The Story of Esther from the Bible

Long ago, in the Persian Empire, there lived a young Jewish woman named Esther. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai after her parents passed away. When King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) sought a new queen, Esther was chosen because of her grace and beauty, though she kept her Jewish identity secret as Mordecai advised.

In the royal palace, Esther lived quietly, while Mordecai watched over her from afar. One day, a high official named Haman grew angry because Mordecai refused to bow before him. Out of hatred, Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. He persuaded the king to issue a decree to kill them on a set day.

When Mordecai learned of the plot, he sent word to Esther, urging her to speak to the king—even though approaching the king without being called could mean death. After praying and fasting for three days, Esther bravely went before the king. The king received her kindly and asked her wish.

Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet. At the second feast, she revealed her true identity as a Jew and exposed Haman’s wicked plan. The king, enraged by Haman’s deceit, ordered that Haman be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

Through Esther’s courage, the Jews were saved, and Mordecai was honored with a high position in the palace. To this day, the Feast of Purim is celebrated by Jews to remember how God used Esther’s bravery and faith to deliver His people.

Esther’s story teaches that faith, courage, and standing for what is right can change the course of history, even when the odds seem impossible.