Persian Empire, reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) · around 483–473 BC
Esther in the Bible
The queen who risked her life for her people. Name meaning: Probably “star” (a Persian name); her Hebrew name, Hadassah, means “myrtle”
A Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in Susa, Esther becomes queen of Persia at the side of King Ahasuerus. When Haman obtains a decree to exterminate all the Jews, she fasts, then goes in to the king at the risk of her life and exposes the enemy. Her courage saves her people and gives birth to the feast of Purim. In this book where the name of God never appears, his providence is nevertheless everywhere.
Key moments
- Adopted by her cousin Mordecai Esther 2:7
- Crowned queen in place of Vashti Esther 2:17
- Haman obtains the decree to exterminate the Jews Esther 3:13
- “For such a time as this” Esther 4:14
- “If I perish, I perish” Esther 4:16
- The king holds out the golden scepter to her Esther 5:2
- Exposes Haman at the second feast Esther 7:6
- Confirms the establishment of Purim in writing Esther 9:29
Strengths
- Courage
- Humility and teachability
- Wisdom and tact
- Dependence shown through fasting
- Solidarity with her people
Weaknesses
Esther hesitated at first, preferring her safety in the palace; it took Mordecai’s firm warning to get her to act (4:11-14). For years she also hid her Jewish identity at court (2:10, 20).
Lessons for today
- God places his children where they are for a reason: our position is a responsibility, not a privilege to protect (4:14).
- Great decisions are prepared by fasting and communal prayer (4:16).
- The courage of faith accepts risk: “if I perish, I perish” (4:16).
- Even when God seems silent, his providence is at work, even in a sleepless night (6:1).
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
People around Esther
- Mordecai — The cousin who adopted and raised her
- Ahasuerus — King of Persia, her husband
- Haman the Agagite — The enemy of the Jews whom she exposed
- Vashti — The deposed queen whom she replaced
- Hegai — The eunuch, keeper of the women, who favored her
- Hathach — The eunuch who carried messages between her and Mordecai
Stories with Esther
Quiz: how well do you know Esther?
How was Mordecai related to Esther?
Esther was “his uncle’s daughter”: Mordecai was therefore her cousin, and he had taken her as his own daughter when her parents died. Esther 2:7
Which queen did Esther replace?
The king “set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.” Hadassah is Esther’s other name, and Zeresh is Haman’s wife. Esther 2:17
Which gesture by the king allowed someone to enter his presence uncalled without being put to death?
One law put to death anyone who came in uncalled, “except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live.” Esther 4:11
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.