Esther
Queen of Persia
Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from destruction.
Esther (Hebrew name Hadassah) was a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai during the Persian exile. Selected to replace Queen Vashti after a beauty contest, Esther concealed her Jewish identity until it became necessary to reveal it to save her people. When the evil Haman plotted to destroy all Jews in the empire, Esther risked her life by approaching the king uninvited with the famous words, "If I perish, I perish." Through her courage and strategic planning, she exposed Haman's plot and secured permission for the Jews to defend themselves, resulting in their deliverance. The feast of Purim commemorates this salvation. Though God is never explicitly mentioned in the book, Esther's story powerfully illustrates divine providence working behind the scenes through human courage and action.
Books Featured In
Timeline
483 BC
Vashti deposed as queen
479 BC
Esther becomes queen
474 BC
Haman's plot against the Jews
473 BC
Jews delivered through Esther's intervention
473 BC
First Purim celebration
Key Events
Selection as Queen
Esther was chosen as queen in a royal contest to replace Queen Vashti.
Esther 2:1-18
Mordecai Uncovers a Plot
Esther's cousin Mordecai discovered and reported an assassination plot against the king.
Esther 2:19-23
Haman's Genocidal Decree
Haman convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree for the destruction of all Jews.
Esther 3
Esther's Courageous Approach
After fasting, Esther risked her life by approaching the king uninvited.
Esther 4-5
Haman's Downfall
Esther revealed Haman's plot, resulting in his execution on his own gallows.
Esther 7
Deliverance of the Jews
A new decree allowed the Jews to defend themselves, resulting in their victory.
Esther 8-9
Lessons We Can Learn
Courage in the face of danger
Preparation for "such a time as this"
Identity and purpose in God's plan
Providence working through human action
The importance of timing in opportunity