My Outline of Esther

The Providence of the purim:

A history of God’s invisible hand in human intrigues.

(Title's features:  Poetic, double meanings, inferred truth)

I. Preparation

·         Vashti Deposed    1                    
(with intro and overview)

·         Esther Chosen    2.1-14

Esther Endeared   2.15-23

Mordecai Endeared   2.19-23      
(God beginning to solve problems before they begin)

II. Peril

·         Haman’s Plot  3  
(Evils of bitterness and vengeance)

·         Mordecai’s Plan  4   
(Purpose in God’s preparations and our part)

·         Esther’s Presentation 5.1-8

Haman’s Presumption  5.9-14 
(contrast between Esther’s courage and Haman’s overconfidence)

III. Preservation

·         Mordecai Honored   6  
(turning point in the book, God’s hand in circumstances)

·         Haman Hanged   7  
(Poetic justice in God’s timing)

·         Mordecai’s Decree Written  8      

Jews Defended  9.1-17 
(Human effort to accomplish God’s purpose)    

IV. Praise

·         The Feast of Purim 9.18-32

Peace of the Jews  10.1-3 
(God’s work remembered and recounted)