Esther

The book of Esther, written by an unknown author, to the Jews that were living under the rule of Gentiles in Susa (capital of the Persian Empire) around 1390 BC, narrates the story of a Jewish orphan named Esther. Ester becomes the queen of Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. Haman, the king's advisor, created a plan to annihilate the Jewish people. Esther, guided by her cousin Mordecai, courageously risks her life by revealing her Jewish identity to the king and pleading for the salvation of her people. Haman's wicked plan is thwarted, and the Jewish people are delivered from destruction.

Queen Vashti Deposed - Chapter 1

During the time of Xerxes, who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush, the king hosted an extravagant banquet for his nobles and officials in the citadel of Susa. Displaying his wealth and majesty for 180 days, he followed with a seven-day banquet in the palace garden. Queen Vashti held a simultaneous banquet for women. On the seventh day, King Xerxes ordered Queen Vashti to appear, but she refused, leading to the king's fury. Consulting his nobles, Memukan suggested banning Vashti from the king's presence, and the king, pleased with the advice, issued a decree establishing male authority in households throughout the kingdom.

Esther Made Queen - Chapter 2

After King Xerxes' anger over Queen Vashti subsided, his attendants suggested a search for beautiful young virgins to find a new queen. Commissioners were appointed, and Mordecai's cousin, Esther, was among the chosen women. Esther pleased Hegai, the eunuch in charge, and won his favor. Esther underwent beauty treatments for twelve months before her audience with the king. Esther's grace and beauty captivated the king, who crowned her as queen. Xerxes celebrated Esther's ascension with a grand banquet, proclaiming a holiday and distributing gifts throughout the provinces.

Mordecai Uncovers A Conspiracy

While the virgins were assembled, Mordecai, who sat at the king's gate, uncovered a plot by two officers to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai informed Queen Esther, who reported it to the king. The plot was verified, and the conspirators were impaled, with the events recorded in the annals.

Esther's Request To The King - Chapter 5

On the third day, Esther stood in the palace's inner court. Seeing her, the king extended his golden scepter, signifying his approval to approach him. The king invited Esther to make any request, promising half his kingdom. Esther asked the king and Haman to a banquet. Esther's approach was tactfully done by inviting the king and Haman to a banquet, subtly delaying her request, ensuring she had the king's favor before revealing her plea. At the feast, the king repeated his offer. Esther, seeking favor, invited them to another banquet the next day, postponing her request's revelation. The king and Haman eagerly accepted, attending the second banquet Esther planned.

Haman's Rage Against Mordecai

Haman, in high spirits after the banquet and unknowing of Esther and Mordecai's plan, became furious seeing Mordecai's defiance. Despite his rage, Haman restrained himself. Boasting to his wife and friends about his wealth and honors, Haman lamented Mordecai's presence. His wife and friends suggested impaling Mordecai on a tall pole. Delighted, Haman ordered the pole's setup, planning Mordecai's execution before attending the next banquet with the king and Queen Esther.

Haman's Plot To Destroy The Jews - Chapter 3

When King Xerxes promoted Haman and ordered everyone to show respect, Mordecai didn't comply, making Haman angry. Haman, learning Mordecai was a Jew, sought not only his demise but the destruction of all Jews in the kingdom. Haman cunningly persuaded the king to lend him the royal ring for sealing official decrees. With this authority, he issued letters that aimed at orchestrating the mass extermination of Jews. Dispatches were sent across the provinces, commanding the destruction of Jews on a specified day. As the king and Haman celebrated, confusion engulfed Susa at the impending tragedy.

Mordecai Persuades Esther To Help - Chapter 4

Mordecai publicly mourned when he learned of Haman's plot against the Jews. Esther, troubled by Mordecai's state, sent a eunuch to question Mordecai regarding his mourning. Mordecai shared the edict details and urged Esther to seek the king's mercy. Esther hesitated, explaining the risk that she could be killed if she approached the king without being summoned, but Mordecai reminded her that silence wouldn't save her since she was a Jew as well. Mordecai believed Esther attained her royal position for this critical moment. Esther asked for fasting and prayer, deciding to approach the king, even if it meant risking her life. Mordecai obeyed her instructions.

Mordecai Honored - Chapter 6

King Xerxes, unable to sleep, decided to read the book of the chronicles and learned that Mordecai had foiled an assassination plot against him. Realizing Mordecai received no recognition, the king sought advice from Haman. Assuming he was the one to be honored, Haman proposed a grand display. Haman thought he would be honored because he was unaware that Mordecai had foiled the assassination plan; his inflated pride and the king's general question about honoring someone led him to assume the king would choose him for the honor. To his shock, the king ordered the same honor for Mordecai, who was paraded through the city. Humiliated, Haman returned home. Haman's advisers warned that opposing Mordecai, a Jew, meant inevitable ruin. Before Haman could dwell on this, he was summoned to Queen Esther's banquet.

Haman Impaled - Chapter 7

Queen Esther, during the second day of the banquet, pleaded with King Xerxes to spare her life and the lives of her people, revealing a plot by Haman to destroy them. The enraged king ordered Haman's execution on the same pole intended for Mordecai, calming only when justice was served.

The King's Edict In Behalf Of The Jews - Chapter 8

On the same day Haman was executed, King Xerxes granted Queen Esther the estate of Haman. Mordecai, Esther's relative, received the king's signet ring. Esther, weeping, pleaded with the king to revoke Haman's evil plan against the Jews. King Xerxes, in support, allowed a new decree, written by Mordecai, granting the Jews the right to defend themselves. The edict permitted them to destroy their attackers, protect women and children, and seize their enemies' property. The decree, issued on the twenty-third day of the third month, spread throughout the provinces.

The Triumph Of The Jews

After leaving the king's presence, Mordecai adorned himself in royal attire, and Susa celebrated with joy. Throughout the provinces, the Jews rejoiced, feasted, and celebrated in response to the king's edict. The happiness and honor extended beyond the Jewish community, attracting others to join them due to the awe inspired by the Jews.

The Triumph Of The Jews - Chapter 9

On the thirteenth day of Adar, the Jews successfully defended themselves against their enemies. In Susa, they killed 500 men. Queen Esther requested an extension for the Jews in Susa to continue defending themselves, and the king granted it. Haman's ten sons were impaled. Throughout the king's provinces, the Jews killed 75,000 enemies, resting on the fourteenth and celebrating on the fifteenth. Rural Jews celebrate the fourteenth of Adar with joy, feasting, and gift-giving in commemoration of their victory.

Purim Established

Mordecai instructed the Jews to annually celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar, marking their victory over enemies. They called it Purim, commemorating Haman's failed plot. Queen Esther and Mordecai confirmed the celebration through letters to Jews in all provinces. Esther's decree established Purim's regulations, ensuring its observance for generations, recorded in the records of Xerxes' kingdom.

The Greatness Of Mordecai - Chapter 10

King Xerxes imposed tribute across the empire, and records of his deeds, including Mordecai's greatness. These details were recorded in the annals of the kings. Mordecai, second to the king, earned high esteem among the Jews for working for their good and advocating for their welfare, securing a prominent place in Media and Persia's history.