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Old Testament · Women

Esther

Queen who protected her people

LIFE & LESSONS

Understanding Esther

Listen to this summary

Hear the summary and related KJV verses.

Story overview

Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by Mordecai, became queen of Persia while many Jewish people lived in exile.

Key moments

When Haman plotted the destruction of the Jews, Esther fasted, approached the king at risk to her life, revealed her identity, and exposed the plot.

RELATED VERSE · KJV

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14

Strengths and struggles

Esther combined patience, wise preparation, courage, and responsible use of influence during a dangerous crisis.

What we can learn

Esther shows that courage may require speaking at personal risk and using one’s position to protect vulnerable people.

RELATED VERSE · KJV

“Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:”

Esther 7:3

RELATIONSHIPS

People in the story

MordecaiKing AhasuerusHaman

WHERE TO READ

Esther 1–10

QUICK REVIEW

What did you learn?

Answer all three correctly to complete this profile.

1. Whose plot against the Jewish people did Esther expose?
2. In which part of the Bible is Esther's story primarily found?
3. Which Bible book is most closely connected with this profile?