Esther
Esther is a Jewish queen of Persia who saves her people from a plot to destroy them. Her story in The Book of Esther centres on courage, hidden identity, and the careful use of power. It also explains the origins of the Jewish festival of Purim.
Key stories of Esther
Esther becomes queen
After Queen Vashti loses her position, Esther is chosen as the Persian king's new queen. Following the advice of her cousin Mordecai, she keeps her Jewish identity secret.
In The Book of Esther, Esther wins the king's favour and receives the royal crown, but does not reveal her family background.
In The Book of Esther by Unknown
The dangerous approach
Haman, a powerful court official, arranges for the destruction of the Jews. Esther asks her people to fast before she approaches the king without being summoned, an act that could cost her life.
In The Book of Esther, the king extends his golden sceptre towards Esther when she enters his presence, allowing her to approach safely.
In The Book of Esther by Unknown
Esther exposes Haman
At a banquet, Esther reveals that she is Jewish and identifies Haman as the enemy threatening her people. Haman falls from power, and Esther helps secure permission for the Jews to defend themselves.
In The Book of Esther, Esther names Haman before the king at her second banquet. The man who planned Mordecai's death is himself executed.
In The Book of Esther by Unknown
The celebration of Purim
After the Jews escape destruction, their deliverance becomes an annual celebration. Esther and Mordecai help establish Purim as a time of feasting, giving gifts, and helping the poor.
In The Book of Esther, the closing chapters connect Purim with the reversal of the Jews' fortunes from danger and grief to safety and joy.
In The Book of Esther by Unknown
How to recognise Esther in stories
- Look for a queen who conceals her identity to survive.
- Notice banquets, royal decrees, and the king's golden sceptre.
- Watch for someone risking a privileged position to protect a threatened people.
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Is Esther the same person as Hadassah?
Yes, Hadassah is Esther's Hebrew name. The Book of Esther introduces her by both names and explains that Mordecai raised her after her parents died. At the Persian court she is known as Esther and initially keeps her Jewish background secret.
Why is Esther connected with Purim?
Esther is connected with Purim because the festival celebrates the deliverance described in her story. In The Book of Esther, Haman uses lots to choose a day for attacking the Jews. The danger is overcome, and the resulting celebration takes its name from those lots.
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