The Story of Esther
Esther Becomes Queen
King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia held a grand banquet and, in a fit of anger, deposed his queen, Vashti, for disobedience (Esther 1:10-12). To find a new queen, a search was conducted throughout the kingdom, and Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, was chosen for her beauty and grace (Esther 2:7-8, 2:17).
“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” (Esther 2:17)
Haman’s Plot
Haman, a high-ranking official, harbored a deep hatred for Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow to him (Esther 3:2-5). Haman convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree to destroy all Jews in the kingdom (Esther 3:8-9).
“And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.” (Esther 3:13)
Esther’s Courage
Mordecai urged Esther to use her position to plead for her people. Despite the risk of approaching the king unsummoned, Esther agreed, asking the Jews to fast and pray for three days (Esther 4:13-16).
“Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16)
The Banquet and Haman’s Downfall
Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet, where she revealed her Jewish identity and Haman’s plot (Esther 7:1-6). The king, enraged, ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10).
“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.” (Esther 7:10)
The Jews’ Deliverance
King Ahasuerus issued a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves (Esther 8:11). On the appointed day, the Jews triumphed over their enemies (Esther 9:1-2).
“The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people.” (Esther 9:2)
The Feast of Purim
To commemorate their deliverance, Mordecai and Esther established the Feast of Purim, a joyous celebration observed annually (Esther 9:20-22).
“And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar.” (Esther 9:20-21)
Mordecai’s Rise to Power
After Haman’s downfall, King Ahasuerus promoted Mordecai to a position of great authority, giving him Haman’s estate and signet ring (Esther 8:1-2).
“So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman.” (Esther 8:2)
Mordecai used his new authority to issue a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:11).
“By these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather together and protect their lives—to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions.” (Esther 8:11)
The Jews’ Victory
On the day set for their destruction, the Jews triumphed over their enemies. They defended themselves and gained relief from their adversaries (Esther 9:1-2).
“Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.” (Esther 9:1)
The Jews celebrated their victory with feasting and gladness, and the fear of Mordecai spread throughout the kingdom (Esther 9:17-19).
“This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. And on the fourteenth of the month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness.” (Esther 9:17)
Establishment of Purim
To commemorate their deliverance, Mordecai and Esther established the Feast of Purim. This festival is celebrated annually by Jews around the world (Esther 9:20-22).
“And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar.” (Esther 9:20-21)
The Legacy of Esther and Mordecai
The story of Esther and Mordecai leaves a lasting legacy of faith, courage, and divine intervention. Their actions not only saved the Jewish people but also established a tradition that continues to be celebrated today.
Mordecai’s Influence
Mordecai’s rise to power and his influence in the Persian Empire were significant. He continued to work for the good of his people and was highly respected.
“For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.” (Esther 10:3)
The Feast of Purim
The Feast of Purim, established by Mordecai and Esther, is a time of joy and celebration. It commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot and is observed with feasting, giving gifts, and acts of charity.
“As the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:22)
Themes and Lessons from Esther
The Book of Esther is rich with themes and lessons that continue to resonate:
Divine Providence: The story highlights God’s unseen hand guiding events for the good of His people.
Courage and Faith: Esther’s bravery in approaching the king and Mordecai’s steadfast faith are powerful examples of trusting in God’s plan.
Justice and Reversal of Fortune: Haman’s downfall and Mordecai’s rise illustrate the theme of justice and the reversal of fortunes.
Community and Solidarity: The Jewish community’s unity in fasting, praying, and defending themselves underscores the importance of solidarity.
Reflection
The story of Esther encourages us to trust in God’s providence, act with courage, and stand up for what is right, even in the face of great danger. It reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to bring about His purposes.
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