The Book of Esther

The Book of Esther is part of The Old Testament and is found between the book of Nehemiah and the book of Job. This 10-chapter book depicts Esther, adopted daughter of Mordecai, who came from nothing to become queen of Persia and thanks to her position, she stopped genocide against the Jewish people. Read on to learn the story of Esther in the Bible and a few Bible passages that summarize it.

Who is Esther?

Esther, queen of Persia

The story of Esther begins with tragedy. She lost her father and mother when she was very young. Thankfully, she was recovered and raised by her uncle, Mordecai. At that time, the queen Vashti disrespected her husband and lost her title as queen. The king called for the most beautiful women of the kingdom so that he might choose one to be queen in Vashti’s stead. Thanks to her beauty and her mind open to good advice, Esther was chosen by the king to be his new queen.

Esther’s Fast

Esther is also known for calling a fast for three days and nights for the Jewish people, because they were threatened by Haman. Indeed, he was furious that Mordecai refused to bow to him, and “yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.” (Esther 3:6) However, the actions of Esther and all the people touched God, and the king annulled Haman’s decree and instead had him impaled.  

5 Beautiful Bible Passages from the Book of Esther

Esther, adopted by Mordecai

“Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.” (Esther 2:7)

Esther becomes queen

“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” (Esther 2:17)

Mordecai advises Esther

“When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.” (Esther 4:12-13)

Esther calls the fast

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “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 attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:15-16)

Mordecai’s enemy falls into his own trap

“So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.” (Esther 7:10)