The Guide

Crew Overview
Raffaele Mertes (Director)
Sandy Niemand (Writer: teleplay)
Cast Overview
Louise Lombard (Esther)
F. Murray Abraham (Mordecai)
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Jurgen
Prochnow (Haman)
Thomas Kretschmann (King Ahasuerus)
Ornella Muti (Queen Vashti)
Using This Discussion Guide
Intended for use after viewing the film, this study guide provides catalysts for biblically based
discussion of various themes found in Esther. The guide features three themes from the movie and
is structured in such a way that groups can choose to discuss the entire guide at once or can focus
on one or two themes at a time.
Copyright Information
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Scripture taken from the New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International
Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Film Overview/Note to Group
Set in the Persian city of Susa, Esther is a powerful account of God’s love for and deliverance of the Jewish people.
At the heart of this amazing narrative is the title character (played by Louise Lombard), a beautiful and obedient
woman whom God strategically places in a position of royal power in order to defend the lives of the Jews. With
counsel and support from her cousin, Mordecai (F. Murray Abraham), Esther makes her stand against evil,
committing herself to God’s sovereignty and becoming instrumental in the preservation of the Jews.
The story begins at the palace of the Persian king, Ahasuerus (Thomas Kretschmann), as he deposes his queen
(Ornella Muti) and seeks a new wife. Haman (J ürgen Prochnow), a power-hungry anti-Semite with aspirations for
the king’s favor, commences the search for a new queen, resulting in the capture of several young women, Esther
included. She is heartbroken to be separated from Mordecai, but God sustains Esther, granting her favor throughout
her time in the palace. Eventually, Esther finds favor with the king as well and becomes his new wife.
In order to gain proximity to Esther, Mordecai secures a job within the king’s gates and soon uncovers a plot
to murder Ahasuerus. His actions are recorded, though his bravery goes largely unacknowledged otherwise.
Unfortunately, Mordecai does garner the attention of Haman, newly appointed as the king’s chamberlain, because
of his refusal to acknowledge Haman’s status. This righteous insolence unleashes the full fury of Haman,
who vows to decimate the Jews.
With the king’s signet ring firmly in hand, Haman issues a deadly decree. After reading the edict, Mordecai begins a
fervent period of mourning and prayer, wailing for the salvation of the Jewish people and pleading with Esther to go
before the king, using her royal position “for such a time as this.” Burdened for her people, yet fearing for her own
life in entering the king’s hall unannounced, Esther tells Mordecai to gather the Jews for three days of fasting and
prayer. After the fast, Esther goes before Ahasuerus, who agrees to attend the first of two special banquets.
One night, Ahasuerus calls on Haman to highly honor Mordecai’s loyalty and bravery in foiling the murder plot.
Haman’s subsequent humiliation and anger drive him to construct a gallows for his most despised nemesis. Soon
after, at the second banquet, Esther exposes Haman’s evil and reveals her own Jewish heritage. The king, enraged at
his chamberlain’s decree, orders Haman’s execution. Ahasuerus then bestows the chamberlain title upon Mordecai,
who uses his newfound ability to counteract Haman’s decree, giving Jews the power to defend themselves against
attack. When the Jews prevail, Esther and Mordecai establish Purim to honor the great deliverance.
GUIDING SCRIPTURE: ESTHER 4:14 (NIV):
“And who knows but that you have come to royal position
for such a time as this?”
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:
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Esther 2:17 (NIV): “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won
his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her
queen instead of Vashti.”
Esther 4:14 (NIV): “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from
another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal
position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:16 (NIV): “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for
three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though
it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Psalm 33:10–11 (NIV): “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
Proverbs 16:33 (NLT): “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.”
Proverbs 21:30 (NIV): “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”
Isaiah 14:26–27 (NLT): “I have a plan for the whole earth, a hand of judgment upon all the nations.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has spoken – who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?”
Matthew 6:33–34 (NIV): “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to
you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough
trouble of its own.”
Romans 13:1 (NIV): “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except
that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
Ephesians 1:11–12 (NLT): “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance
from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose
was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.”
James 1:17 (NLT): “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the
lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
Scenes to Review
• Esther’s Debut (00:36:57–00:38:50, Chapter 7)
• For Such a Time As This (00:55:11–01:04:56, Chapter 10)
• The Final Plea (01:15:00–01:18:09, Chapter 13)
Discussion Questions
God’s fingerprints aren’t always immediately noticeable. At times, he works in and through people’s lives in a subtle
fashion, taking a more behind-the-scenes approach in his overall design. Such is the case with Esther and her historic
rise to the Persian throne. Unbeknownst to the young woman is God’s sovereignty – Vashti’s deposition, Haman’s
bridal search, Esther’s own heartbreak – in bringing her to the palace to become the Jews’ vessel of deliverance.
With God’s help, Esther accomplishes the impossible and wins the favor of Ahasuerus (read Esther 2:17,
see Scriptures Referenced). But, it isn’t until Esther makes her debut as queen that Mordecai begins to understand
how God’s sovereignty may be at work for a greater purpose.
Scene to Review: Esther’s Debut (00:36:57–00:38:50, Chapter 7)
• As Esther dresses and makes her first appearance to the people of Susa, what might she be thinking of the events
that led to this moment? Think back through the first part of the movie – how does God’s sovereignty bring Esther
to the throne of Persia?
At the end of the scene, Mordecai says, “Perhaps there is a hidden design in this turn of events.”
• Is there a reason why Mordecai makes his acknowledgment at this point in time? Why might it have taken him
until now to begin to understand God’s purpose?
• Think about God’s sovereignty in your own life, specifically when God’s plan was initially hidden. How did you
respond? Did it impact your faith in any way?
Read Ephesians 1:11–12 (see Scriptures Referenced).
• Part of this verse states that God “makes everything work out for his own plan.” How does Esther reflect the truth
of this passage?
The defining moment of Esther’s life arrives amidst a torrent of personal anguish. On the heels of learning of Haman’s
decree to kill the Jews, Mordecai insists that Esther use her royal power to approach the king for aid. As Esther
wrestles with the reality of her situation, Mordecai helps her to understand how God, in his sovereignty, has
handpicked her for this moment.
Scene to Review: For Such a Time As This (00:55:11–01:04:56, Chapter 10)
• What elements of this scene demonstrate God’s plan for Esther’s life? How does this event further cast her as the
symbol of God’s sovereignty?
• How does Esther show her obedience in this scene? Why might obedience be a worthy characteristic for someone
who is trying to live within God’s plan for her life?
Read Matthew 6:33–34 (see Scriptures Referenced).
• How does this verse lend credence to Esther’s decision to fast and pray for three days (read Esther 4:16, see
Scriptures Referenced)?
• Why does Esther seek God’s counsel if he’s already determined the outcome? What does that reveal about her
opinion on the relationship between sovereignty and supplication?
Take a moment to study Esther 4:14 (see Scriptures Referenced).
• Mordecai vows that “relief and deliverance will arise from another place” should Esther remain quiet. What do
these words mean in reference to God’s sovereignty?
• Esther 4:14 is the heart of the story. Why is this verse so powerful? What makes it central to both Esther’s life and
the overarching fate of the Jewish people?
Proverbs 16:33, Proverbs 21:30 and James 1:17 (see Scriptures Referenced)
all testify to God’s sovereignty and steadfastness. As you continue this theme discussion, consider the powerful
reality that God Almighty has a master plan for you and for everyone and everything around you.
After Haman’s downfall, Esther and Mordecai rejoice in the victory, but their happiness is short-lived, as Haman’s
law condemning the Jews to certain death cannot be revoked. Esther makes a final plea for the Jews’ lives, to no avail
– or so it seems. God has an answer, and the king’s decision to make Mordecai the new chamberlain is part of the
grand design.
Scene to Review: The Final Plea (01:15:00–01:18:09, Chapter 13)
• What kind of response does Esther’s plea elicit? How does the brief conversation between the king and Esther
concerning “royal decrees” help after all?
• What is the significance of Mordecai’s promotion to chamberlain? How does this newfound title prove to be a
strategic move in God’s greater plan?
• At the end of the scene, the king says that Mordecai has proven himself to be both “wise and clever.” How does
this compliment serve as a battle cry of sorts?
Read Romans 13:1 (see Scriptures Referenced).
• How does this passage relate to Esther’s obligation to follow her king’s laws? How can she submit to authority
when it seems the authority will not provide aid?
• What does the verse suggest about God’s greater wisdom to place Ahasuerus on the throne during this period
of time? Considering the larger chain of events, might it be possible that Ahasuerus is perfectly placed?
Why or why not?
As you conclude this theme discussion, take some time to read Psalm 33:10–11 and Isaiah 14:26–27
(see Scriptures Referenced). Think about Esther’s story and how she becomes a symbol of God’s amazing sovereignty.
And think about how God works in your own life, too. Whether he’s behind the scenes or remarkably evident,
he can be trusted to be in control.
GUIDING SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 16:18 (NIV):
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED
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Esther 3:5 (NIV): “When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.”
Psalm 101:5 (NIV): “Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes
and a proud heart, him will I not endure.”
Proverbs 15:33 (NLT): “Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.”
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV): “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 18:12 (NIV): “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.”
Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NIV): “To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the
sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is
meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Isaiah 10:1–3 (NIV): “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the
poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing
the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run
for help? Where will you leave your riches?”
Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT): “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the
righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.”
Romans 12:3 (NIV): “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly
than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God
has given you.”
Galatians 6:3 (NIV): “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
1 Peter 5:6 (NIV): “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
James 4:6 (NLT): “But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, ‘God
opposes the proud but favors the humble.’”
Scenes to Review
• Haman’s Decree (00:47:27–00:51:48, Chapter 8)
• Humiliation (01:07:32–01:11:07, Chapter 12)
• The Downfall (01:11:08–01:14:59, Chapter 12)
Discussion Questions
Throughout the Bible, God is clear that his favor does not rest with those who espouse spirits of arrogance or
selfishness. Rather, God exalts the humble and meek (James 4:6, see Scriptures Referenced). God is also clear about
the consequences of a spirit of pride, guaranteeing some form of downfall for its use (read Proverbs 18:12, see
Scriptures Referenced).
Haman’s life perfectly exemplifies pride’s destructive power. Toward the beginning of his time in the palace, Haman
uses his pride to advance his career and find favor with the king, superficial as it may be. As time progresses,
Haman’s pride grows stronger, deluding him into believing that he can use his anger against not only Mordecai,
but also the entire Jewish population.
Scene to Review: Haman’s Decree (00:47:27–00:51:48, Chapter 8)
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At the beginning of this scene, Haman assures his groomers that he doesn’t have time for such foolishness
(Mordecai’s behavior), but what’s the truth of the situation?
Most of the people of Susa happily bow before Haman. Why do the actions of a few people make him so angry
(Esther 3:5, see Scriptures Referenced)?
How does Haman’s decision to annihilate the Jews demonstrate his immense pride? How has his arrogance given
him a false sense of authority and entitlement?
Consider how Haman’s pride evolves (or devolves) through the course of this scene. Think, too, about how his
pride changes through the course of the movie as a whole.
Read Psalm 101:5 and Isaiah 10:1–3 (see Scriptures Referenced).
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What are your thoughts on these verses? How are they relevant to the circumstances surrounding Haman and his
desire to destroy the innocent?
Notice that the Isaiah passage comments on the perpetrator’s wealth. How does that part relate to Haman’s
materialistic preferences? What will happen to his riches?
Just as Haman’s power is nearly at its pinnacle, his pride is served a devastating blow. The king commands Haman
to publicly esteem Mordecai, an order that leads to Haman’s greatest humiliation. But, instead of exercising some
humility and putting things into perspective, Haman chooses to respond to his disgrace with passionate anger,
giving his pride free reign once again.
Scene to Review: Humiliation (01:07:32–01:11:07, Chapter 12)
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There are some truly ironic moments in this scene. Take some time to discuss the various elements of irony and
how each impacts different characters.
How does the king inadvertently play a role in causing Haman’s humiliation? Does the situation’s setup serve to
create an even greater blindside? Why or why not?
At one point, Haman utters, “The gods are surely envious of my glory to so sorely mock me.” How does his
comment epitomize his pride?
Read Proverbs 16:18 and Ecclesiastes 2:26 (see Scriptures Referenced).
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According to the Proverbs passage, “pride goes before destruction.” Even though Haman meets a grim end at a
later time, how is his humiliation a form of that destruction?
In the Ecclesiastes verse, there is a remarkable reckoning – the sinner will toil for wealth only to surrender it to
God’s chosen. How does this idea directly correlate to Haman?
How can we take to heart God’s warnings about pride? What are some practical ways to prevent pride, arrogance
and selfishness from taking root in our hearts and minds?
Unchecked pride can be costly and, in some cases, deadly. Whether it’s a spiritual death or a physical one, the
consequences of pride are a grim reminder of what happens when a person’s main pursuit is the satisfaction of the
self. With Haman, pride eventually blinds him to the realities of his circumstances, and his struggle for power ends
with a shocking twist.
Scene to Review: The Downfall (01:11:08–01:14:59, Chapter 12)
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Discuss how Haman changes in this scene in relation to his pride. Think about his behavior, attitude and words
as you evaluate his transformation.
After realizing her Jewish heritage, Haman tells Esther that he intends her no harm. What does this admission
reveal about Haman’s obsession to destroy Mordecai?
What do you think of the way that Haman collapses at Esther’s feet, begging for his life? Is this desperate attempt
to save his life a form of pride? Why or why not?
Read Habakkuk 2:4 and Galatians 6:3 (see Scriptures Referenced).
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The Habakkuk passage points out the difference between trusting in ourselves and trusting in God and his
faithfulness. Why is this an important distinction?
Why might someone like Haman – a man of great wealth, position and power – find it more appealing to trust in
his own abilities rather than in God’s?
According to the Galatians passage, pride can be a form of great deception in a person’s life. How is this idea
evident in the way that Haman views himself?
To conclude this theme discussion, read Proverbs 15:33; Romans 12:3; and 1 Peter 5:6 (see Scriptures Referenced),
and spend some time thinking about the issue of pride. Consider the difference between pride and humility,
and why the Bible recommends the latter.
GUIDING SCRIPTURE: AMOS 5:15, 24 (NIV):
“Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts…But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED
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Deuteronomy 16:20 (NIV): “Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord
your God is giving you.”
Esther 10:3 (NIV): “Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held
in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up about the
welfare of all the Jews.”
Psalm 106:3 (NIV): “Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.”
Proverbs 28:5 (NLT): “Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord
understand completely.”
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV): “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a
God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”
Isaiah 56:1 (NIV): “This is what the Lord says: ‘Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at
hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.’”
Amos 5:15, 24 (NIV): “Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts…But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Zechariah 7:9–10 (NIV): “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and
compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do
not think evil of each other.’”
Philippians 4:8 (NIV): “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Scenes to Review
• Harshness vs. Clemency (00:01:22–00:04:35, Chapter 1)
• The Edict (00:51:49–00:55:10, Chapter 9)
• Using the Law (01:20:09–01:22:23, Chapter 14)
Discussion Questions
Mordecai may be more of a supporting character to Esther’s protagonist, but his commitment to justice certainly
merits the spotlight. In the Bible, Mordecai is described as a man held in high esteem because “he worked for the
good of his people and spoke up about the welfare of all the Jews” (Esther 10:3, see Scriptures Referenced). While
his heart for justice among the Jews is a priority, Mordecai is committed to justice at every level, as evidenced by a
theft gone wrong.
Scene to Review: Harshness vs. Clemency (00:01:22–00:04:35, Chapter 1)
• How does Mordecai’s comment about the lack of clemency (or the lack of moderation or compassion in
judgment) for the thief reveal some of his perspective on justice?
• When Haman enters, Mordecai encourages Ezra to bow, preventing harm from befalling their people.
What happens in the following moments to change Mordecai’s mind?
• How is Mordecai’s refusal to bow a representation of the justice he promotes? What does this righteous refusal
mean to a man so fully committed to his people’s welfare?
Read Deuteronomy 16:20 and Proverbs 28:5 (see Scriptures Referenced).
• What do these passages have to say about justice? How might they relate to Mordecai’s commitment to a just and
righteous lifestyle?
• How does Proverbs 28:5 highlight the difference between Mordecai and Haman? How does Mordecai’s delight in
justice put Haman at a distinct disadvantage?
When Haman issues his deadly decree, the Jews certainly have reason to doubt their belief in justice. Even
Mordecai, who trusts implicitly in God’s righteousness and faithfulness, wonders how the Jews’ present
circumstance represents any ounce of justice. Yet, amidst his great pain, Mordecai rushes into God’s presence,
seeking his just hand to deliver the Jewish people.
Scene to Review: The Edict (00:51:49–00:55:10, Chapter 9)
• How are Ezra’s and Mordecai’s reactions to the edict different? What does Ezra’s response demonstrate about his
belief in justice? What about Mordecai’s response?
• Even as Mordecai receives the news of the edict, he steps in to save a girl from harassment. How does this action
further display Mordecai’s righteousness?
• After reading Haman’s decree, Mordecai enters a period of mourning and wailing. What does Mordecai’s advocacy
of the Jewish people say about his sense of justice?
Take a moment to read Isaiah 30:18 and Isaiah 56:1 (see Scriptures Referenced).
• In Isaiah 30:18, there is a connection between justice and waiting on the Lord. How is Mordecai’s time of
mourning the physical manifestation of this verse?
• Isaiah 56:1 commands, “Maintain justice and do what is right.” What are some practical ways to implement this
commandment in your life?
In an ordained turn of events, Mordecai becomes the king’s new chamberlain, and his first task is to use his newfound
power to save the Jewish people. It’s fitting, then, that a man who lives by and loves the law of the Lord should be
given power to invoke another law – the king’s.
Scene to Review: Using the Law (01:20:09–01:22:23, Chapter 14)
• When Ezra is hesitant about the new decree, Mordecai says, “This battle will keep the Jews alive.”
How is the decree part of God’s gift of righteousness to the Jews?
• Even though the new edict will mean bloodshed, how is it still an example of justice? Why is it just to give the
Jews a chance to defend themselves against attack?
Read Psalm 106:3 and Amos 5:15, 24 (see Scriptures Referenced).
• Part of Psalm 106:3 says, “Blessed are they who maintain justice.” How does this verse correlate to Mordecai and
the various characteristics he possesses?
• What are your thoughts on the Amos passage? In your opinion, what does it mean for justice to “roll on like a river”?
Realistically, what might that look like?
As you conclude this theme discussion, reflect on Mordecai’s passion for justice. Think about how his dedication to
righteousness can be an inspiration in your life. Take some time to read Micah 6:8, Zechariah 7:9–10 and
Philippians 4:8 (see Scriptures Referenced) and dwell on what God has to say about the beauty and power of justice.
Final Thoughts
• Discuss the film’s various elements of Jewish history. What are your thoughts on the Jewish people’s struggle to
find a home and their commitment to their God?
• At the end of the movie, Esther and Mordecai establish the celebration of Purim. What is the significance of this
festival? What does it represent to the Jewish people?
• What do you think of the story’s setup with Queen Vashti? Even though she plays a small role in the overall
movie, why is her part an important one?
• What is at the heart of the Jews’ arguments (01:18:10–01:20:08, Chapter 14)? What issues seem to spark the
most division between the men? What are your thoughts?
• How are the eunuchs (e.g., Hegai and Harbona) instrumental in the film’s plotline? What is their purpose in the
palace and how do they serve to enhance the story?
THE MOST EPIC STORIES OF ALL TIME!
BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING BOOK OF ALL TIME -THE BIBLE
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• 60 million Americans read the Bible every day.
• Production team includes Christian, Jewish
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• Featuring major Hollywood stars!
DVD CAT# 34137 • APPROX. 90 MINUTES
Rescuing God’s people from destruction, Esther is a symbol of hope,
the virtue that gives men and women strength in the darkest moments,
and which, for the Bible, is founded on God’s promise.
Starring F. Murray Abraham, Louise Lombard (“CSI”),
Thomas Kretschmann (Valkyrie) and Jürgen Prochnow.
Approximately 90 minutes.
This and other scripture-based study guides available at
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© 1998 LUBE S.r.l. All Rights Reserved.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Study Guide written by Mary Lasse.