Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Esther, a central figure in the Old Testament, is the heroine of the Book of Esther. Her account is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia, and it unfolds in the Persian capital of Susa. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, rises to become queen and plays a pivotal role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them. Background: Esther's Hebrew name was Hadassah, meaning "myrtle," but she is better known by her Persian name, Esther, which is derived from the word for "star." Her account is set in the 5th century BC, during the time when many Jews were living in exile in Persia following the Babylonian captivity. Becoming Queen: The narrative begins with King Ahasuerus deposing his queen, Vashti, for her refusal to appear at a royal banquet. A search is conducted throughout the kingdom to find a new queen, and Esther, noted for her beauty and grace, is brought to the king's palace. Esther 2:17 states, "And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti." Mordecai's Influence: Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, plays a significant role in her life and the unfolding events. He uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and informs Esther, who in turn warns the king, saving his life. This act of loyalty is recorded in the royal chronicles, which later becomes crucial to the account. Haman's Plot: The antagonist of the account, Haman, an Agagite and high-ranking official, harbors a deep hatred for Mordecai, who refuses to bow to him. In retaliation, Haman devises a plan to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. He casts lots, or "Purim," to determine the date of their destruction and secures the king's approval for his genocidal decree. Esther's Courage: Mordecai urges Esther to intervene, reminding her of her unique position to influence the king. Esther 4:14 records Mordecai's famous words: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther, risking her life, approaches the king without being summoned, a bold move that could have resulted in her death. The Banquets and Revelation: Esther invites the king and Haman to two banquets. During the second banquet, she reveals her Jewish identity and exposes Haman's plot. Esther 7:3-4 states, "Then Queen Esther answered, 'If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and my people as my request. For I and my people have been sold to destruction, death, and annihilation.'" Haman's Downfall: The king, enraged by Haman's treachery, orders Haman to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Esther 7:10 notes, "So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided." The Jewish Deliverance: With Haman's death, Esther and Mordecai are given authority to issue a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, the Jews prevail over their enemies, and the threat is averted. This victory is celebrated annually as the Feast of Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people. Legacy: Esther's account is a testament to divine providence and the courage of a young woman who used her position to save her people. Her legacy is celebrated in Jewish tradition and serves as an enduring example of faith, bravery, and the impact of individual action in the face of adversity. Nave's Topical Index Esther 2:17And 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 on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Nave's Topical Index Library In the Days of Queen Esther Esther, the Queen. Queen Esther's Love for Her People On the Worthy Praise of the Pure Queen of Heaven. The Wall Rebuilt. Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1564-1567 The Mercy of God The Upbringing of Jewish Children The Saint's Heritage and Watchword Articuli xxxix. Ecclesi?? Anglican??. AD 1562. Resources Why doesn't the book of Esther mention God? | GotQuestions.orgDid Esther have sex with Xerxes before they were married? | GotQuestions.org Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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