Esther

Esther – A Unique Book Of The Bible

Esther is one of those books in the Bible that stands out for a bunch of reasons. It’s set in the Persian Empire, way after the Jews were exiled, and it doesn’t even mention God once. Weird, right? But that’s what makes it interesting. The story revolves around Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen, and her cousin Mordecai. Together, they manage to save their people from a nasty plot. The book is packed with twists, turns, and a lot of irony, showing how things can flip in the blink of an eye. It’s a story of hope, courage, and believing in something bigger, even when you can’t see it.

• Esther is a unique book in the Bible because it never mentions God directly.
• The story is set in the Persian Empire and involves a plot to save the Jewish people.
• Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen and plays a crucial role in her people’s survival.
• The book is filled with ironic twists and turns, highlighting the theme of reversal.
• Esther’s story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Purim.

The Historical Context of Esther

The Persian Empire and Jewish Exile

The Book of Esther is set during a time when the Persian Empire was a vast and powerful entity, stretching from India to Ethiopia. This period followed the Babylonian exile, where many Jews were taken from their homeland. Some eventually returned, but others, like those in the story of Esther, remained in foreign lands. The Persian Empire, under rulers like Xerxes I, provided a backdrop of both opportunity and tension for the Jewish people. They were able to live and work within the empire, yet they faced potential threats to their identity and safety.

Key Figures in Esther the Story

The narrative centers around several key figures. Esther, a young Jewish woman, rises from obscurity to become queen. Her cousin Mordecai, a significant figure, plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting her. The antagonist, Haman, is a high-ranking official whose hatred for Mordecai and the Jewish people drives the story’s conflict. Lastly, King Ahasuerus, often identified with Xerxes I, is depicted as a ruler whose decisions are pivotal to the unfolding events.

The Setting of Susa

Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, serves as the primary setting for Esther’s story. This bustling city was not only a political hub but also a melting pot of various cultures and peoples. The grandeur of the Persian court, with its opulent palaces and complex social structures, provides a vivid backdrop for the drama that unfolds. The setting highlights the juxtaposition between the Jewish community and the broader Persian society, underscoring themes of identity and survival.

• Esther 1: When God’s Providence Works Through Human Decisions
• Esther 2: A Story Of Providence, Courage, And Faith
• Esther 3: A Test Of Faith And Courage For God’s People
• Esther 4: Trusting God’s Plan In The Midst Of Uncertainty

• Esther 5: When Bold Faith Meets Divine Favor
• Esther 6: When Humility Meets Divine Favor
• Esther 7: The Power Of Truth And Timing
• Esther 8: A Story Of Bold Leadership And Divine Favor
• Esther 9: The Birth Of Purim And The Power Of Remembrance

Esther Chapters and Their Significance

The Book of Esther is cleverly divided into distinct sections, each contributing to the unfolding drama. It kicks off with an introduction in chapters 1 and 2, setting the stage with a royal banquet and Esther’s rise to queen. The main action unfolds from chapters 3 to 9:19, where the tension builds with Haman’s plot against the Jews and Esther’s brave intervention. Finally, the story wraps up in chapters 9:20 to 10:3, celebrating the Jewish victory and the establishment of Purim. Each chapter plays a crucial role, not just in advancing the plot, but in highlighting the themes of power, identity, and survival.

Esther Ironic Reversals and Themes

A standout feature of Esther’s narrative is its use of ironic reversals, where the expected outcomes are flipped on their heads. Haman, who plots to destroy the Jews, ends up facing the very fate he intended for Mordecai. Mordecai, initially in danger, rises to a position of honor. These reversals underscore the theme of destiny and divine intervention, even though God’s name is never mentioned. It’s a brilliant literary technique that keeps readers engaged and reflective.

Absence of God’s Name

One of the most intriguing aspects of Esther is the complete absence of God’s name. This isn’t an oversight but a deliberate choice by the author. The absence invites readers to see God’s hand in the coincidences and outcomes of the story. This subtle approach challenges readers to discern divine influence in the everyday events of life. It’s a narrative choice that adds depth, prompting reflection on faith and providence without overt religious language

Esther’s Role and Influence

Esther as a Female Hero

Esther stands out as a unique hero in the Bible, not just because she’s a woman, but because she uses her position to save her people. In a time when women were often sidelined, Esther’s story shows her using her intelligence and charm to navigate the dangerous waters of the Persian court. Her bravery is unmatched; she risks everything to approach the king without being summoned, a move that could have cost her life. This act of courage is central to the narrative, illustrating how one person’s bold actions can change the course of history.

Her Relationship with Mordecai

Esther’s journey isn’t one she takes alone. Her cousin Mordecai is a guiding force, offering wisdom and support. He plays the role of a mentor, pushing Esther to recognize the importance of her position. Mordecai’s famous words, “Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this,” highlight the idea that Esther’s rise to queen was no accident. Their relationship underscores the power of community and how important it is to have people who believe in you.

Impact on Jewish Identity

The story of Esther is a cornerstone for Jewish identity, particularly through the celebration of Purim. This festival commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot, as recounted in the Book of Esther. It’s a time of joy and remembrance, celebrating survival against the odds. Esther’s story reminds the Jewish community of their resilience and the hidden hand of God’s providence in their history. Her influence extends beyond her own time, offering a narrative of hope and identity that continues to resonate.

Themes and Messages in Esther

Providence and Hope

The Book of Esther is filled with twists and turns, but one thing that stands out is the hidden hand of providence. Even though God’s name isn’t mentioned, His presence is felt throughout the story. The coincidences and timely interventions suggest a divine orchestration. Esther’s tale reminds us that even when God seems absent, He is at work, guiding events towards a greater purpose. This theme encourages readers to maintain hope and trust in God’s unseen plans.

Moral Ambiguity and Human Action

Esther’s narrative is rich with moral complexity. Characters like Esther and Mordecai navigate a world full of ethical dilemmas, often engaging in actions that seem questionable by traditional standards. This ambiguity reflects the messy reality of human life, where decisions are rarely black and white. The story emphasizes the importance of human agency, illustrating how individuals can shape their destinies and the fate of their communities. Esther’s courage in the face of danger underscores the power of decisive action in challenging times.

The Celebration of Purim

Purim, the joyous festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people, is central to the Book of Esther. This celebration is not just about remembering past events but also about recognizing the ongoing struggle for identity and survival. The festival serves as a reminder of resilience and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a time for community, reflection, and gratitude, highlighting the enduring spirit of those who have faced adversity.

Comparative Analysis with Other Biblical Texts

The Book of Esther and the Book of Daniel both present narratives set during the Jewish exile, yet they differ significantly in tone and purpose. While Daniel is rife with divine interventions and prophetic visions, Esther is notable for the absence of any direct mention of God. This absence invites readers to see divine providence through the seemingly mundane events of Esther’s story. Both books, however, highlight the theme of Jewish survival against overwhelming odds, with Esther focusing on political intrigue and Daniel on personal faith and prophecy.

Diaspora Narratives in the Bible

The theme of the Jewish diaspora is a significant element in several biblical texts, with Esther and Daniel being prime examples. These narratives explore the challenges and adaptations of Jewish communities living in foreign lands. Esther portrays a community striving to maintain its identity and secure its survival through political maneuvering. In contrast, Daniel emphasizes maintaining faith and religious practices in the face of external pressures. Together, these stories offer a multifaceted view of Jewish life in exile.

Theological Interpretations

The theological interpretations of Esther vary widely, often focusing on its secular nature and the implications of God’s hidden presence. Some scholars argue that this hiddenness reflects the reality of divine action in the world, where God’s hand is often unseen yet active. Others see Esther as a narrative that emphasizes human agency and the importance of courage and wisdom. This contrasts with texts like Daniel, where divine intervention is overt and miraculous. The Book of Esther thus invites readers to reflect on the interplay between human action and divine providence in the unfolding of history.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Esther in Jewish Tradition

Esther holds a special place in Jewish tradition, primarily due to its connection with the festival of Purim. This joyous celebration marks the survival of the Jewish people from a planned massacre, as detailed in the book. The festival is characterized by reading the Megillah, giving gifts, and feasting, symbolizing unity and resilience. Esther’s story serves as a reminder of the Jewish community’s strength and the importance of courage and cleverness in the face of adversity.

Interpretations in Christianity

In Christian circles, Esther’s story is often viewed through a different lens. While it lacks overt religious references, the narrative is seen as an example of divine providence, where God’s hand is believed to be working subtly behind the scenes. Some Christian theologians have debated Esther’s inclusion in the canon due to its secular tone, but many appreciate its themes of faith and justice.

Modern Reflections on Esther

Today, Esther’s tale resonates beyond religious boundaries, inspiring discussions about gender roles and cultural identity. Her position as a female hero in a patriarchal society continues to influence feminist readings and interpretations. In modern times, Esther is celebrated not only as a Jewish icon but also as a symbol of empowerment and resilience in the face of oppression.

Literary and Theological Insights

Narrative Techniques and Style

The Book of Esther is a masterclass in storytelling, using suspense and irony to keep readers engaged. One of its standout features is its use of ironic reversals, where the expected outcomes are flipped on their heads. For instance, Haman’s plot to destroy Mordecai leads to his own downfall, showcasing a clever narrative twist. The narrative is also rich in dialogue, allowing characters to express their motivations and personalities vividly. This dialogue-driven approach gives depth to the story, making it relatable and engaging.

Theological Themes and Debates

The absence of God’s name in Esther has sparked numerous theological debates. Some argue that this silence highlights the theme of divine providence, suggesting that God’s hand is at work behind the scenes. Others believe it emphasizes human agency, showing how individuals can shape their destinies. This duality invites readers to ponder their own beliefs about fate and free will. The book also raises questions about identity and survival, especially in the context of Jewish life in exile.

Character Development and Symbolism

Esther’s character development is central to the story. Initially portrayed as a passive figure, she transforms into a decisive leader, embodying courage and wisdom. Her journey symbolizes the empowerment of the marginalized, offering hope and inspiration. Mordecai, too, evolves from a concerned guardian to a respected leader, symbolizing resilience and faith. Objects like the king’s scepter and the gallows serve as powerful symbols, representing authority and justice, respectively.

The Book of Esther is increasingly used by Christian extremists to promote spiritual warfare, altering its original narrative. This reinterpretation emphasizes a charismatic approach, reflecting broader trends in how religious texts are manipulated for contemporary agendas.

Esther – A Unique Book Of The Bible Conclusion

The Book of Esther stands out as a unique narrative within the Bible, offering a story where God’s presence is felt rather than seen. It’s a tale of courage, wit, and the unexpected heroism of a young Jewish woman in a foreign land. Esther’s bravery and Mordecai’s wisdom remind us that faith can manifest in the most unlikely of circumstances. This story, set against the backdrop of the Persian Empire, challenges us to find hope and purpose even when divine intervention seems absent. Through Esther’s journey, we learn that sometimes, the path to redemption and justice is paved by human hands, guided by an unseen hand. It’s a timeless reminder that in the face of adversity, resilience and faith can lead to triumph.

Esther – A Unique Book Of The Bible Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Book of Esther about?

The Book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and saves her people from a plot to destroy them.

Why is God’s name not mentioned in the Book of Esther?

God’s name is not mentioned in the Book of Esther to show that God can work through everyday events and people, even when it doesn’t seem obvious.

Who are the main characters in the Book of Esther?

The main characters are Esther, her cousin Mordecai, King Ahasuerus of Persia, and Haman, the villain who plots against the Jews.

What is the significance of the festival of Purim?

The festival of Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot, as told in the Book of Esther. It’s a time of joy, feasting, and giving gifts.

How does Esther demonstrate courage in the story?

Esther shows courage by risking her life to approach the king and reveal her Jewish identity in order to save her people from destruction.

What makes the Book of Esther unique among other biblical texts?

The Book of Esther is unique because it doesn’t mention God directly and focuses on a woman’s role as a hero, highlighting themes of hidden miracles and human bravery.

Esther 9: The Birth Of Purim And The Power Of Remembrance

Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

Esther 9:2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

Esther 9:3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers ofthe king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

Esther 9:4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man, Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

Esther 9:6 And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.

Esther 9:7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,

Esther 9:8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,

Esther 9:9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,

Esther 9:10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

Esther 9:11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.

Esther 9:12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.

Esther 9:13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.

Esther 9:14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan, and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.

Esther 9:16 But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,

Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day ofthe same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

Esther 9:18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

Esther 9:19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feastJpg, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Esther 9:20 And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,

Esther 9:21 To establish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day ofthe same, yearly,

Esther 9:22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Esther 9:23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;

Esther 9:24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;

Esther 9:25 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Esther 9:27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;

Esther 9:28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial ofthem perish from their seed.

Esther 9:29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.

Esther 9:30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

Esther 9:31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.

Esther 9:32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book.

Esther 10: A Testament To God’s Faithfulness And Justice

Esther 10:1 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea

Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Esther 1: When God’s Providence Works Through Human Decisions

Esther 1:1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty provinces.

Esther 1:2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,

Esther 1:3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:

Esther 1:4 When he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even a hundred and fourscore days.

Esther 1:5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;

Esther 1:6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

Esther 1:7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.

Esther 1:9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to King Ahasuerus.

Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

Esther 1:11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

Esther 1:12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

Esther 1:13 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

Esther 1:14 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)

Esther 1:15 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

Esther 1:16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.

Esther 1:17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

Esther 1:18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.

Esther 1:19 If it pleases the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti comes no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

Esther 1:21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan:

Esther 1:22 For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, andj\that it should be published according to the language of every people.

Esther 2: A Story Of Providence, Courage, And Faith

Esther 2:1 After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

Esther 2:2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

Esther 2:3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper ofthe women; and let their things for purification be given them:

Esther 2:4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king, and he did so.

Esther 2:5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;

Esther 2:6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.

Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

Esther 2:9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

Esther 2:10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.

Esther 2:11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

Esther 2:12 Now when every maid’s turn came to go into king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying ofthe women

Esther 2:13 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.

Esther 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow, she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she was called by name.

Esther 2:15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

Esther 2:16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Esther 2:17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Esther 2:19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.

Esther 2:20 Esther had not yet showed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

Esther 2:22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai name.

Esther 2:23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Esther 3: A Test Of Faith And Courage For God’s People

Esther 3:1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.

Esther 3:2 And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Hainan: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Esther 3:3 Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?

Esther 3:4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.

Esther 3:5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had showed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Esther 3:8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom, and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.

Esther 3:9 If it pleases the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge ofthe business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.

Esther 3:10 And the king took his ring from his hand and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.

Esther 3:12 Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring.

Esther 3:13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children, and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day ofthe twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

Esther 3:14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day

Esther 3:15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Hainan sat down to drink, but the city Shushan was perplexed.

Esther 4: Trusting God’s Plan In The Midst Of Uncertainty

Esther 4:1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

Esther 4:2 And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.

Esther 4:3 And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Esther 4:4 So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.

Esther 4:5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was,

Esther 4:6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.

Esther 4:8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make the request before him for her people.

Esther 4:9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai,

Esther 4:10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

Esther 4:11 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live: but1 have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Esther 4:12 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.

Esther 4:14 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?

Esther 4:15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

Esther 4:16 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.

Esther 4:17 So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Esther 5: When Bold Faith Meets Divine Favor

Esther 5:1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court ofthe king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

Esther 5:2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the top ofthe sceptre,

Esther 5:4 And Esther answered, If it seems good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be performed.

Esther 5:7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

Esther 5:8 If I have found favour in the sight ofthe king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

Esther 5:9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

Esther 5:10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

Esther 5:12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

Esther 5:13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.

Esther 5:14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Hainan, and he caused the gallows to be made.

Esther 6: When Humility Meets Divine Favor

Esther 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king,

Esther 6:2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers ofthe door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

Esther 6:4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court ofthe king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him,

Esther 6:5 And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.

Esther 6:6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

Esther 6:7 And Hainan answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,

Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

Esther 6:9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

Esther 6:10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.

Esther 6:11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

Esther 6:13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and his friends everything that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

Esther 6:14 And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther 7: The Power Of Truth And Timing

Esther 7:1 So the king and Haman came to the banquet with Esther the queen.

Esther 7:2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half ofthe kingdom.

Esther 7:3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king and if please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:

Esther 7:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.

Esther 7:5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?

Esther 7:6 And Esther said The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Esther 7:8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place ofthe banquet of wine, and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out ofthe king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.

Esther 7:9 And Harbonah, one ofthe chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

Esther 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

Esther 8: A Story Of Bold Leadership And Divine Favor

Esther 8:1 On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen, And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her,

Esther 8:2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

Esther 8:3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and the device that he had devised against the Jews.

Esther 8:5 And said, If it pleases the king and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces:

Esther 8:6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Esther 8:7 Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows because he laid his hand upon the Jews.

Esther 8:8 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.

Esther 8:9 Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, a hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

Esther 8:10 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:

Esther 8:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,

Esther 8:12 Upon one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

Esther 8:13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

Esther 8:15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

Esther 8:16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.

Esther 8:17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear ofthe Jews fell upon them.