3. Read Esther 3:7–9. Seeking the king’s approval of his plan, what things did Haman say about the Jews to deceive the king?
4. Read 3:10–15. How would you describe King Ahasuerus and his rule of the Persian Empire?
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
PERSECUTION Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews in Esther 3 is one in a long line of instances of persecution happening to the Jewish people. God has a special plan for the Jewish nation, and Satan will do everything he can to defeat that plan. The greatest instance of unjust persecution happened to the only perfect human to ever have lived, Jesus Christ. In Mark 15, Pilate could find no crime that Jesus had committed. And yet, to appease a crowd, he handed Him over to be flogged, tortured, spit on, mocked, and finally, nailed to a cross to die. Those of us who place our faith in Jesus should also expect persecution. 1 Peter 4:12–13 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” As difficult as persecution may be, we should rejoice in it because it means that we know Jesus, and a much greater future with no heartache awaits us! 46
46 “What is Israel’s Role in the End Times?” Got Questions: Your Questions, Biblical Answers. March 2025. https:// www.gotquestions.org/end-times-Israel.html
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