Mourning Mordecai Esther 4:1-6 When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail. He went as far as the gate of the palace, for no one was allowed to enter the palace gate…
Esther 3: The Plot Thickens
The Plot Against The King Esther 2:31-23 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. But Mordecai heard about the plot and gave the information…
Esther 2: Esther Becomes Queen
The Call for a New Queen Esther 2: 1-7 But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. So his personal attendants suggested, “Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. Let the king appoint agents in…
Esther 1: The Banquet
The King’s Banquet Esther 1:1-9 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles…
Ruth 4: Redemption Accomplished
Choice and Decision Ruth 4:1-6 Boaz went to the town gate and took a seat there. Just then the family redeemer he had mentioned came by, so Boaz called out to him, “Come over here and sit down, friend. I want to talk to you.” So they sat down together. Then Boaz called ten leaders…
Ruth 3: A Bold Proposal
Naomi’s Plan For Ruth Ruth 3:1-6 One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight he will…
Ruth 2: Finding Favor
Ruth Works in Boaz’s Field Ruth 2:1-7 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech. One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who…
Ruth 1: Returning to God
Setting the Scene Ruth 1:1-5 In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man’s name was Elimelech, and his…
Jude’s Warning
We wrap up our study of the Letters of Peter by looking at a letter very similar to that of 2 Peter – the book of Jude. Scholars believe that these letters are related, as one likely served as the inspiration for the other. Jude is often believed to be the earlier of the two…
The Day of the Lord
This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. Most importantly, I want to remind you…