The story begins with the lavish banquets held by King Xerxes, where he displays his wealth and power. During one of these celebrations, the king calls for his queen, Vashti, to appear before his guests. However, she refuses, leading to her deposition. This sets the stage for
In the biblical book named after her, Esther is a young Jewish woman living in the Persian diaspora who finds favor with the king, becomes queen, and risks her life to save the Jewish people from destruction when the court official Haman persuades the king to authorize a pogrom against all the Jews of the empire.
The story of Esther is a fascinating tale of courage, faith, and divine intervention. Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia and saved her people from genocide. The story is told in the Book of Esther, which is one of only two books in the Bible named after women.
Esther was born Hadassah and raised by her cousin Mordecai, a prominent Jew in Persia. When King Xerxes of Persia was looking for a new queen, Esther was chosen for her beauty and charm. However, Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret.
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The Story Of Esther In The Bible
The sovereign rule of God. The primary theme of Esther that is universally applicable to global Christians is the sovereign rule of God, even amid seemingly insignificant events.
The story of Esther takes a dramatic turn when Haman, the king’s advisor, plots to kill all the Jews in the kingdom. Mordecai learns of the plot and urges Esther to reveal her identity to the king and plead for her people’s deliverance. Esther is hesitant at first, but she eventually agrees to help. She risks her life by approaching the king without being summoned, but he is pleased to see her and grants her request.
Esther’s bravery and faith are evident throughout the story. She is willing to risk her life to save her people, and she trusts in God’s plan for her life. The story of Esther is a reminder that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Esther was just the adopted daughter of a cousin living in a foreign land. Other than her beauty, she was not unique in any way. But God chose her to be queen and to save her people.
The story of Esther is also a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right. Esther could have remained silent and safe, but she chose to speak out and risk everything to save her people. Her courage and faith are an inspiration to us all.
The Book of Esther is unique in that it does not mention God by name, but His presence is evident throughout the story. The story of Esther is a reminder that God is always with us, even when we cannot see Him. He is working behind the scenes to bring about His plan for our lives.
Simple Story of Esther
This is a summary of the Biblical account of Queen Esther. The story of Esther begins with a grand banquet at the palace of King Ahasuerus, also referred to as King Xerxes. The king had become drunk on wine and commanded that his wife, Queen Vashti come out before everyone to show how beautiful she was. Queen Vashti refused to be paraded before everyone. King Xerxes was so angry at her disrespect and disregard for his request that he divorced her. The king called for a nationwide beauty pageant to be held to find a new attractive queen.
A Jewish woman named Esther was taken with other young women to a citadel. Esther’s cousin Mordecai had taken Esther in and raised her as his own after Esther’s parents had died. A man named Hegai was put in charge of preparing the women for meeting the king. Esther’s beauty won her Hegai’s favor, and she was given special attention. Esther was careful, however, not to tell anyone her nationality, as Mordecai had warned her not to.
When it was Esther’s turn to go before the king, he immediately found her the most attractive and beautiful of all women and placed the royal crown on her head. King Ahasuerus held a great banquet for his new queen, Esther. Esther continued to hide her Jewish background, as Mordecai had instructed her to do, because he knew it would be dangerous for her if anyone found out she was a Jew.
One night, when Mordecai was sitting by the king’s gate, he overheard two guards named Bigthana and Teresh conspiring to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai told Queen Esther of the plan, and Esther told the king, giving credit to Mordecai for overhearing the plan. The two guards were hanged.
Mordecai then refused to bow down to Haman, the highest of all nobles. When Haman found out about this and that Mordecai was a Jew, he became enraged with anger and wanted to kill not only Mordecai but all of the Jewish nation. Haman convinced King Xerxes to kill all Jews, as they stood in opposition to the king’s rule. King Ahasuerus agreed and set a date for all Jews to be killed.
Mordecai told Esther about the king’s edict to kill all the Jewish people. Esther feared for her life and tried to avoid his request to do something. Mordecai again pleaded with Queen Esther to do something to save the people. Esther responded by instructing all Jews to join her in fasting for three days and three nights, then she would approach the king with her request.
Esther went to King Xerxes after three days of fasting, and the king asked her what her request was. Queen Ester asked that the king and Haman join her at a banquet the next day. The king said yes and asked Esther to let her request be known at the banquet. Haman was still so enraged with Mordecai that he went to set up a pole to impale Mordecai the morning before the banquet.
The king could not sleep that night and began to read the book that contained all that had happened during his reign. The king read and was reminded of how Mordecai exposed the plot to assassinate the king. The king wanted to reward Mordecai for his good deed and he called Haman in to ask what should be done for a man who the king delights in. Haman thought the king was talking about himself and responding by saying extravagant gifts and honor. Haman was even more enraged when the king told him it was for Mordecai!
The next day was the banquet Queen Esther had called for. The king again asked Esther what her request was so he could grant her what she wanted. Esther boldly asked that she and her people be spared and that Haman had plotted to kill all Jews for money. The king was filled with anger against Haman and had him hanged on the very pole that Haman had set up for Mordecai.
Characteristics of Esther In The Bible
Faithful
When it comes to faithfulness, Esther’s spiritual growth is a powerhouse of an example. She risked her life in order to save her people, the Jews, from destruction at the hands of Haman (Esther 7:6).
Her faithfulness also led her into a position of influence and power as Queen of Persia.
In Esther’s story, we see that faithfulness leads to blessing, both for oneself and for others.
When we are faithful, even in the face of danger or adversity, God can use us in powerful ways to make a difference in the world (Esther 8).
We, like Esther, can be a force for good when we remain faithful to God’s call on our lives.
Courageous
Esther’s a woman of great courage who risked her life for the Jewish people.
In her youth, she was taken captive and forced to live in the Persian palace of King Xerxes, or King Ahasuerus. As a beautiful young woman, she soon caught the eye of the king.
However, she did not reveal that she was Jewish.
Faced with the prospect of certain death, she risked everything to save her people from annihilation.
Humble
Even though Esther became queen, she used her position to bless her people and country.
She remained humble and down-to-earth, always putting the needs of others before her own and recognizing her dependence on the Lord.
In a world that often values power and prestige above all else, Esther’s humility is refreshing and inspiring.
When we are humble, we can more easily see the needs of those around us and be better equipped to serve them.
A Proverbs 31 woman is a woman who is characterized by diligence, strength, and beauty. She is a woman who fears the Lord and is praised by her husband and children. Let’s dive into the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman and how you can become one today.
Like Esther, we can choose to use our influence for good when we remain humble before God and others.
These are just a few of the many characteristics of Queen Esther in the Bible. Her story is one of courage, faithfulness, and humility.
Knowledgeable
Queen Esther was not only beautiful but also intelligent and well-educated.
She was able to navigate the complex political landscape of her day with wisdom and tact.
When she went before the king to plead for her people, she did so with intelligence and eloquence.
Her words, after providing banquets and recognition to him, softened his heart and persuaded the king to spare the lives of the Jews.
Esther’s story reminds us that it is important to seek knowledge and understanding, especially when we are called to fulfill leadership roles.
With knowledge comes power, and we can use our influence for good when we are well-informed about the issues facing our world today.
Selfless
Queen Esther’s love for her people was evident in everything she did.
She was willing to risk her life in order to save them from destruction. She instructed her cousin Mordecai to have the people fast for three days and three nights (Esther 4:16), while she and her maidens did the same.
Her selfless acts led to the salvation of the Jewish people from certain death.
She cared more about her people’s lives than about herself, her lifestyle of comfort and prestige.
Obedient
Queen Esther was obedient to God, even when it meant going against the king’s wishes.
She could have remained silent and enjoyed a life of luxury and ease, but she chose instead to speak up and save her people.
Her obedience led to great blessings for herself and for her people.
When we are obedient to God’s call on our lives, we can be used in powerful ways to make a difference in the world around us.
Like Queen Esther, we too can choose to obey God, even when it is difficult or risky. Doing so will always be worth it in the end.
Compassionate
Queen Esther was a woman of great compassion.
Throughout her life, she demonstrates a deep concern for her people, the Israelites.
When she learns of the plot to exterminate them, she takes decisive action to save them.
Even though it puts her in grave danger, she goes to the king and pleads for their lives.
When we are compassionate, we can see beyond our own needs and desires and show kindness and mercy to those around us.
Like Queen Esther, we can choose to be agents of change in our world by showing compassion to those who need it most
Patient
Queen Esther was a woman of great patience.
She was patient in waiting on the Lord and for his guidance to know how to help her people.
Even when it seemed like all hope was lost, she persevered and remained faithful.
Her patience paid off in the end, and she was able to deliver her people from destruction.
When we are patient, we can trust that God is working for us, even when we feel like we can’t see Him.
We can have faith that He will bring about His perfect plan in His perfect timing.
Like Queen Esther, we too can wait patiently for God to work in our lives and in the world around us.
Unity
Queen Esther was a woman of great unity.
She brought the people of Israel together to fast and pray for deliverance from their enemies.
She also stood united with her cousin, Mordecai.
Because of their unity, they were able to save the lives of their people.
When we are united with others, including God, we can accomplish great things.
Like Queen Esther, we can choose to stand together with those around us to make a difference in our world.
In doing so, we can experience the power that comes from working together for a common cause.
Spiritually Prepared
Queen Esther was a spiritually prepared woman.
She had been raised in the ways of her people and had a deep faith in God.
This faith gave her the strength she needed to face the challenges that came her way.
Story of Esther In The Bible Verse
Esther 4:16 ESV / 28 helpful votes
“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther 4:14 ESV / 28 helpful votes
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 8:1-17 ESV / 23 helpful votes
On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. …
Esther 2:17 ESV / 22 helpful votes
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV / 18 helpful votes
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Esther 5:1-14 ESV / 14 helpful votes
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. …
Esther 2:7 ESV / 13 helpful votes
He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
Esther 9:1-32 ESV / 9 helpful votes
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them. The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples. All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful. The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. …
Proverbs 31:25-26 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Esther 4:13 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews.
Esther 4:1-17 ESV / 7 helpful votes
When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. He went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth. And in every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes. When Esther’s young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. …
Esther 1:1-22 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. …
Esther 6:1-14 ESV / 6 helpful votes
On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king’s young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him. And the king’s young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” …
Esther 2:10 ESV / 6 helpful votes
Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.
Esther 4:5-8 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate, and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people.
Esther 2:22 ESV / 5 helpful votes
And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai.
Esther 2:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes
When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.
Joshua 1:9 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 3:1-4 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Esther 6:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes
So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”
Esther 4:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And in every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.
Esther 2:15-18 ESV / 4 helpful votes
When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. And when 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 women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.
Colossians 3:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Philippians 4:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Romans 10:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Romans 5:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Acts 4:7 ESV / 3 helpful votes
And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”
Acts 1:1-26 ESV / 3 helpful votes
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” …
Proverbs 31:29-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes
She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
Proverbs 31:10-12 ESV / 3 helpful votes
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
James 1:1-27 ESV / 2 helpful votes
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. …
Colossians 1:1-29 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, …
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Esther is a powerful reminder of the importance of courage, faith, and standing up for what is right. Esther’s bravery and faith are an inspiration to us all, and her story continues to inspire people today. The story of Esther is a testament to God’s sovereignty and loving care for His people. It is a story that reminds us that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
