Summary of Esther

Chapter by Chapter:

Esther 9-10: The Jews Slam Their Enemies/Mordecai Stands with Power

The book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish girl named Esther who became queen of Persia and thwarted a plan to commit genocide against her people. It is the only book in the Bible that does not explicitly mention God.

• King Ahasuerus gave a feast for all his officials. Queen Vashti refused to come to him, so the wise men advised him to replace her.
•  Mordecai raised Esther. She was taken into the king’s harem and was chosen as queen. Mordecai told Esther of a plot against the king.
• Ahasuerus promoted Haman, but Mordecai would not bow to him. Haman asked to destroy the Jews. The king gave his seal for the decree.
•  Mordecai asked Esther to plead with the king. Esther said, “Hold a fast. I will go to the king against the law, and if I die, I die.”
• Esther won favour with the king. She said, “Let the king and Haman come to a feast tomorrow.” Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai.
• That night the king read about the plot against him. Haman came to ask about hanging Mordecai. The king told Haman to honour Mordecai.
• At the feast, the king asked Esther, “What is your request?” She said, “My people have been sold by Haman.” The king had Haman hanged.
• The king gave his ring to Mordecai. Mordecai sent letters to the provinces allowing the Jews to defend themselves. The Jews rejoiced.
• On the day of the king’s decree, the Jews destroyed their enemies. Mordecai wrote to all the Jews and established the Feast of Purim.
• Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus.