The Bible Story of Esther

Introduction

The story of Esther is set in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes I (Ahasuerus). It is a tale of bravery, faith, and the triumph of good over evil, centered around a young Jewish woman who becomes queen and saves her people from genocide.

The Banquet and Vashti's Disobedience

King Xerxes held a grand feast for all his nobles and officials, displaying his vast wealth and splendor. On the seventh day of the feast, the king, in high spirits from wine, commanded his queen, Vashti, to appear before the guests to display her beauty. However, Queen Vashti refused to come, which angered the king. As a result, Vashti was deposed, and a decree was sent out to find a new queen.

Esther Becomes Queen

A search was conducted throughout the empire to find the most beautiful young women. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, was taken to the king’s palace along with many other candidates. Esther won favor in the eyes of Hegai, the keeper of the women, and eventually, King Xerxes chose her as the new queen. Mordecai advised Esther not to reveal her Jewish heritage.

Mordecai and Haman

Mordecai, who worked at the king's gate, discovered a plot to assassinate the king. He informed Esther, who then told the king, giving credit to Mordecai. The conspirators were caught and executed, and Mordecai’s name was recorded in the king’s chronicles.

Meanwhile, Haman, a high-ranking official, was promoted above all other nobles. All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, but Mordecai refused to bow. Enraged, Haman sought not only to punish Mordecai but to destroy all Jews throughout the empire. He convinced King Xerxes to issue a decree ordering the annihilation of all Jews on a single day, the 13th of Adar.

Esther's Courage

Mordecai urged Esther to go to the king and plead for her people. Although approaching the king without being summoned could result in death, Esther decided to risk her life. She asked Mordecai and the Jewish community to fast and pray for three days.

On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace. When the king saw her, he was pleased and extended his golden scepter, allowing her to approach. Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet she had prepared.

The First Banquet

At the banquet, the king asked Esther what her request was, promising to grant it up to half his kingdom. Esther invited the king and Haman to another banquet the following day, where she would make her petition known.

Haman's Downfall

That night, the king couldn’t sleep and ordered the chronicles to be read to him. He was reminded of Mordecai’s act of saving his life and asked how Mordecai had been honored. Learning that nothing had been done, the king decided to rectify this.

The next morning, Haman came to the king to request Mordecai’s execution, but before he could speak, the king asked Haman how to honor a man the king delighted in. Haman, thinking the king meant to honor him, suggested royal robes, a horse, and a public parade. The king commanded Haman to do so for Mordecai.

The Second Banquet

At the second banquet, King Xerxes again asked Esther about her request. Esther revealed her Jewish identity and exposed Haman’s plot to annihilate her people. The king, furious, ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

The Jews' Salvation

Although Haman was dead, the decree to annihilate the Jews was still in effect. Esther and Mordecai approached the king to issue a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. The king agreed, and on the 13th of Adar, the Jews successfully defended themselves against their enemies.

The Feast of Purim

To celebrate their deliverance, the Jews established the Feast of Purim. Mordecai was promoted to a high position in the kingdom, and the Jewish community prospered.

Conclusion

The story of Esther highlights the themes of courage, faith, and divine providence. It teaches that standing up for what is right, even at great personal risk, can lead to the triumph of good over evil.