In the ancient Persian Empire, during the reign of King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes), a great feast was held in the capital city of Susa. The king, in his drunken state, commanded that his queen, Vashti, appear before him and his guests wearing only her royal crown, to display her beauty. Vashti, however, refused to be treated with such disrespect and dishonor. Enraged by her defiance, the king banished her and sought a new queen.
Among the many young women brought before the king was Esther, a beautiful and virtuous Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her, and the king was no exception. He was so taken by her beauty and grace that he chose her to be his new queen. However, Esther kept her Jewish heritage a secret, as Mordecai had instructed her, fearing the potential consequences of revealing her true identity in a land where her people were exiles.
Not long after Esther became queen, a plot was discovered that threatened the safety of the king. Mordecai, who had overheard the conspiracy, informed Esther, who in turn told the king. The plotters were apprehended and executed, and Mordecai’s loyalty was recorded in the royal chronicles.
Meanwhile, a powerful and ambitious official named Haman had risen to a high position in the king’s court. He was so proud and arrogant that he expected everyone to bow down to him. When Mordecai refused to bow, Haman was furious and sought revenge, not just against Mordecai but against all the Jews in the empire. He cast lots (or “purim”) to determine the day on which he would carry out his genocidal plan, and the date was set for the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.
When Mordecai learned of Haman’s plot, he was devastated. He tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, crying out in great distress. Esther, seeing her cousin’s anguish from the palace, sent a servant to inquire about his condition. Mordecai informed Esther of the impending doom and urged her to go to the king and plead for her people.
Esther was torn. She knew that approaching the king without being summoned was a capital offense, punishable by death. However, Mordecai reminded her of her responsibility, saying, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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 family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther’s heart was moved, and she decided to risk her life for her people. She asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa and fast for her for three days, and she and her attendants would do the same. Then, she would go to the king, even though it was against the law.
On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, where the king could see her. The king, noticing her beauty and grace, extended his golden scepter to her, a sign that she was welcome to approach. Esther advanced and touched the tip of the scepter.
The king asked Esther what she wanted, promising to give her up to half his kingdom. Esther, with great wisdom and tact, invited the king and Haman to a private banquet. At the banquet, the king again asked her request, and Esther invited them to another banquet the following day, promising to reveal her petition then.
Haman, feeling triumphant and honored, left the banquet in high spirits. However, his joy turned to rage when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, still refusing to bow to him. Haman’s wife and friends suggested that he build a gallows on which to hang Mordecai, and Haman eagerly agreed, planning to carry out the execution the next day.
That night, the king could not sleep. He ordered the royal chronicles to be read to him and was reminded of Mordecai’s loyalty in saving his life. The next morning, before Esther’s second banquet, the king asked Haman what should be done for the man whom the king delights to honor. Thinking the king was referring to him, Haman suggested a grand procession with the honoree riding on the king’s own horse, wearing the king’s robe, and being led by one of the king’s most noble princes.
The king then ordered Haman to do exactly that for Mordecai, much to Haman’s horror and humiliation. After the procession, Haman returned to the banquet with a heavy heart, only to have Esther reveal her true identity and accuse Haman of plotting to destroy her people. The king, enraged by Haman’s treachery, ordered him to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
Esther’s bravery and wisdom saved her people from annihilation. The king issued a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves, and on the day that Haman had chosen for their destruction, the Jews triumphed over their enemies. The story ends with Mordecai being promoted to a high position in the kingdom, and the Jews celebrating their deliverance with a festival called Purim, which is still observed today.
The story of Esther is a powerful narrative of courage, faith, and divine intervention. It shows that God can use even the most unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes. Esther’s willingness to risk her life for her people and her faith in God’s plan serve as an inspiration to all who face seemingly insurmountable odds. It is a reminder that each of us has a unique role to play in the grand scheme of things, and that with faith and courage, we can make a difference in the world.
Tags: Courage, Deliverance, Divine Intervention, Esther, Wisdom, Women stories in the bible