Esther Becomes Queen

Esther 1:1–2:23

A Jewish orphan became queen of Persia — and no one knew who she really was.

King Xerxes of Persia deposes Queen Vashti after she refuses to parade before his drunken guests. A kingdom-wide search begins for her replacement. Esther — a young Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai — is among the candidates brought to the palace. Mordecai tells her to hide her Jewish identity. Esther wins the king's favor above all others and is crowned queen. Meanwhile, Mordecai overhears a plot to assassinate the king and reports it through Esther. The conspirators are executed. The event is recorded in the royal chronicles but Mordecai receives no reward. Every piece is being placed on a board whose game hasn't started yet.

• Providence
• Identity
• Courage
• Hidden Purpose