Topical Bible: Good Children: Esther

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Topical Encyclopedia

Esther, a central figure in the Old Testament, is a paragon of virtue, courage, and faithfulness. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Esther, which details her rise from an orphaned Jewish girl to the queen of Persia. Esther's life exemplifies the qualities of obedience, bravery, and devotion to God's people, making her an exemplary model for good children.

Background and Early Life

Esther, originally named Hadassah, was a Jewish girl living in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her cousin Mordecai, who took her as his own daughter (Esther 2:7). Mordecai's influence and guidance played a crucial role in shaping Esther's character, instilling in her the values of faith and loyalty to her people.

Esther's Rise to Queenship

Esther's journey to becoming queen began when King Xerxes sought a new queen after deposing Queen Vashti. Esther, known for her beauty and grace, was taken to the king's palace as part of the search for a new queen. Despite the challenges of living in a foreign court, Esther remained true to her upbringing and the teachings of Mordecai. She found favor in the eyes of all who saw her, including the king, who crowned her queen (Esther 2:17).

Courage and Faithfulness

Esther's defining moment came when the Jewish people faced annihilation due to a decree orchestrated by Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian court. Mordecai urged Esther to use her position to intercede with the king on behalf of her people. Despite the risk to her own life, Esther demonstrated remarkable courage and faith. She instructed Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast and pray for three days, while she and her maids did the same (Esther 4:16).

Esther's bravery is evident in her approach to the king, as she declared, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Her willingness to sacrifice her own safety for the sake of her people highlights her selflessness and dedication to God's will.

Intercession and Deliverance

Esther's strategic and wise approach to the king resulted in the exposure of Haman's plot and the salvation of the Jewish people. By hosting a series of banquets, Esther skillfully revealed her Jewish identity and Haman's wicked plans to King Xerxes. Her actions led to Haman's downfall and the issuance of a new decree that allowed the Jews to defend themselves (Esther 8:11).

Legacy and Influence

Esther's account is celebrated annually during the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from their enemies. Her life serves as an enduring testament to the power of faith, courage, and divine providence. Esther's example encourages children to stand firm in their beliefs, to act with integrity, and to trust in God's plan, even in the face of adversity.

Esther's narrative, while set in a specific historical context, continues to inspire believers to live lives marked by righteousness and devotion. Her account is a reminder of the impact one individual can have when they choose to act in accordance with God's will, making her an exemplary figure for good children to emulate.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Children's Bible
... <. The Children's Bible Henry A. Sherman. ... THE STORY OF CREATION. GOD'S GOOD
GIFTS TO MAN. ... DANIEL IN THE LIONS' DEN. QUEEN ESTHER'S LOVE FOR HER PEOPLE. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

In the Days of Queen Esther
... by a Power that reigns among the children of men ... followed in rapid succession,"the
appearance of Esther before the ... had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 49 in the days.htm

Mordecai and Esther
... But remember that all these other good things that England ... passions had been at work
to put Esther there, and ... devoured by it, as Saturn eats his own children. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/mordecai and esther.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... Then there was "Purim," the feast of Esther, with the good cheer and ... into a mighty
volume; the exquisite treble of the Levite children's voices being ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... uncle; and Mordecai, by the means of Esther, made the ... myself, for his fidelity and
constant good-will to ... be destroyed, with their wives and children, and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... them the greatness of his wealth, how many children he had ... is he who dares to do
so?" Esther answered, "A foe ... Haman built for Mordecai, who spoke a good word for ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... polluted in thine own blood, it was the time of love' (Ezekiel 16:6, 8). Mordecai
adopted Esther because she ... i) Good things work for good to God's children. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Adoption
... Having predestinated us to the adoption of children, according to the good pleasure
of his ... son of King Pharaoh's daughter, Exodus 2:20, and Esther was the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

Meditations for Household Piety.
... to serve God in fasting and prayer (Esther 4:16 ... to his duty, to bring up his children
and family in ... the common complaint is, that faithful and good servants are ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for household piety.htm

Of a Private Fast.
... ordinary sleep (2 Samuel 12:16; Joel 1:13; Esther 4:3 ... 2. Of the Rewards of Alms-deeds
and Good Works ... 2. Merciful alms-givers shall be the children of the Highest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of a private fast.htm