We know that Northview people love to be in God’s Word and often ask for direction on different devotional apps and reading plans.

While there are several good options available through various sources, we’d like to encourage you to join in our Northview Devotional Plan which will guide you to read and reflect on the passages preached in our weekend sermons!

We hope this will unite our congregation around the study of God’s Word, and help us to more readily absorb and apply the great teaching provided by our preaching pastors.

Each week we’ll be providing a suggested schedule for working through a passage slowly (15 minutes a day). You’ll need a Bible and a notebook or blank paper to record your observations.

Each day we include a reminder to pray. If you are new to the Adoration / Confession / Supplication method, here are some questions to help guide you as you pray:

  • Adoration: What can you praise God for today?
  • Confession: What thoughts / attitudes / actions might you need to confess to God today?
  • Supplication: What will you ask God for today?

WEEKLY READING PLAN :: ESTHER 8:1-17

Esther Devotional Printable PDF

REVERSAL OF POSITION: Read Esther 8:1-6

In chapter 7 we finally saw the downfall of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, and now we will see how God will save His people from Haman’s evil decree.
  • What happened to Haman’s estate and position?
  • Though Esther and Mordecai have been spared, what problem still remains?
  • What do you notice about Esther’s plea to the king for her people? What is different this time (compare to 7:3-4) and why do you think that is? What do you notice about how she identifies with her people?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication

REVERSAL OF THE DECREE: Read Esther 8:5-10

How does the king reply to Esther’s request? What is their solution to the problem?
Look at Esther 3:12, the writing of Haman’s edict, and compare it to Esther 8:9-10. What are the similarities and what are the differences in these verses?
  • How much time had passed between the two decrees?
  • Who wrote the two decrees?
  • Why do you think the author used much of the same wording in these verses?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication

REVERSAL OF REVENGE: Read Esther 8:11-15

Since no edict of the king can be revoked (8:8), how did Mordecai and Esther manage to save the Jews from Haman’s evil plan?
What do you notice about the similarities and differences between the two decrees including why they were written and who is involved? (Haman’s decree is found in 3:12-14.)
  • Note verses 8:11 and 13. What does Mordecai give the Jews the right to do and to whom? How does this differ from Haman’s decree?
It may be difficult for us to understand how God could sovereignly save the Jews in Persia by using Mordecai’s decree, which allowed them to take vengeance on their enemies and kill them. We must remember that narrative Scripture is descriptive (describing what happened) and not prescriptive (instructing us what to do). When we are unsure about something, it is good to look at what God has to say about it elsewhere.
  • Look up the following references. What do they teach us regarding God’s view of vengeance and revenge:
    • Deuteronomy 32:35-36
    • Romans 12:18-21
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication

REVERSAL OF DISTRESS: Read Esther 8:11-17

What was the response of the Jews to this new decree? How does it contrast to their response in Esther 4:3?
Read Psalm 30. This Psalm was written by King David hundreds of years before these events, but how does it show that God continues to remain the same through the ages?
  • How have the Jews in Persia experienced the truth of this Psalm?
Reflect: We have likely all experienced moments when we felt God was hiding His face from us and we were in great mourning. How do you respond to God in moments of trial and deep distress? What about when those situations are turned around?
  • Spend some time meditating on Psalm 30 in prayer and thanksgiving.
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication

REVERSAL OF FORTUNES: Read Esther 8:1-17

In this chapter we have seen how Mordecai has risen to great prominence; after receiving great honour in Esther 6:6-11, this honour is now actualized.
  • What details are described that illustrate his new power?
    • What is Mordecai’s role? What does he do? What does he wear? How does the city react to him?
  • Think back through the story about all that you have learned about Mordecai and what has happened to him. What can you learn from his example and character and faith?
  • In what ways has the Hidden God made Himself apparent in the life of Mordecai and to the rest of the Jews of Persia?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication