FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
FAVOR “The ‘grace and favor’ flowing in Esther’s direction connect with a larger scriptural pattern of God’s steadfast love promised and consistently shown to his people. This covenant kindness was promised to the people through whom would come the promised Seed, the Messiah—and God’s promises do not fail. His people, the Jews, still existed as Jews even after decades of dispersion in exile. God sent his favor often through the goodwill of those in authority over them. Notwithstanding the alien, godless context of Esther’s story, we cannot fail to notice these indications of God’s unfailing and stead- fast love for his people.” 42
3. Repeatedly, the text says Esther “won favor” with the people in the palace, including the king (Est. 2:9, 15, and 17). What do you note about God’s favor from the Foundational Truth? (See also Ps. 106:1, and 118:1 and 29.)
4. What resulted from Esther’s first encounter with Ahasuerus in verses 17–18?
5. What did Mordecai “just happen” to overhear, and what was the result? (See vv. 19–23.)
42 R uth and Esther. Knowing the Bible Series. pg. 54.
140 | Lesson 13
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