding what's going on here

and how things now put in place they're

still in the land of Babylon freely

living there as they want Esther now is

the queen Mori her hus her cousin that

told us don't tell anybody of your

culture and where you come from um hmon

NZ made King xeres right-hand man and it

says and all the king's servants that

were in the king's gate bowed and

reverenced him so he says here and all

the king

servants easy question what does all

mean everybody bowed right and when it

say it's all all means everyone that

means everybody is to do what to bow

down and you're doing all the same the

same thing and when everybody does

everything at the same time does anybody

Stand

Out H because you all are doing it if

everybody doing the same thing nobody

notices you nobody stands out it's kind

of like if you were you go to that

wedding and as you go to the wedding

everybody is all dressed up Lonzo got

all that beautiful gear on it all but

your dad Ken over here comes in a pair

of Crocs short pants and a wife beater

you think he going to stand

out Lono gonna move this way with a off

to the side CU what you're not like

everybody else you know so things like

that stand out you know you at that

wedding you know they started dancing I

always say about us Black Folk we used

to be dancers now all we can do is a

line dance we can't do nothing else but

you know when they tell you two steps to

the left two steps to the

right right two steps to the right mil

somebody going two steps to the left

don't they stand out when you watch them

dance because that's what they're not

doing the same thing as everybody else

this is kind of like how the shatak

mshack and abedo was remember they

supposed to bow to the Statue but guess

what they didn't bow when everybody else

bowed and course if everybody's bent

over and you stand up you stand out this

is a case that we have now that's going

on because everyone's supposed to think

all the king's servants that were in the

king's Gates bowed and reverenced hymon

now when you say they bowed and they

reverence him reverence here takes on a

different word from that of just being

respectful this is a similitude of

basically you're worshiping him is what

they're looking at whenever he comes to

the door first thing you do is to Bow

and give him reverence it means more

than here than give him just respect

other words you're almost worshiping

this man and you can see as we get into

the next week lesson oh he loved this

kind of atmosphere he wanted to be in

the Forefront he wanted everybody to bow

down look at him almost if he was higher

than Xerxes himself even though Xerxes

had placed him in that particular

position and they did all this it says

for the the King has so commanded what

concerning

him now if the king says do something

you supposed to think about

it you're not supposed to put forth a

petition say I got a request here should

I be doing this or can I not do this but

if the king says something what's

supposed to

happen like the old folks said when you

say jump you supposed to say how high

why jumping up the king gives command

there is no ifs there's no ANS there's

no buff about it you see earlier when

they want to get with the queen they

couldn't do it they to De everything

through who the king and the King made

his commandment and K made his

commandment concerning this man whatever

he comes everybody no exception is to

Bow and give him

reverence because I have said so and

remember xeres you'll find ruled at this

time I think it was 127 different

provinces he ruled from India to the tip

of that of Africa and he ruled with

guess what a heavy hand if you search

the history of King Xerxes

he he wasn't wasn't a kind man so

therefore when he spoke people moved but

then it says here for the King has so

commanded concerning him but Mori bowed

not nor did him

reverence got a problem here don't it so

when he comes in everybody bows who do

we see standing up this's no if say a bu

body everybody's bowed everybody

supposed to do this and this man now is

not bowing he didn't bow he said or give

him reverence other words once again the

similitude of worshiping him he couldn't

do it he said I could not do this now we

talked about this before you know when

it comes to respect I use a play on

words often

times because he talking about rever

this man respecting this man respect

from your point of view and from who

point of

view yeah your point of view

respect is it earned or is it granted

I got earned you got to earn my respect

anybody else feel free we just

talking got to earn respect right y'all

little slow like everybody don't believe

that got to earn

respect I can buy

that but remember how I started

off the statement was from whose

perspective from your perspective my

sister before I go on

then I'm foll you're going on but keep

in mind I'm trying to keep it you're

you're correct but I'm trying to keep it

from your perspective because some

people see things differently you know

one might say this or one might say

something else so we're trying to keep

it how do you view it that's why I put

it instead of being just broad because

let me tell you how Kenny views

it I was kind of raising the aspect that

respect is

not let's say earn but initially it is

granted let me explain what I mean by

initially from the very start now guys

keep in mind this who perspective right

and not saying nobody else wrong I just

say from my perspective what I mean by

that is that we were already taught that

when you meet somebody somebody you

always give them the utmost

respect grandma said you go to miss suie

house you better respect her and you

better do this and do this and do and so

on and so on you respect them some say

well you know that's not really being

respectful that's being

courteous you know yes maam no man at

all I said you're correct but keep in

mind with respect

courtesy automatically comes into play

but you can be courteous and still not

respect somebody did I lose you there

other words when you have respect

courtesy automatically comes into play

but a person can be courteous to you but

still don't respect you I give you an

example right

now y'all know what happened yesterday

to Mr Trump

right you know but what I'm dealing with

with Mr Trump is this he could come to

this door right now

and guess what I would say how you doing

today sir you know come on and sit down

hope you enjoy the service have a great

time so on so what I'm

doing uhuh I'm being courteous I'm being

courteous because as my sister just led

into it as a person what he stand for

what he believes what he says I can't

respect you but that don't mean I'm not

gonna be courteous to you I'm not gonna

be rude not gonna be nasty oh but see

here's the thing I would initially give

a person like that my respect of course

I know him but I initially would give a

person like that your respect

but then when you mess

up now you got to earn

it so we already taught initially always

get them the respect and cury they

deserve now if you found something

different then you have to earn

it just a different way of looking at

things Jim get your hand up Alonzo

somebody

okay so that's how sometimes it can be

viewed here with this man here think

about it everybody's bowing down to him

right everybody him but I guarantee n

respect him they're only doing it

because guess what they have to do it so

they're just being curious to a certain

extent but they don't respect them

they're just doing what it is they have

to do here but here you find with Mori

he say bow not nor did him re other

words oh no I'm not doing this said no

way in the world am I'm bowing to this

man question is why would he do such a

thing but as we go on it said then the

king's servants which were in the king's

gate said unto Mori it said then the

king service it should have said they

what I mean by they I always said they

is a ministry that's been around forever

there always somebody have to say

something is they did this and they did

that and they said do this and they said

go there they put tables in the back

they did well who is they who is the

president they're in every church and

all over the place but here you'll find

then the king's servants which were in

the king's gate s to Mori now these

individuals see something going on right

I would say initially they doing the

right thing they wait a minute something

up with this guy here let's go see him

they said why transgresses thou the

king's commandment so what are they

saying to

him plain and simple you know the elders

would tell you if you don't know you're

supposed to ask somebody something right

they ask a question why are you going

against the king's commandment you know

that's unheard of maybe they thought

well maybe you got a back problem you

know he can't bow B over you know maybe

he got a uh he's visually challenged

when he comes in he don't even see him

who know who knows something may be

going on here before we act too rashly

here sex is man a question why is it

that you going against the king's

commandment because as you can see

nobody else is doing that everybody's

doing exactly what it they supposed to

be doing remember the key thing with

them was pay pay your taxes or your

offerings and do what keep the peace

that's all they asking for but right now

this man you're causing a little bit of

a problem here by not bowing when this

man Heyman comes by but it says and why

trust th the king's commandment now

verse 5 says and when hman saw that Mori

bowed not but let me stop there for a

second here's where something very

important comes in at and here's where

also there's a

problem the most important thing about

this is this we talked about this thing

called what selfstudy remember I said

leading to this you have to study it for

yourself it's always good to read the

chapters before the chapters after and

everything in between to have a full

understanding because a lot of things I

will bring up that's not part of the

printed text

but is truly part of the lesson itself

and if you look at this now they ask him

a question right you see her

answer you don't see why he answers but

they says and when hymon saw that he

bowed not the problem is we got a

missing

verse they skip over a verse and go

straight to the next question now

somebody who's crappy their teaching

will try to twist things to their

benefit will keep it on moving but let

me tell you he gives a response but look

at the response that he gives if you use

your Bible it says then the king's

servant which was in the king's gate

said to Mori why transgressed thou the

king's commandment verse four said now

it came to pass when they spake daily

unto him he not hearkened not unto them

so in other words you'll find that this

group of they didn't only ask him one

time mik daily they came to look man

what are you doing here like we don't

want to put things that is not there but

it seems to be on the outside looking in

they're trying to help this man out so

look we come to you every day say why

you not bowing you need to Bow but

you're not bowing you might cause some

problems here that the way it seems each

day they will come but it says he would

not hearken other words he would not

listen at all it almost like you know he

was he was from Brown gr he said we

probably said negro please I'm not about

to bow to this man and you can see he

was persistent because each day they

would call him out he couldn't hide he

wasn't trying to hide which let us know

this man was a man of faith and a man of

God we going to see that in next week

lesson but we're not really dealing with

him but we have to because he leads us

into the lesson but what it goes on he

said they were not um Hawking to them

that they told hmon somebody had to

snitch right they said well you won't

listen to us it's to the point now guess

what I'm about to tell it might have

been a case of if I don't tell guess

what Mike I might be in trouble because

you know daily this man wasn't doing the

king's end so you better report

something back so they go back and tell

hon now that guess what Mori is not

bowing and it says um to see when lost

my spot that they told hmon to see

whether morai matters would stand for he

had told them that he was a Jew what he

start saying by here when they told

hymon they told hon to see if his

reasoning would stand other words maybe

there's an exception made for this man

because we get the answer now because

that he had told them that he was what a

Jew so they went back and basically told

him we T this man daily he hasn't bow so

we come to see you now does his answer

does his reasoning still stand because

he said he was a Jew he was of the

nation of Israel so maybe he was given

some sort of exception here but we can

see now leading into this he didn't want

to bow to this man because of the fact

that he doesn't bow to man he only bows

to God and he refused to do so to bow to

him and give him reverence now they says

something to the fact that who knows bow

when he comes

he might have did that it's a sign of

respect you come in how you doing and so

on from there when I think about this

now I think about um once again the man

who got his ear pierced yesterday Trump

you talked about Obama one time remember

years ago Obama met out came was

president of China or somewhere you know

how how do they greet each other in

China or China or Japan what them most

time they greet each other what do they

do they bow you know what Obama did he

bowed to it and shook his hand oh that

was the biggest thing on the news the

United States President bowed to

somebody like you bowed in to submission

he said that's a sign of respect that's

the way they greet each other a guy on

my job he's from

Thailand here they Shake our hands right

or we shake hands he said over there I

shake your hand here but in my land we

greet like this he said that's all we do

we never shake hands but over here sign

of respect he says I shake your hand but

if you come to my country he says we

just bow and put our hands together and

that's all he doing was showing a sign

of respect there but here you'll find

that with

Mori he says that for he told them that

he was a

Jew now he had told his daughter you

could say which was his cousin really

don't tell him where you're from but for

him oh I'm going tell you who I am I'm a

Jew and I don't bow to this individual

and then you'll find that as we move

from there where did I stop at

back to the lesson verse five it said

when hymon saw that Mori bowed not so

now hymon knows this man is not doing

this so now he's going to Be watchful

when he does go out is this man doing

what he's not supposed to do and it says

that and when hmon saw that Mori bowed

not nor did him reverence then was hymon

full of

what full of Wrath you might know what

the key difference between wrath and

anger is even though you can use them

together somebody was mad they was upset

but when you have let's say mad versus

wrath you know what the key difference

is oh yeah you right it's just turned up

a notch it's turned up quite a bit wrath

in this definition you'll find tend to

lead to action other words I can be mad

at you and I can say certain things

about you and that's going to be it but

when wrath comes in M say you just

turned it up Notch oh now I'm going to

be in your face I might put hands upon

you or something going to come about so

this man was extremely mad because he

considered himself being guess what

disrespected this man supposed to see me

coming supposed to Bow Down and Worship

and keep in mind he's from the same

court that said earlier with Queen Basta

when she disobeyed the king if you don't

watch it everybody's going to do this

thing now think about this everybody

supposed to bow to him but just like

Queen vast one person has rebelled what

could

happen one person rebelled what what

could happen with the rest of the folks

copycats everybody there say well he

didn't bow I'm not going to Bow her

either they can't stand this

Insurrection here that's going

on just like they reported in news this

morning you can be very mindful of our

sitting president because you have

copycats they look at as one of your

people which he was a rich Republican by

understanding attacked the president now

we got to get back because you got nuts

in the world like that and here you'll

find that if this man doesn't bow and

his reason was he was a Jew guess what

everybody else start doing the exact

same thing we can't stand for that so

that's when ashing come he said in verse

six Let's us know verse six says this

and he thought scorn to lay hands on

Moriah

alone here's where we have another key

Point self-study comes into play because

you realize with this verse when it says

in verse six and he thought scorn to lay

hands on Mori

alone that's where problem comes in that

if you stop right there because that is

only a fraction of the verse there's a

whole verse there that the writer has

left off and teaching they would call

this part A of a verse but they haven't

covered the whole thing so a lot of

pieces here I'm left off but when he

speaks of the thing he thought it what

it say he thought scorn to lay hands on

Mory alone someone say SC how does the

word scorn come into play here well he's

not talking about scorn as disdain or

beating and so that word scorn means

bad so what he means is this in dealing

with something that's bad going on he

thought it bad to lay hands on morai

alone so in other words I could get

moreai but that ain't

enough it's a bad thing just to get one

person oh I'm having him pay the

ultimate price because the rest of the

verse says this for they had showed him

the people of morai who showed them see

what I mean they go back a long ways

that Ministry that fraternity that order

they've been around Jimmy

forever forever always they the who is

they we know they they has been around

forever but it says here for they had

shown him the people of Mori which means

they say this is people here the nation

of Israel the Jews now we get an idea

earlier why he told his little cousin

daughter don't tell them who you are cuz

we always have a hard time facing all we

always have it it says wherefore for

hmon sought to destroy some of the Jews

okay okay wrong translation I got you

Mike wrong translation wherefor he

sought to destroy it says all the Jews

it didn't say some didn't say a few

didn't say a couple but he sought to

destroy it says here all the Jews that

were throughout the whole Kingdom of

Aeros even the people of Mori so other

words for your actions now all of them

going to pay a price other words we're

going to kill all of your people for

what you have done uh go

back for he thought a scor lay hands on

morai alone so in other words his

thinking is this morai gotta go and

everybody else got to go sometimes you

have to make what they call an example

out of folks and this is the same type

of things really folks we don't have it

here that Xerxes would do and has so so

much power you cross him everybody could

pay the price it kept the people in line

it kept the people in fear then this man

you know much Authority he has he's the

right hand of king of xeres he has a lot

of power a lot of authority so he says

now that we're going to get all these

people

now the writer says and Mori told him

all that had happened unto him and the

sum of the money that hmon had promised

to pay you read that you going wait a

minute what happened here now what did I

miss well you missed a whole lot because

guess what well we stop in verse six

there's nine verses that's not there

then chapter 4 starts off guess what six

verses are not there so one in between

who is this man now that Mori himself is

talking to about Hyman paying a sum of

money well here's what went

down the president of the committee

known as they came forward and they said

you have to make an

example what we propose I'm giving you a

higher overall view here is this what we

propose is that we draw lots and on a

certain day of the year let's say it

fell on let's say April 15th I guess tax

day come up to mind April 15th a bad day

say April

15th have the king pass a decree and

this decree says

this that on this day you can go out and

kill any and every Jew that's out there

I'm talking the young talking the old

I'm talking boys I'm talking girls I'm

talking children talking babies you can

kill any of them on that day so they

give you a whole day to do what

Slaughter these people but only for one

day now they even tell the king this

this is how we proposed to carry out

this

thing hymon says I will put 10,000

talents in the treasury to pay the

people for killing the Jews now I don't

know I'm G give you the exact figure I

don't know if this case of sometime

they'll say um 10,000 us and you know

they they give a broad figure just to

say it means a lot I think here maybe

this just means when he say I'm giving

10,000 talents that just means he put a

lot of money into the treasury because

10,000 talents he might have had it that

is a whole lot of money let me give you

an idea of how much money we're talking

about if he was putting really 10,000

talents in or just say I'm putting a

large tal of momy

in in their culture all right imagine

let's just be broad everybody mix

different kind of income Social Security

pension retirement working whatever it

may be let's say a day pay right a day's

pay was one daer or someone say one

Daenerys so you work all day imagine

what you make now that's one

daer it takes

6,000 daer to make one

Talent you follow me one Talent so that

means you with the money you make you

have to work every day 365 days a year

for 20 years straight to get one

Talent you follow me when you do the MTH

on this it end up being somewhere

over somewhere over5 billion dollar that

he put in and did that man have this

kind of money in in that day and time I

don't know maybe maybe not but the some

of it is this he put a lot of money in

to make sure that this would come about

and the King basically said I got no

problem with that you know you paying me

putting money in my treasury go right

ahead I'll make a profit off it he

doesn't care he rules how many provinces

127 they put forth the decree the king

gives his Royal ring he signs it now it

is in place and his decrees or letters

or you could say posters were sent

everywhere nailed to the post letting

everybody know on this day at this time

you're free to slaughter these people

and guess what we gonna pay you for it

but it's like the story of Cinderella at

12:00 you got to cut it off because only

one day you can do this and you can be

paid good for it it doesn't matter who

you kill they can be babies long as day

of the nation of Israel of a Jew kill

them so it shows where anti-Semitism

been around for a long time folks a long

time so the decrees go out Mori now sees

U knows what's going on so what he does

now is um they're in mour you know they

put on their old clothes red clothes in

the dust and Ashes a sign of suffering

and they will and cry about this thing

and all that's going on um Esther now

hears about it like what's going on why

my father going through what he's going

through she sent him new clothes and all

that put on he wouldn't put them on so

she sends now her you could say her maid

or her um her servant rather the man

back to see what is going on why is all

this hardship coming about and this what

it means say and Mori told him so now

Mori is telling hassa which we know is

Esther what has actually happened

because she doesn't know anything about

this it says and Mori told him all that

had happened upon him and of the sum of

that hmon had promised to pay the king's

treasuries for the Jews to destroy them

and he gave him the copy of the writing

of the decree that was given asusan to

destroy them and to show it unto Esther

so once again remember they sent out

these pathlets imp posters he took one

gave it to the servant said now you

carry back and show her and because it

was in a place called shusan what was

the palace in Babylon and show them what

the King has put forth and declared unto

her and to charge her that she should go

in unto the king to make supplication

unto him and to make request before him

for her

people so now he has some on the inside

right uh we black folks call it the

hookup you know look we we we're in do

shape here so you could tell his let's

call her his daughter CU really she was

you think about it he knows his cousin

he raised it he said go tell the king

not that this thing happened you know

plead on behalf of your people now keep

in mind he's now known that no longer

protection comes upon her remember she

couldn't do what tell them who she was

but you let the king know now this is

whose

people it's God's people be told tell

this is your people that you now you

pass a decree to kill all of them so

please stop this thing because look what

it says it say that she should go into

the king to make Suppa unto him and to

make requests before him for her people

so let them know now now is the time let

him know who it is that you are that you

are the queen and this is your people

now that's being annihilated it says and

her that's a servant came and told

Esther the words of Mori again Esther

spake unto has and gave him commandment

unto Mori she sent word back all the

king's servant and the people of the

king's Province do now that whatsoever

whether man or woman shall come unto the

king into the inner Court who is not

called there is one law for his to put

him to death except such a one to whom

the king shall hold out the golden

scepter that he may live but I have not

been called to come into the king until

these 30 days what she saying is this he

said go see the King right she said whoa

whoa let me tell you how this thing

works here you know you ain't been in

this Palace nobody even the queen don't

just walk up on the king you have to be

requested and then too if you do come

and the King don't hold of that se said

come on in is law do but one thing you

you're dead you kill them so basically

saying now guess what I might be

committing suicide here if you had me go

now and see this man because that's not

the way that it works now I'll explain

this a little deeper next week we

running out of time here but it says and

they told Mori Esther words then Mori

commanded to answer Esther think not

with thyself that thou shalt Escape in

the King's house more than all the Jews

other words let them know don't think

you

safe and there a reason why I'm let to C

out the bag here I don't want to get

ahead of myself next week just because

she's a queen you think she's void of

anything happening to her H cuz she's a

what Jew and the command is to do what

kill all the Jews and when the king

gives command what

happens yeah all that happens all that

happens well see to give you insight to

next week's lesson I'm G shut it off

right here well I'm reading next week um

the king couldn't change that

law why could the king change it the

king cannot change that law when he made

the decree they put in that it could not

be changed but regardless of that he

can't change it you want to know why

here's the biggest reason why the Kings

remember they said of this man hmon to

bow down to him and reverence him almost

a seude of worship with the king the

king was considered to be a deity the

King was considered to be a God if the

king n put forth the decree and have to

take it back he shows he's an error he

made a mistake and a God does not make

any mistakes so therefore Kings could

not take it back it's just that when the

people went back to rebuild uh the

temple under his father Darius they

tried to stop them from building the

Temple back he said let them build us

they said why cuz Darius said build it

if he already spoke it you can't take it

back so here with her people guess what

he can't take it back but what mean by

getting ahead of myself because you

gonna read it anyway how does he get

around this thing he does one thing he

tells the children of Israel on April

15th that's day I'm given y'all can

fight

back you women why can't fight back

anyway if they had fought back without

the king's approval that's Insurrection

then is war and you will be annihilated

every single one of you instead of just

one day but now he's going to give next

week he's going give the approval on

this day gather up your swords and you

fight back because I can't change the

law have to stick to that word but as we

go forth here I'm going close this thing

out it said then Esther B them return

Mori this answer go rather together go

gather for all the Jews that are present

in Shan and fast ye for me neither eat

nor drink three days night or days I

also and my maid will Fast likewise and

so will I go in unto the King which is

not according to the law so other words

she said we're going to prepare

ourselves we're going to God about this

thing but her last words in this text

was this and if I

perish she said I perish and next week

now guess what we dealing with we're

dealing with Esther once again I said

earlier I didn't want to deal with the

men at all we haven't been but in this

lesson you have to deal with the man

first because it brings us into the

position that Esther is actually in that

of going forth and possibly G the

ultimate sacrifice to save her people

which reminds of somebody else who gave

the ultimate sacrifice that his people

may be saved we're talking about Christ

here but that's all next week lesson so

once again read your lesson for next

week once we're still dealing with

Esther we're dealing with part two so

now you see why I say I couldn't just

start let's start teaching without

giving you the first part leading up

into it

this is why selfstudy plays such a

valuable role in our lesson playing but

once again that's our lesson for next

week coming up which deal with the

Deliverance of the Jews and keep in mind

it starts in the what

chapter next week let start in what

chapter eight what chapter we just

stopped

in four see how a whole lot of things

get left out so it's up to us to study

in between before the lesson comes forth

because I can't just jump right into it

but somebody might go wait wait a minute

where you coming from because we come a

long way something has changed in

between so that's why we have the

importance of reading the lesson but

with that being said uh thank you all

once again for taking a part in this

lesson and we look forward to next

week's session now at this time let's

rise to our feet as we have a word of

prayer and we're go into our worship

service fathers once again upon this

hour and upon this day as always we

thank you dear Lord for all that we've

seen and all that we heard upon this day

we ask right now dear Lord as we end

this session of the worship of Sunday

School that your spirit would be among

us in the up and cominging worship

service we ask truly blessings upon the

pastors the all preacher that's

preaching for what thus sayith this your

word we ask blessing upon all those that

still may be on their way and truly dear

Lord be with those for whatever reason

it is today could not be here but we are

ever so thankful that we say an

omnipresent God that you in all places

yet at all times for as in Jesus name we

give this prayer amen

amen for