1. Select from these and earlier chapters the outstanding features of Mordecai’s character.
   What was the source of his moral strength?
2. Notice here the severity of the judgment on the wicked. Are we in danger of underestimating this part of ‘the whole will of God’ (Acts 20:27)?
   Cf. Heb. 10:30, 31; 1 Pet. 4:17, 18; Rev. 20:12-15.
3. Why was the Feast of Purim instituted?
   See 9:22; cf. Exod. 12:14-17. Do we ever encourage and challenge ourselves by remembering God’s mercies to us?
   Cf. Deut. 8:2; 1 Cor. 11:24-26.

Note. 9:26. ‘Purim…Pur’: these words are derived from the Assyrian Puru, meaning a small stone that was used to cast lots. See 3:7; 9:24