Esther was a young Jewish girl living in Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. She grew up in a Jewish community and was raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Esther was beautiful, intelligent, and kind-hearted, which caught the attention of the king’s officials, and eventually, the king himself.
King Xerxes was looking for a new queen, and Esther was one of the many women chosen to be considered. After a series of beauty treatments and a year of preparation, Esther was presented to the king, and he was immediately smitten with her. He made her his queen, and she became the most powerful woman in the kingdom.
But Esther’s story was not all about glamour and luxury. There was a dark cloud looming over the Jewish community in Persia. The king’s advisor, Haman, had convinced the king to issue a decree that all Jews living in Persia should be killed. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, was a respected member of the Jewish community, and he begged Esther to intervene on their behalf.
Esther knew that approaching the king without being summoned was a dangerous move, and she could be killed for it. But she had faith in God and believed that He had put her in this position for a reason. She fasted and prayed for three days before approaching the king.
When Esther finally approached the king, he was pleased to see her and asked her what she wanted. She invited him to a banquet, along with Haman, and during the banquet, she revealed to the king that she was Jewish and that Haman’s decree would mean her death too. The king was outraged, and he ordered Haman to be hanged.
Esther’s courage and faith had saved the Jewish community in Persia. She had risked her life to approach the king, but her faith in God had given her the courage she needed to do so. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Esther’s story has been retold countless times throughout history, and it continues to inspire people today. She is a true hero of the faith, and her story reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to do great things.
Biblical Reference
Esther 1:1-22: This chapter introduces us to King Xerxes (also known as Ahasuerus) and his queen Vashti, who is deposed after refusing to come before the king at his command.
Esther 2:1-18: After a search among all the eligible young women in the kingdom, Xerxes chooses Esther – an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai – as his new queen.
Esther 3:1-15: This passage introduces Haman, one of Xerxes’ officials who becomes angry when Mordecai refuses to bow down to him. Haman hatches a plan to destroy all the Jews living in Persia, which he convinces Xerxes to agree with.
Esther 4:1-17: After learning about Haman’s plot from Mordecai, Queen Esther risks her own life by going before Xerxes uninvited and revealing her Jewish identity while pleading for mercy on behalf of her people
Esther 5:1 Esther 3-8: Esther prepares two banquets during which she reveals Haman’s plot against her people
Esther 7:1 Esther 9:1-10: During this banquet ,the king finally realizes that Haman’s intention was not good towards Esther’s people
Esther 8:5-6: Through Gods favor upon them, the king grants Mordechai permission rewrite Haman’s letters thus saving their lives.