Lesson 5: In Depth

1. Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 1-2):

The story begins in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes (also known as Ahasuerus). The king hosts a grand banquet for his officials and subjects, displaying his vast wealth and power.

During the festivities, Queen Vashti refuses to obey the king's command to appear before his guests, leading to her removal from the throne. In search of a new queen, Xerxes holds a beauty contest among young women from across the empire.

Among them is Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in the capital city of Susa. Esther wins the favor of the king and is crowned queen, though she keeps her Jewish identity hidden as Mordecai instructs her.

2. Mordecai's Loyalty (Esther 2-3):

Mordecai uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and informs Esther, who alerts the king on Mordecai's behalf. The conspirators are apprehended and executed, and Mordecai's deed is recorded in the royal chronicles.

Meanwhile, the king promotes a man named Haman to a position of great authority, demanding that all bow down to him. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman, inciting the official's wrath. Haman seeks revenge not only against Mordecai but against all the Jewish people throughout the empire.

He manipulates the king into issuing a decree to annihilate the Jews on a designated day, casting lots (or purim) to determine the date of their destruction.

3. Esther's Courage (Esther 4-5):

Mordecai learns of the decree and mourns publicly, wearing sackcloth and ashes outside the palace gates. Esther, upon hearing of Mordecai's distress, sends him clothes to replace his mourning attire.

Mordecai implores Esther to intercede with the king on behalf of her people, but Esther is hesitant, fearing for her life if she approaches the king uninvited. Mordecai challenges her with the famous words, "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14b).

Moved by Mordecai's words and the urgency of the situation, Esther resolves to approach the king, even if it means risking her own life. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet, where she plans to make her appeal.

4. Haman's Downfall (Esther 6-7):

That night, King Xerxes is unable to sleep and orders the royal chronicles to be read to him. He learns of Mordecai's loyalty in thwarting the assassination plot, but no reward has been given to him.

Seeking to rectify the oversight, the king asks Haman how to honor someone who has found favor with him. Assuming the king is referring to him, Haman suggests a lavish display of honor. To his dismay, the king instructs Haman to bestow these honors upon Mordecai.

Later, at Esther's banquet, she reveals Haman's plot to destroy her and her people, pointing to him as the villain. In a fit of rage, the king orders Haman to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

5. The Jews' Deliverance (Esther 8-10):

Esther appeals to the king to revoke the decree against the Jews, but the king's edicts cannot be rescinded.

Instead, he issues a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies on the appointed day. The Jews prepare for battle and emerge victorious, overcoming those who sought their destruction.

Mordecai is promoted to a position of high honor, second only to the king, and he sends letters throughout the empire establishing the annual celebration of Purim to commemorate the Jews' deliverance.

The book concludes with a reflection on Mordecai's greatness and the peace and prosperity enjoyed by the Jewish people under Xerxes' reign.