Esther was a Jewish woman who lived in Persia during the time of the Babylonian Empire. She married King Ahasuerus, the king of Persia, who later became known as Xerxes I. He had her cousin Mardoqueu executed for making a prophecy about an impending attack on Persia by Greece. Esther risked her life to save him and saved the Jewish community from being destroyed by Haman, who was an enemy of the Jews.
Not much is revealed about her character, but she is described as beautiful (2:7) and obedient (2:10), and she appears to be pliant and cooperative. She quickly wins the favor of the chief eunuch, Hegai, and, when her turn comes to spend the night with the king, Ahasuerus falls in love with her and makes her his queen.
As we delve into the remarkable story of Esther, we unearth a treasure trove of characteristics that define her indomitable spirit. Her humility, obedience, faith, determination, and resilience serve as a source of inspiration for believers throughout the ages. Through her example, we are encouraged to embrace these characteristics in our own lives, seeking God’s guidance and courageously confronting the challenges that come our way.
Characteristics of Esther in the Bible
1. Courageous
Esther displayed immense courage when she risked her life to approach King Xerxes without being summoned. She knew the consequences of her actions but believed it was necessary to save her people.
Risking your life for others requires courage – a lot of it. Thankfully, Esther seemed to be in no short supply.
Plus, if you think about it, she lived in a very dangerous time. Merely saying the wrong thing or annoying the king could land you in prison, or worse. She was also a foreigner in a land that treats foreigners with disdain.
Yet, despite all that, she managed to become queen. And for years, she slept with the man who could potentially send her to the gallows if he learned of her true identity. Pulling off something like that definitely takes a lot of guts.
2. Resourceful
Esther made use of the resources available to her, including her beauty and intelligence, to influence the king’s decision in favor of the Jewish people. She also strategically planned her approach to the king, ensuring the success of her mission.
3. Wise
Esther demonstrated wisdom in her interactions with others, especially in the way she navigated the complex political landscape of the Persian court. She was able to gain the trust of those around her and make decisions that benefited her people.
In a world dominated by men, Esther’s wisdom and wit saved her and, ultimately, her people.
As you know, palace life at that time is full of intrigues and conspiracies. Women also had very few rights and their only chance of surviving or ever having power is by using their wits and charms.
The fact that Esther was able to navigate the complicated politics of the palace and even got the king to kill his grand vizier shows her wisdom and intelligence. She knows how to use whatever little right she had to her own advantage.
4. Selfless
Despite being in a position of power and privilege as queen, Esther showed selflessness by putting the needs of her people above her own safety and comfort. She was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of others.
5. Humble
Esther remained humble throughout her time in the palace, never letting her high status affect her interactions with others. She respected those in authority and remained grateful for the blessings in her life.
Even though she was already the queen, Esther remained humble. She never indulged in excesses and even fasted with her people.
Besides, she had always been described as a beautiful woman. But as we’ve seen in the Bible, her status and praises about her beauty never went to her head. She still listened to her uncle who had raised her and never forgot her roots.
6. Faithful
Esther’s faith in God was evident in her actions and decisions. She trusted in God’s plan for her life and believed that he would guide her in her efforts to save her people from destruction.
Illustration
| Trait | Illustration |
|---|---|
| Courageous | Approaching the king without being summoned |
| Resourceful | Using her beauty and intelligence to influence the king |
| Wise | Navigating the political landscape of the Persian court |
| Selfless | Sacrificing her own happiness for her people |
| Humble | Remaining respectful and grateful despite her status |
| Faithful | Trusting in God’s plan for her life |
What are the bad characteristics of Esther in the Bible?
Esther, as a biblical character, displays several positive qualities, but she is not exempt from flaws. In the book of Esther, her initial hesitation to approach King Xerxes when Mordecai asks her to intercede for the Jews can be seen as one of her weaknesses. Esther initially fears for her own safety and questions her abilities to influence the king’s decision. However, through prayer and gaining courage, she eventually overcomes this setback and fulfills her role as the savior of her people.
What are the leadership qualities of Esther in the Bible?
Esther exhibits remarkable leadership qualities throughout the biblical narrative. One of her notable characteristics is her ability to remain calm and composed amidst challenging situations. When Haman plots to annihilate the Jews, Esther takes charge and organizes a three-day fast among her people, showing her leadership skills in mobilizing and uniting them. Furthermore, Esther’s strategic thinking is evident when she plans a banquet for King Xerxes and Haman, skillfully using the opportunity to reveal Haman’s evil intentions. Her ability to navigate complex political dynamics showcases her leadership abilities.
What are the 10 characteristics of Esther in the Bible?
1. Beauty: Esther’s attractiveness is emphasized in the Bible, and her physical appearance plays a significant role in her story.
2. Courage: Despite her initial fear, Esther summons the courage to approach the king, risking her own life for the sake of her people.
3. Faithfulness: Esther remains faithful to both her people and her faith, trusting that God will guide her actions.
4. Humility: Esther humbly seeks advice from Mordecai and listens to his counsel.
5. Perseverance: Esther does not give up when faced with obstacles and continues to strive for the well-being of her people.
6. Intelligence: Esther demonstrates her intelligence by strategically planning her actions and effectively using her influence.
7. Discernment: Esther displays discernment by accurately recognizing the evil intentions of Haman.
8. Wisdom: Esther employs wisdom in her decisions, seeking the right time and manner to approach the king.
9. Empathy: Esther deeply cares for her people, empathizing with their suffering and taking action to save them.
10. Patience: Despite the urgent need to act, Esther patiently waits for the right moment before revealing Haman’s plot, ensuring a successful outcome.
What made Esther so special?
Esther’s unique circumstances and qualities make her a special biblical character. Her exceptional beauty, courage, and intelligence set her apart. Moreover, Esther’s crucial role in saving the Jewish people from genocide, as recorded in the book of Esther, establishes her as a significant figure in Jewish history. Her story serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the power of an individual, particularly a woman, to bring about positive change.
Who are the other characters in the book of Esther?
The book of Esther features several significant characters. Besides Esther herself, there is:
– King Xerxes: The Persian king who ruled over the empire during Esther’s time.
– Mordecai: Esther’s cousin who raised her as his own daughter and played a crucial role in advising her.
– Haman: The antagonist in the story, an official who plotted to kill the Jews.
– Vashti: King Xerxes’ first wife, who is banished for her refusal to appear before the king at his request.
– Hegai: The eunuch responsible for the preparation and care of the virgins in the king’s harem.
What is the main message of the book of Esther?
The book of Esther primarily highlights God’s providence and how He works through the lives of ordinary individuals to fulfill His plans. Even though the name of God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, His hidden presence is evident throughout the narrative. The story emphasizes the importance of being courageous, standing up for what is right, and trusting in God’s guidance even in challenging circumstances. It also serves as a reminder that God can use unexpected situations and individuals to bring about deliverance and salvation.
What are Esther’s strengths and weaknesses?
Esther possesses numerous strengths that contribute to her role as a key figure in the biblical narrative. Some of her strengths include her beauty, courage, intelligence, and ability to lead. However, like any human, Esther is not without weaknesses. Her initial hesitation and fears, as well as her dependence on Mordecai’s guidance, can be considered as weaknesses. Nevertheless, Esther’s transformation from a humble orphan to a heroic queen exemplifies her growth, learning, and ultimate triumph.
In conclusion, delving into the remarkable life of Esther has provided us with a glimpse into a woman who defied all odds, shattering conventions and surpassing expectations. From her humble beginnings as a Jewish orphan to her crowning as queen of Persia, Esther’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and unwavering faith.
Esther’s unwavering loyalty towards her people and her audacious decision to risk it all, reveals her incredible bravery and strength of character. Her willingness to embrace the unknown, stepping into the treacherous corridors of power, showcases her exceptional courage and wisdom. With every step she took in her clandestine mission to save her people, Esther exemplified astonishing astuteness and discernment.
Her indomitable spirit, combined with her inherent beauty, reminded those around her of the transformative power of femininity. It was through her ability to charm even the most sceptical hearts that she swayed kings and saved a nation. Esther demonstrated that true strength does not always lie in the wielding of a sword, but can also be found in the gentleness of a smile and the conviction of a whispered plea.
However, beyond her captivating beauty and political prowess, Esther remained rooted in her faith. She sought guidance from the Almighty, relying on prayer and fasting to guide her every move. Her unwavering trust in God serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with faith, even the most insurmountable obstacles can be overcome.
As we close this chapter on Esther in the Bible, the characteristics that define her continue to resonate with us. Her determination, selflessness, and steadfast devotion to her people have left an indelible mark on history. Esther’s story is not merely one of admiration, but a call to action for each of us to embrace our own courage and use our unique gifts to make a difference in the world around us.
In the grand tapestry of biblical heroines, Esther stands tall as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her story reminds us that within the pages of history, we find the stirring tales of ordinary individuals who, through their extraordinary deeds, shape the course of nations. It is our privilege and responsibility to learn from Esther’s extraordinary life and continue to draw strength from her legacy as we navigate our own journeys. Let her unwavering courage and unwavering faith guide us as we seek to face the challenges that lie ahead, making our mark on this world for generations to come.
Esther characteristics list
What are the qualities of Queen Esther?
- You are beautiful. Esther was chosen by the king to be his queen because she was beautiful both inside and out.
- You are faithful. Esther was a faithful woman who loved God and loved others.
- You are humble. Esther had to go through a year of beauty treatments before being crowned queen, and she did it with humility and grace. She didn’t try to use her beauty or position for selfish reasons, but only for good when it was needed of her.
- You are strong. There were many times in her life that she had to make hard decisions and do difficult things, despite knowing that there was risk involved for her. Even when she knew that this might cost her life, she continued to trust in God’s plan for her life and followed through with His calling on her life at great personal risk because He is worthy of our obedience even when we don’t understand why He asks us to do things (Deuteronomy 6:5). She was courageous rather than cowardly, which is something you should strive for as well in your everyday life (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 1:7).
- You are wise (Proverbs 14:1). Like Solomon before her, you have a reputation as a wise person who can be trusted with making important decisions (2 Samuel 14:20).
- You have integrity in every situation (Proverbs 20:7; Matthew 5:8; James 1:12). Your choices reflect your faithfulness toward God and your desire to honor Him at all costs—even if it means giving up your own desires or comfort levels.”
character analysis of queen Esther
Esther was a beautiful young woman. She was so beautiful that she was chosen to be queen. This is evidenced by the following two scriptures: “Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. The king loved Esther more than all the other women and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins” (Esther 2:16-17).
“Then Queen Esther replied, ‘If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation'” (Esther 7:3).
Queen Esther story summary
Queen Esther Quick Facts
Esther 1:1-2:23
- Main Characters: Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus, Mordecai the Jew, Haman the Agagite
- Summary of the Book of Esther in One Sentence: The story of how God used Esther to help save His people.
When was the Book of Esther written?
Esther is a historical book, named for its central character, a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. She was born Hadassah but was renamed Esther by her cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:7). The Jews’ enemies had sought to wipe them out (Esther 3:6), and it looked as if their end had come in the form of Haman’s edict that they be destroyed (4:7–8). But at just the right time—while “the king could not sleep” (6:1)—God gave salvation through an unlikely heroine who fulfilled her destiny by saving her nation.
Positive qualities of Queen Esther
Esther was a beautiful, smart and strong young woman. She led her people through a time of great trouble after King Ahasuerus (Ahasuerus means “one who loves valor”) ordered that all Jews be killed in his kingdom. Esther is described as “very beautiful” and Ahasuerus made her queen help him keep control over the Jewish people. Esther was able to use her beauty, smarts, and strength to gain favor with the king, who gave her a powerful position at court. She became known as “loyal,” “good listener,” “kind,” which is what she gave back when she asked for a law to allow God’s people to pray freely again in their own homes.
negative traits of Esther
- Esther Was Able to Keep Her Judaism a Secret
- She Was Brave Enough to Approach the King without Being Summoned
- She Is Remembered as a Jewish Heroine and Role Model
- She Became an Important Historical Figure and One of the Few Women Mentioned in the Bible
what type of person is Queen Esther
- What kind of person was Queen Esther?
The biblical story of Queen Esther, who risked her life to save the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of an evil ruler, is a classic one. And it’s likely you know all about this beloved heroine and her heroic deeds. But have you ever stopped to consider what type of person she was? After all, she did something very brave by going before the king to beg for mercy on behalf of her people. So what kind of person does something like that? What makes someone so brave, so courageous that they are willing to risk their lives for others?
One thing we know about Esther is that she had a heart for others. The Bible tells us that compassion drove her actions. She was loyal and compassionate toward family, friends and a whole nation! As you might imagine, that made her a great leader as well.
how did Esther die
The death of Esther is not found in the book of Esther. There are several verses that speak of the reign of Artaxerxes, and one verse specifically mentions that it was during his reign that Mordecai died (Esther 10:3). The death of Esther is not mentioned in the book, but it can be inferred from a few facts found within its pages.
Esther was taken to King Xerxes when she was about 14. She lived in his harem for 12 years (Esther 2:16). She would have been married to Xerxes around age 20 and remained married to him until his death at age 62. Thus, she likely died in her early 70s during the reign of Artaxerxes I. If this is true, then Vashti—who had been replaced by Esther as queen—had already died as well.
How Did Queen Esther Make Her Father Happy
The best way to make your father happy is by being a good daughter. Esther obeyed her father and did what he told her, so he was happy with her. She listened to him, even when it seemed like she shouldn’t. Because Esther was a good daughter and followed Mordecai’s instructions to the letter, she was able to get into the palace and become queen, which meant that all of Israel would be saved from genocide at the hands of Haman. If Esther had not been such a good daughter and listened to her father, then she might have said something in front of King Ahasuerus that caused him to punish her for disrespecting his authority. Her decision as queen to do exactly what Mordecai instructed caused King Ahasuerus to see Mordecai as wise and therefore respect him, and also made it possible for the Jews in Susa (and indeed all over the Persian Empire) to avoid being executed by Haman’s decree.
Esther in the bible
Esther is one of the most popular Biblical characters and has been featured in many novels, movies, and television shows. She was the Queen of Persia, and she was known for her beauty (Esther 2:7). Esther was a courageous woman who saved her people from destruction by exposing Haman’s evil plot to kill all Jews in the Persian Empire (Esther 3:6). Her courage not only saved her own people but also gave her husband Mordecai a chance to take revenge on those who tried to destroy them (Esther 4:14-15). She also showed kindness to orphans by adopting them as their own children (Esther 4:16).
She lived around 600 BC during King Xerxes’ reign. After Xerxes divorced his wife Vashti because she refused his orders to come before him while wearing only an elegant crown, he held a second beauty pageant where young women were chosen from throughout his empire so that he could pick another queen. One such contestant was Esther. Although she had Jewish origins, Esther kept this fact hidden so no one would know that she was persecuted under King Ahasuerus’ rule against any Jews living outside Israel at the time (Esther 2:10-13).