Topical Encyclopedia Esther, a central figure in the biblical Book of Esther, is celebrated as a model of courage, wisdom, and faithfulness. Her account unfolds during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia, where she rises from humble beginnings to become queen and a savior of her people, the Jews.Background and Rise to Queenship Esther, originally named Hadassah, was a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in the Persian capital of Susa. Her beauty and grace caught the attention of King Xerxes, who chose her as queen after deposing his former queen, Vashti. 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." Courage and Advocacy Esther's defining moment as a wife and queen came when she courageously intervened to save her people from a plot orchestrated by Haman, the king's advisor, who sought to annihilate the Jews. Despite the risk to her own life, Esther approached King Xerxes without being summoned, which was against the law and could have resulted in her death. Her famous words in Esther 4:16 reflect her bravery and faith: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Wisdom and Strategy Esther's approach to the king was marked by wisdom and strategic planning. She invited King Xerxes and Haman to a series of banquets, gradually revealing her Jewish identity and Haman's plot. Her tactful handling of the situation won the king's favor and led to Haman's downfall. Esther 7:3-4 records her plea: "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.'" Legacy and Impact Esther's actions not only saved her people but also established the Jewish festival of Purim, commemorating their deliverance. Her account is a testament to the impact a faithful and courageous wife can have, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Esther's life exemplifies the virtues of loyalty, bravery, and devotion to God's people, making her a revered figure in biblical history and a model for wives seeking to honor God and protect their families. Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 2:15-17Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked on her. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ... Queen Esther's Love for Her People Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Ezra, the Priest and Scribe Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ... Letter Lxxix. To Salvina. Of the Effects of those Prerogatives. Letter Xlviii. To Pammachius. On Feast Days and Fast Days. Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Resources How many wives did King David have? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the Israelites have to abandon their foreign wives and children? | GotQuestions.org How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands Related Terms |
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