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Esther
Queen Esther
1. Queen Esther, also known as Hadassah, is a biblical figure whose story is recorded in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. She was a Jewish queen who played a significant role in saving her people from a plot to annihilate them.
2. Esther's story takes place during the time when the Jewish people were living in exile in the Persian Empire. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) ruled over a vast empire that stretched from India to Ethiopia. Queen Vashti, the king's wife, disobeyed his command and was consequently deposed. In search of a new queen, the king ordered a search throughout the kingdom for beautiful young virgins.
3. Esther, a young Jewish woman living in Susa, was among the maidens selected and taken to the palace under the care of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. Esther pleased Hegai and won the favor of the king, who chose her to be his new queen, although her Jewish identity remained a secret.
4. Meanwhile, a high-ranking official named Haman rose to power and became immensely proud. He devised a plan to exterminate all Jews in the empire due to his hatred for Esther's cousin, Mordecai, who refused to bow down to him. Haman manipulated the king into issuing a decree that authorized the destruction of the Jewish people on a specific date.
5. Mordecai, upon learning of the decree, urged Esther to use her position to intercede for their people. Initially hesitant, Esther eventually agreed, but she knew that approaching the king without being summoned could lead to her death unless the king extended his golden scepter to her—a sign of acceptance and mercy.
6. Esther bravely fasted for three days and nights before going to see the king. When she entered his presence, he welcomed her and offered to grant her request, even up to half his kingdom. However, Esther wisely delayed her plea and instead invited the king and Haman to a series of banquets she prepared.
7. At the second banquet, Esther revealed her Jewish identity and pleaded with the king to save her people from Haman's plot. The king, enraged by Haman's audacity and manipulation, ordered his execution instead. Furthermore, the king issued another decree granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against anyone who sought to harm them.
8. Esther's courageous actions and intervention saved the Jewish people from destruction. The Jewish festival of Purim was established as an annual commemoration of their deliverance.
9. The story of Queen Esther highlights themes of courage, faith, providence, and the power of a single individual's actions to make a difference. It is celebrated as a testament to God's faithfulness and deliverance in times of great peril.
