1. Esther Becomes Queen
Esther was a beautiful Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordecai after her parents died. At that time, King Ahasuerus ruled over Persia and had a queen named Vashti. However, Vashti disobeyed the king’s command to appear before his guests at a banquet, and as a result, she was removed as queen.
To find a new queen, the king ordered a beauty contest, and many young women, including Esther, were taken to the royal palace. Esther won the favor of the king and was crowned Queen of Persia. However, she kept her Jewish identity a secret, as advised by Mordecai.
2. Haman’s Evil Plot
During this time, a powerful official named Haman was promoted to a high-ranking position in the kingdom. He expected everyone to bow to him, but Mordecai refused because he was Jewish and worshiped only God. This enraged Haman, and he devised a plan to exterminate all the Jews in the Persian Empire.
Haman convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree ordering the massacre of all Jews on a specific date. The decree was sealed with the king’s ring, making it irreversible.
3. Esther’s Courageous Decision
Mordecai learned about the decree and urged Esther to speak to the king and plead for her people. However, approaching the king without an invitation was punishable by death unless the king extended his golden scepter. Initially hesitant, Esther was reminded by Mordecai that perhaps she had become queen for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).
Determined to act, Esther asked all the Jews to fast and pray for three days before she risked her life to approach the king.
4. Esther’s Bold Request
After three days of fasting, Esther courageously went before the king. He welcomed her and asked what she desired. Instead of revealing her request immediately, she invited the king and Haman to a banquet.
At the first banquet, she invited them again to a second banquet. Meanwhile, Haman, still furious at Mordecai, built a gallows to have him executed.
5. The King Honors Mordecai
That night, the king could not sleep and ordered the royal records to be read to him. He discovered that Mordecai had once saved his life by exposing a plot against him but had never been rewarded. The next day, the king honored Mordecai, humiliating Haman, who had planned to execute him.
6. Esther Exposes Haman
At the second banquet, Esther finally revealed her identity as a Jew and exposed Haman’s evil plan to kill her people. The king was enraged and ordered Haman to be executed on the same gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
7. The Jews Are Saved
Although the king’s decree could not be revoked, he issued a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. On the appointed day, the Jews fought back and were victorious. The day of their survival became the festival of Purim, which is still celebrated by Jews today.
Lessons from Esther’s Story
- Courage and Faith – Esther risked her life for her people, showing that faith and bravery can lead to great victories.
- Divine Purpose – Mordecai’s words, “Perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this”, remind us that we all have a purpose.
- God’s Providence – Even though God’s name is not directly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His presence is evident throughout the story.
- Justice Prevails – Haman’s downfall serves as a reminder that evil plans do not succeed in the end.
Conclusion
Queen Esther’s story is one of faith, courage, and destiny. She was not born into royalty but was placed in a position of power for a divine purpose—to save her people. Her story continues to inspire many today as an example of how one person’s bravery can change history.
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