Bible Character • Old Testament

Esther

Courageous Queen Who Saved Her People

c. 479-465 BC

Esther was a Jewish orphan who became queen of Persia and courageously risked her life to save her people from genocide. Her story demonstrates how God works through ordinary people in strategic positions to accomplish His purposes and protect His people.

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Biography

Esther was born in Persia to Jewish parents who had remained in exile rather than returning to Jerusalem. Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her older cousin Mordecai, who loved her as his own daughter. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, meaning 'myrtle,' but she became known by her Persian name, Esther, meaning 'star.'

When King Xerxes deposed Queen Vashti for refusing his summons, he searched throughout his vast empire for a new queen. Young virgins were brought to the palace for a year of beauty treatments before appearing before the king. Esther was among them, and on Mordecai's advice, she concealed her Jewish identity. Esther found favor with everyone who saw her, particularly Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the harem.

When Esther's turn came to appear before King Xerxes, she won his favor and love more than all the other women. The king placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen, holding a great banquet in her honor. Yet Esther remained humble and obedient to Mordecai's guidance, still concealing her Jewish heritage as he had instructed.

The crisis came when Haman, the king's highest noble, demanded that everyone bow to him. Mordecai refused because he would bow only to God. Enraged, Haman plotted not just to kill Mordecai but to destroy all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He manipulated King Xerxes into issuing an irrevocable decree that on a certain day, all Jews could be killed and their property seized.

When Mordecai learned of the plot, he sent word to Esther, urging her to approach the king and plead for her people. Esther reminded him that approaching the king uninvited meant death unless he extended his golden scepter, and she hadn't been summoned in thirty days. Mordecai's response challenged her: 'Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?'

Esther asked all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days, and she would do the same. Then she would go to the king, saying 'If I perish, I perish.' On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and approached the throne. The king extended his scepter, sparing her life and asking what she desired. Wisely, Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet.

Through a series of providential events—including the king's sleepless night when he read of Mordecai's earlier service—and Esther's strategic banquets, the truth was revealed. Esther exposed Haman's plot to destroy her people, and the king had Haman hanged on the very gallows prepared for Mordecai. Though the original decree couldn't be revoked, Xerxes issued a new decree allowing Jews to defend themselves. The Jews were saved, Mordecai was elevated to Haman's position, and the feast of Purim was established to commemorate their deliverance. Esther's courage and wisdom had saved an entire nation.

Key Events

Chosen as Queen

When King Xerxes sought a new queen, Esther was among the young women brought to the palace. She found favor with everyone, particularly the king, who loved her more than all the other women. He set the royal crown on her head and made her queen.

Esther 2:1-18

Mordecai Uncovers a Plot

Mordecai discovered a conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes and reported it through Esther. The plotters were hanged, and the incident was recorded in the royal chronicles—a fact that would later prove crucial to Jewish deliverance.

Esther 2:19-23

Haman's Plot Against the Jews

When Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, the enraged official plotted to destroy all Jews throughout the empire. He manipulated King Xerxes into issuing an irrevocable decree setting a date for their annihilation.

Esther 3

For Such a Time as This

Mordecai urged Esther to approach the king on behalf of her people. When she hesitated because of the danger, Mordecai challenged her: 'Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?' Esther agreed to risk her life.

Esther 4

Esther's Brave Approach

After three days of fasting, Esther put on her royal robes and approached the king's throne uninvited, risking execution. The king extended his golden scepter, sparing her life, and asked what she desired. She invited him and Haman to a banquet.

Esther 5:1-8

Haman's Downfall and Jewish Deliverance

At Esther's second banquet, she revealed her Jewish identity and exposed Haman's plot. The king had Haman hanged and issued a new decree allowing Jews to defend themselves. The Jews were saved, and Mordecai was honored. The feast of Purim was established.

Esther 7-9

Character Traits

Beautiful in appearance and characterHumble and submissive to wise counselCourageous in the face of mortal dangerStrategic and wise in approaching difficult situationsWilling to sacrifice personal safety for othersPatient and discerning in timingFaithful to her people and heritageDependent on fasting and prayer in crisis

Lessons from Esther's Life

1
God positions people strategically to accomplish His purposes at crucial moments
2
Courage means acting despite fear when others' welfare depends on it
3
Wisdom and patience are often more effective than hasty action
4
Our circumstances and positions may be preparation for future service
5
Standing for what's right may require risking everything we hold dear

Questions for Reflection

How might God be positioning you 'for such a time as this' in your current circumstances?
What situations in your life require courage to speak up even when there's personal risk?
How can you balance strategic wisdom with bold faith when facing difficult decisions?
In what ways can you use your influence or position to help those who are vulnerable?