Sermon Illustrations

Knowing the king’s strong sensual appetite, the counselors suggested that he assemble a new harem composed of the most beautiful young virgins in the empire. This was not a “beauty contest” where the winners were rewarded by having a chance for the throne. These young women were conscripted against their will and made a part of the royal harem. Every night, the king had a new partner, and the next morning, she joined the rest of the concubines.

The one that pleased the king the most would become his new queen. It sounds like something out of The Arabian Nights, except that, in those tales, Emperor Shahriar married a new wife each day and had her slain the next morning. That way he could be sure she wouldn’t be unfaithful to him.

- Warren Wiersbe, Ruth and Esther

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • The Rock

    Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 6,893 views

    The Rock A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his ...read more

  • In The Book The God Chasers, Tommy Tenney ...

    Contributed by Chip Monck on Feb 15, 2005
    based on 2 ratings
     | 6,501 views

    In the book The God Chasers, Tommy Tenney writes, "I don’t know about you, but I am tired of just being ‘another somebody’ to the lost around me. I have made a decision. I made up my mind and set my heart to declare, ‘I am going to pursue the presence of God in my life. I am going to get so close ...read more

  • It Is In The Hours Of Loneliness That God Does ...

    Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 4,524 views

    It is in the hours of loneliness that God does some of His greatest works. It was in the lonely dejection of Elijah that he heard God’s voice. It was in the wearying lonely path of faith that God came again to Abraham. It was in the lonely hours following failure that Peter found God. It ...read more

  • She Says, He Says  PRO

    Contributed by John Shearhart on Jan 3, 2007
    based on 2 ratings
     | 2,414 views

    When she says: “It’s your decision.” She really means, “The correct decision should be obvious by now.” “Do what you want.” She really means, “You’ll pay for this later.” “I’ll be ready in a minute. She really means, “Kick off your shoes and find a good game on TV.” “You have to learn to ...read more

  • Unfortunately, Some People Assume They Must Get ...  PRO

    Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Jan 16, 2007
    based on 10 ratings
     | 2,310 views

    Unfortunately, some people assume they must get all their Bible teaching from some kind of religious “expert.” The idea is that Joe Average is bound to get it wrong if he tries to understand the Bible for himself, so he needs an expert to interpret it for him. Which reminds me of a story I ...read more

Related Sermons