May 16, 2025
What Was the Threat to the Jews in the Story of Esther?
Esther 1-5
Cassie Porath
Big Book Idea
God will use those we least expect to demonstrate courage and spark change.
Key Verse | Esther 2:21-23
In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
Esther 1-5
Chapter 1
The King's Banquets
1 Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, 3 in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, 4 while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. 5 And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king's palace. 6 There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods 1 1:6 Or rings and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. 7 Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. 8 And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. 9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus.
Queen Vashti's Refusal
10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, 2 1:11 Or headdress in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him.
13 Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment, 14 the men next to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and sat first in the kingdom): 15 “According to the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti, because she has not performed the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?” 16 Then Memucan said in the presence of the king and the officials, “Not only against the king has Queen Vashti done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 17 For the queen's behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt, 3 1:17 Hebrew to disdain their husbands in their eyes since they will say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.’ 18 This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen's behavior will say the same to all the king's officials, and there will be contempt and wrath in plenty. 19 If it please the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. 20 So when the decree made by the king is proclaimed throughout all his kingdom, for it is vast, all women will give honor to their husbands, high and low alike.” 21 This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed. 22 He sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, that every man be master in his own household and speak according to the language of his people.
Chapter 2
Esther Chosen Queen
1 After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king's young men who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the citadel, under custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women. Let their cosmetics be given them. 4 And let the young woman who pleases the king 4 2:4 Hebrew who is good in the eyes of the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.
5 Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away. 7 He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. 8 So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. 9 And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. 10 Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. 11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.
12 Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women— 13 when the young woman went in to the king in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. 14 In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines. She would not go in to the king again, unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name.
15 When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown 5 2:17 Or headdress on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.
Mordecai Discovers a Plot
19 Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate. 20 Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22 And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. 23 When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. 6 2:23 Or wooden beam or stake; Hebrew tree or wood. This Persian execution practice involved affixing or impaling a person on a stake or pole (compare Ezra 6:11) And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
Chapter 3
Haman Plots Against the Jews
1 After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. 2 And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. 3 Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king's command?” 4 And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai's words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. 6 But he disdained 7 3:6 Hebrew disdained in his eyes to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy 8 3:6 Or annihilate all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.
7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. 9 If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents 9 3:9 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.” 10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. 11 And the king said to Haman, “The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.”
12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring. 13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. 14 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion.
Chapter 4
Esther Agrees to Help the Jews
1 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth. 3 And in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. 6 Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, 7 and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, 10 4:8 Or annihilation that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him 11 4:8 Hebrew and seek from before his face on behalf of her people. 9 And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.”
12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 12 4:16 Hebrew if I am destroyed, then I will be destroyed 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
Chapter 5
Esther Prepares a Banquet
1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3 And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” 4 And Esther said, “If it please the king, 13 5:4 Hebrew If it is good to the king let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” 5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. 6 And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 14 5:6 Or done 7 Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: 8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king 15 5:8 Hebrew if it is good to the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”
Haman Plans to Hang Mordecai
9 And Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai. 10 Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and brought his friends and his wife Zeresh. 11 And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. 12 Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. 13 Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.” 14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows 16 5:14 Or wooden beam; twice in this verse (see note on 2:23) fifty cubits 17 5:14 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made.
Footnotes
[1] 1:6 Or rings[2] 1:11 Or headdress
[3] 1:17 Hebrew to disdain their husbands in their eyes
[4] 2:4 Hebrew who is good in the eyes of the king
[5] 2:17 Or headdress
[6] 2:23 Or wooden beam or stake; Hebrew tree or wood. This Persian execution practice involved affixing or impaling a person on a stake or pole (compare Ezra 6:11)
[7] 3:6 Hebrew disdained in his eyes
[8] 3:6 Or annihilate
[9] 3:9 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms
[10] 4:8 Or annihilation
[11] 4:8 Hebrew and seek from before his face
[12] 4:16 Hebrew if I am destroyed, then I will be destroyed
[13] 5:4 Hebrew If it is good to the king
[14] 5:6 Or done
[15] 5:8 Hebrew if it is good to the king
[16] 5:14 Or wooden beam; twice in this verse (see note on 2:23)
[17] 5:14 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters
Table of Contents
Introduction to Esther
Timeline
Author and Date
Like many OT books, Esther is an anonymous work. It is possible that the author was someone like Mordecai, who had access to historical documents (2:23; 6:1) and an interest in Jewish affairs.
Esther belongs to the period after the Babylonian exile, when Persia had replaced Babylon as the ruling power. The story is set in Susa, one of the Persian capitals, during the reign of King Ahasuerus, better known by his Greek name, Xerxes I (486–464 B.C.). Some Jews had returned to Jerusalem, where they enjoyed a reasonable amount of control over their own affairs. Others, like Esther and Mordecai, were still in exile. As a minority group, the Jews were viewed with suspicion and sometimes faced threats to their existence.
Overview and Purpose
The book of Esther tells how a Jewish girl became the queen of Persia and saved her people from a plot to destroy them. She is assisted in this by Mordecai, her cousin and guardian.
Esther was written to explain the origin of the Feast of Purim and to ensure that it would be observed by all future generations of the Jewish people (9:28). It has clearly achieved this purpose, since Jews have continued to observe Purim to the present day. The book of Esther is read as part of the celebration of Purim.
Esther is part of a much larger story that runs all the way from Abraham to Christ and, through him, to the church. If Haman had succeeded, the Jewish people as a whole would have been destroyed, and the story of God’s saving work in and through Abraham’s descendants would have come to an end. There would have been no fulfillment in Christ, and therefore no gospel and no Christian church. Christians should read the book of Esther, not just as a story about the Jews but as part of their own heritage. Christians are not obliged to observe the Feast of Purim, but they are to take to heart the truth that God providentially watches over his own (Rom. 8:28).
Key Themes
Esther is an entertaining historical story that also reveals important truths about how and why the Jews survived such an overwhelming threat:
- Divine providence. God is not mentioned by name in the book of Esther. But it shows clearly that, even when God is most hidden, he is still working to protect his chosen people.
- Human responsibility. Esther and Mordecai show great initiative and courage. Their actions are obviously significant. The providence of God does not negate the responsibility of people to act with courage and resolve when circumstances require it.
- The absurdity of wickedness. Ahasuerus and Haman were important people who had considerable power. But the story of Esther often causes laughter at their expense. The proud people of this world are not nearly as powerful as they think they are. When they oppose God’s people they bring about their own destruction. God laughs at such people (Ps. 2:4). The story of Esther invites us to laugh with him.
Outline
The Persian Empire at the Time of Esther
c. 479 B.C.
Long before Esther’s time, the people of Israel and Judah (later called Jews) had been dispersed throughout the Near East by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. Eventually the Persians absorbed nearly all of these lands into their empire, which reached its greatest extent during the time of Esther. Thus Haman’s plot to exterminate all Jews throughout the Persian Empire would have annihilated virtually all of the Jewish people, and Esther’s daring actions saved the whole nation from complete destruction.
Fact: The invisible God
The invisible God. The book of Esther does not directly mention God, but his providential hand was clearly at work, as remains the case today all around the world.
Fact: Persian drinking vessels
Persian drinking vessels. The Persians were famous for making elaborate, expensive drinking cups and vessels. In fact, no two were alike. When the Greeks crushed the Persian Empire, the Persian drinking vessels were among the most highly valued spoils.
Fact: Who is King Ahasuerus?
Who is King Ahasuerus? The Persian king Ahasuerus is also known as Xerxes I. It was his army that fought against the Greek Spartans in 480 B.C. at the Battle of Thermopylae.
The Hebrew Calendar
The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Chronology in Esther
The events of Esther unfold over a period of 10 years.
| Reference | Event | Month | Day | Year of Ahasuerus’s Reign | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:3 | Ahasuerus holds his banquets | 3 | 483 B.C. | ||
| 2:16 | Esther goes to Ahasuerus | 10 | 7 | 479 | |
| 3:7 | Haman casts his lots | 1 | 12 | 474 | |
| 3:12 | Haman issues his decree | 1 | 13 | 12 | 474 |
| 3:13 | Date planned for annihilation of the Jews | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:9 | Mordecai issues his decree | 3 | 23 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:12; 9:1 | Day upon which Jews could defend themselves from attack | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 9:6–10, 20–22 | Ten sons of Haman executed; Feast of Purim celebrated | 12 | 14, 15 | 13 | 473 |
Mordecai
Mordecai was a Jew living in exile in Persia. When Mordecai’s cousin Esther became an orphan he took her as his own child. Eventually Esther became queen, and Mordecai became a royal official. One day, while serving King Ahasuerus, Mordecai discovered and reported a plot to kill the king, thus saving the king’s life. Later, when Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, who was second in command to the king, Haman persuaded the king to call for the death of all Jews. With the help of Queen Esther, Mordecai saved the Jews of Persia from this death sentence. Haman was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, and Mordecai replaced Haman as second in command to the king. (Esther 9:4)
Est. 1:1 Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) was king of Persia 486–464 B.C.
Est. 1:2–3 Susa, in western Persia (now Shush, in southwestern Iran), was one of Persia’s four capital cities (see Neh. 1:1; Dan. 8:2). Media. Northwestern Persia, near the Caspian Sea. Once a separate nation, it was conquered c. 550 B.C. by Cyrus the Great, who founded the Persian Empire.
Chronology in Esther
The events of Esther unfold over a period of 10 years.
| Reference | Event | Month | Day | Year of Ahasuerus’s Reign | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:3 | Ahasuerus holds his banquets | 3 | 483 B.C. | ||
| 2:16 | Esther goes to Ahasuerus | 10 | 7 | 479 | |
| 3:7 | Haman casts his lots | 1 | 12 | 474 | |
| 3:12 | Haman issues his decree | 1 | 13 | 12 | 474 |
| 3:13 | Date planned for annihilation of the Jews | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:9 | Mordecai issues his decree | 3 | 23 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:12; 9:1 | Day upon which Jews could defend themselves from attack | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 9:6–10, 20–22 | Ten sons of Haman executed; Feast of Purim celebrated | 12 | 14, 15 | 13 | 473 |
Est. 1:4–5 The 180 days were probably spent in festivities including lavish meals. The citadel probably refers to the fortified palace complex. The feast lasting for seven days probably completed the 180 days of festivities.
Fact: Persian drinking vessels
Persian drinking vessels. The Persians were famous for making elaborate, expensive drinking cups and vessels. In fact, no two were alike. When the Greeks crushed the Persian Empire, the Persian drinking vessels were among the most highly valued spoils.
Est. 1:6–9 no compulsion. King Ahasuerus set aside the custom that everyone had to drink whenever the king drank. A separate feast for the women was another departure from normal Persian practice (see v. 8; 5:5–6).
Est. 1:10 eunuchs. Castrated men who, among other duties, served in the royal harem.
Est. 1:12 The author does not explain why Vashti refused to come. Even the queen was expected to obey the king absolutely.
Est. 1:13–14 wise men. Official advisers to the king. the times. The most favorable times for particular actions (see 3:7). the seven princes. The inner circle of the king’s advisers. Media. See note on 1:2–3.
Est. 1:15–18 Memucan repeatedly uses the word all to warn the king of a breakdown of proper domestic order throughout society.
Est. 1:19–20 The Persian king’s laws, once written, may not be repealed (see Dan. 6:8). This could cause complications if the king changed his mind (see Est. 8:5–8; Dan. 6:14–18). Never again implies divorce and the end of her queenship.
Est. 1:21–22 speak according to the language of his people. This command is probably intended to ensure that all family members everywhere understand the edict.
Est. 2:1–4 The young men were probably the king’s personal household servants (see 6:3). eunuch. See note on 1:10.
Est. 2:5 Mordecai was descended from King Saul. His great-grandfather, Kish, has the same name as Saul’s father (1 Sam. 9:1–2).
Est. 2:6 Jeconiah, also known as Jehoiachin (1 Chron. 3:16), was the second-to-last king of Judah. He was deported to Babylon in 597 B.C. (2 Kings 24:10–17), which would have been 114 years before the present events. Therefore who had been carried away from Jerusalem must refer to Mordecai’s ancestor Kish, rather than to Mordecai himself (Est. 2:5).
Est. 2:8–9 It is unclear from the word taken whether Esther went willingly. Given the king’s order, she probably had no choice. The seven chosen young women were her personal maids.
Est. 2:10–11 Mordecai’s instruction to Esther not to reveal her people or kindred is the first hint of the prejudice against the Jewish people that will be seen in ch. 3. See note on 3:15.
Est. 2:12–15 myrrh. An expensive perfume obtained from trees native to Africa and southern Asia. Concubines, the king’s mistresses, were housed separately (in the second harem). They had a lower status than his wife or wives. Abihail is the uncle referred to in v. 7.
Est. 2:16 Tebeth, in midwinter, was the tenth month of the Jewish calendar. The seventh year would have been four years after the events of ch. 1 (see 1:3; and chart).
The Hebrew Calendar
The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Chronology in Esther
The events of Esther unfold over a period of 10 years.
| Reference | Event | Month | Day | Year of Ahasuerus’s Reign | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:3 | Ahasuerus holds his banquets | 3 | 483 B.C. | ||
| 2:16 | Esther goes to Ahasuerus | 10 | 7 | 479 | |
| 3:7 | Haman casts his lots | 1 | 12 | 474 | |
| 3:12 | Haman issues his decree | 1 | 13 | 12 | 474 |
| 3:13 | Date planned for annihilation of the Jews | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:9 | Mordecai issues his decree | 3 | 23 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:12; 9:1 | Day upon which Jews could defend themselves from attack | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 9:6–10, 20–22 | Ten sons of Haman executed; Feast of Purim celebrated | 12 | 14, 15 | 13 | 473 |
Chronology in Esther
The events of Esther unfold over a period of 10 years.
| Reference | Event | Month | Day | Year of Ahasuerus’s Reign | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:3 | Ahasuerus holds his banquets | 3 | 483 B.C. | ||
| 2:16 | Esther goes to Ahasuerus | 10 | 7 | 479 | |
| 3:7 | Haman casts his lots | 1 | 12 | 474 | |
| 3:12 | Haman issues his decree | 1 | 13 | 12 | 474 |
| 3:13 | Date planned for annihilation of the Jews | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:9 | Mordecai issues his decree | 3 | 23 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:12; 9:1 | Day upon which Jews could defend themselves from attack | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 9:6–10, 20–22 | Ten sons of Haman executed; Feast of Purim celebrated | 12 | 14, 15 | 13 | 473 |
Est. 2:19–21 the second time. Possibly a second gathering of all the virgins (see v. 2) to complete the celebration of Esther’s coronation. the king’s gate. Where the king’s officials dispensed justice (2 Sam. 15:2–6; see Ruth 4:1–11). Mordecai was sitting. Probably as an official, because of Esther’s new influence with the king. the threshold. The door to the king’s private rooms.
Est. 1:1–2:23 Introduction. The author sets the scene for the main action by describing Queen Vashti’s downfall (1:1–22), her replacement by Esther (2:1–18), and how Mordecai prevented a plot against the king (2:19–23).
Est. 2:19–23 Mordecai happens to be in the right place at the right time to serve King Ahasuerus. This is one of many examples of God’s hidden direction of events, though God is never actually mentioned in Esther (see Introduction: Key Themes).
Fact: Who is King Ahasuerus?
Who is King Ahasuerus? The Persian king Ahasuerus is also known as Xerxes I. It was his army that fought against the Greek Spartans in 480 B.C. at the Battle of Thermopylae.
Est. 3:1 the Agagite. A descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites, one of Israel’s ancient enemies (Ex. 17:8–16). Agag was defeated by King Saul and killed by the prophet Samuel (1 Sam. 15:1–33).
Est. 3:2–4 bowed down and paid homage. Bowing was the normal way of paying respect to Persian royalty. It was not an act of worship (see Gen. 23:7; 1 Kings 1:16). Mordecai did not bow, because “he was a Jew.” The text does not give any more reason. he had told them that he was a Jew. Mordecai did the very thing he had told Esther not to do (Est. 2:10, 20).
Est. 3:5–6 Haman . . . disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Haman hated the Jews and set out to destroy them all. the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. This included Jerusalem and the surrounding area, with its mainly Jewish population (see 1:1; Neh. 1:1–3).
Est. 3:7 Nisan. The first month of the Jewish religious calendar, which began in spring with the Passover (Ex. 12:1–2). the twelfth year. See Est. 2:16; Haman has been waiting for five years to carry out his plot. Pur (plural “purim”; see 9:26). The Persian word for “lot.” cast lots. A traditional way of seeking divine guidance (Josh. 18:6; Prov. 16:33).
Est. 3:8 they do not keep the king’s laws. A reference to Mordecai’s refusal to bow (v. 2), implying that all Jews behave similarly. not to the king’s profit. A clever tactic by Haman. The remission of taxes (2:18) and Ahasuerus’s unsuccessful war with Greece in 480 B.C. may have left the royal treasury low on funds.
Est. 3:9 10,000 talents of silver. About 12 million ounces (750,000 pounds).
Est. 3:10–11 signet ring. A ring used to seal official documents (Jer. 22:24). Haman is empowered to act with royal authority. The money is given to you. Ahasuerus authorizes Haman to use as much of the 10,000 talents of silver as he needs to carry out his plot against the Jews.
Est. 3:12–13 the first month. Presumably of the following (13th) year of Ahasuerus’s reign, or possibly the same year (see v. 7). the twelfth month. Because the empire was so large, it took almost 12 months to notify those responsible for carrying out the edict against the Jews.
The Hebrew Calendar
The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Chronology in Esther
The events of Esther unfold over a period of 10 years.
| Reference | Event | Month | Day | Year of Ahasuerus’s Reign | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:3 | Ahasuerus holds his banquets | 3 | 483 B.C. | ||
| 2:16 | Esther goes to Ahasuerus | 10 | 7 | 479 | |
| 3:7 | Haman casts his lots | 1 | 12 | 474 | |
| 3:12 | Haman issues his decree | 1 | 13 | 12 | 474 |
| 3:13 | Date planned for annihilation of the Jews | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:9 | Mordecai issues his decree | 3 | 23 | 13 | 473 |
| 8:12; 9:1 | Day upon which Jews could defend themselves from attack | 12 | 13 | 13 | 473 |
| 9:6–10, 20–22 | Ten sons of Haman executed; Feast of Purim celebrated | 12 | 14, 15 | 13 | 473 |
Est. 3:15 sat down to drink. Haman and the king callously celebrate the forthcoming massacre. but . . . Susa was thrown into confusion. This shows that many of Susa’s citizens did not share Haman’s intense hatred of the Jews.
Est. 4:1–4 sackcloth and ashes . . . fasting and weeping. Traditional ways of expressing grief in the ancient Near East, including Israel. Such behavior was banned in the king’s gate (see note on 2:19–21). garments to clothe Mordecai. Because of the ban of 4:2, Esther probably feared for Mordecai’s safety.
Est. 4:14 deliverance will rise . . . from another place. Mordecai is confident that God will somehow rescue his people. your father’s house. The family of Esther’s father. Since Mordecai is sure the Jews will be delivered, his statement that Esther and her family will perish presumably means God will punish them for Esther’s refusal to act. for such a time as this. Another hint of Mordecai’s belief in God’s providence.
Est. 4:16 hold a fast. Not an outpouring of grief as in v. 3, but an effort to increase Esther’s chances of success, through earnest prayer. This is the strongest indication yet of Esther’s and Mordecai’s faith in God (see Ezra 9:5; Neh. 1:4). if I perish, I perish. Esther realizes that God cannot be manipulated, even by fasting (see Dan. 3:17–18).
Est. 5:1–2 At the end of the third day of fasting (4:16), Esther stands in the inner court, where Ahasuerus can see her, and risks her life by waiting for him to either reject or receive her. the golden scepter. A staff or rod; see 4:11.
Est. 5:4–8 the feast that I will prepare. Another feast, on the following day. Esther puts Haman further off guard, and makes sure the king is in the best possible mood, before making her request.
Est. 5:9–13 joyful . . . filled with wrath. Haman is elated at how he has been treated by the king and queen, but he is again angry that Mordecai refuses to bow to him.
Est. 5:14 There was a gallows in 2:23 but this is different one, built especially for hanging Mordecai. Its enormous height (75 feet/23 m) is probably intended to make a public spectacle of Mordecai. tell the king. Zeresh assumes that Haman’s influence is now so great that he can virtually order the king to hang Mordecai.
Where is God's name in the book of Esther?
Listen NowDive Deeper | Esther 1-5
Throughout the Bible, we constantly see the Jews under some sort of threat. In Esther, the central villain is Haman, an Agagite and leading official to the king. Conflict between the Jews and Agagites was rooted back hundreds of years and mentioned in 1 Samuel 15:9. Throughout the book of Esther, the Jews face the threat of living in exile and fighting the tide of a godless culture. The danger heightened once Haman sought to destroy all the Jews. Before that happened, Mordecai saved the king's life.
Esther's courage is well known, but that's not the whole story. Mordecai also followed God's prompting to do the unexpected.
Despite being in a foreign land and facing hatred toward his people and him (even before Haman plotted for all Jews to die), Mordecai chose to step up and save the king, a king who chose Esther as a bride in a very unorthodox way to modern readers. Because of this, Mordecai could have easily turned a blind eye to those plotting against the king. He could have reasoned he was too busy to do anything about it. He could have even convinced himself that there was no possible way to let the king know because he was just a Jew in a foreign land. He could have even decided the king deserved to be killed. But he didn't. Mordecai chose to do the right thing and have faith in the Lord over fear or bitterness (Esther 2:22).
We've all experienced something that seemed impossible to face, and if we haven't, then it's coming. It's easy for us to say we don't have enough authority or power to do anything. We can even give into fear, choosing to forsake faith in our Lord's provision. In these moments, we can choose to give up because it can seem much harder to do what is right or what God is calling us to. But God often calls upon those who are seemingly ill-equipped. We've all heard that God doesn't call the equipped, but He equips the called. And that applies even here with Mordecai. God set up everything needed for Mordecai to save the king through Esther.
This month's memory verse
"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
– Job 1:21b
Discussion Questions
1. You have likely experienced people who have wronged you or whom you have loved. How would you respond when you might have a chance to help them? Would you go out of your way, or stand by and let them suffer?
2. What does it look like to love your neighbor, especially when you view that person as a sort of "enemy"?
3. In what ways is the Lord asking you to love someone who may be difficult to love?
4. Take a minute to pray and seek the Lord if you're harboring any hurt against someone and ask the Lord to help you have courage to do the right thing even when it is difficult.
5. In what ways are you letting fear dictate your life rather than faith?