Esther, Malachi & Nehemiah
Teacher: Dee Briggs
Please read the three books: Esther, Nehemiah, and Malachi.
- God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther but His character is revealed. As you read Esther, please note the differences between Mordecai and his family, and Haman and his family. I see an example of the great controversy between Christ and Satan in the actions of these two family groups. See if you agree. What do you see of God’s character? Satan’s character: accuser, hater, mixed truth and lies, wanted to destroy God’s people, craved honor and adulation, required people to bow down to him? If Esther was willing to give her life for her people, was she a type of the Christ to come?
- As you read through Nehemiah you will find a repetition of his prayer, something like: “Remember me with favor, O My God.” What do you think of that prayer?
- For Malachi, see how many “messengers” you find in this short book. The word malachi means messenger and some folks think it wasn’t a name of a prophet at all, but simply refers to the messengers and their messages. What do you think?
Esther
Listen to the book of Esther from BibleGateway: ESV, KJV, MSG, NIV
Short Outline of the Books of Esther from the Today's English Version:
- Esther becomes queen (1:1 – 2:23)
- Haman’s plots (3:1 – 5:14)
- Haman is put to death (6:1 – 7:10)
- The Jews defeat their enemies (8:1 – 10:3)
Malachi
Listen to the book of Malachi from BibleGateway: ESV, KJV, MSG, NIV
Short Outline of the Book of Malachi from Today's English Version:
- Israel’s sins (1:1 – 2:16)
- God’s judgment and his mercy (2:17 – 4:6)
Nehemiah
Listen to the book of Nehemiah from BibleGateway: ESV, KJV, MSG, NIV
Short Outline of the Book Nehemiah from the Today's English Version:
- Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem (1:1 – 2:20)
- The walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt (3:1 – 7:73)
- The Law is read, and the covenant is renewed (8:1 – 10:39)
- Further activities of Nehemiah (11:1 – 13:31)