Bible character overview - Queen Esther
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Time to read 5 min
Introduction:
Welcome to an insightful character overview of Queen Esther. Here you'll learn about who Queen Esther was, what she did, and her strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of Queen Esther to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.
Who was Queen Esther from the Bible?
Key facts
- When: roughly around 538-457 B.C
- Where: Susa
- Name meaning: 'Star'
Glimpse: Queen Esther was an orphan child living with her cousin Mordecai. She came from nothing and became one of the most powerful in the land. Her beauty took her to the highest position second to the king. However, her people, the Jews, are threatened with genocide and Queen Esther is the only one in a position to save them.
Esther made queen
During that time, King Xerxes held a grand feast and, in his high spirits, summoned his wife, Queen Vashti, to display her beauty. However, Vashti refused to come, which infuriated the king. In response to her defiance, Xerxes banished Vashti from his presence and stripped her of her royal title.
To find a new queen, Xerxes commanded his servants to gather all the young and beautiful women in the land. Esther, a Jewish woman, was among those chosen to be brought to the king's palace. Throughout her time in the palace, Esther received extensive beauty treatments and the finest care. She kept her Jewish heritage and background secret, as instructed by her cousin Mordecai, who had raised her.
When it was Esther’s turn to present herself to the king, she quickly won his favor. Xerxes was captivated by her beauty and charm, more so than any of the other women. As a result, he crowned Esther as queen, elevating her to the highest position in the land.
Questions
→ Why is it important to be careful about what we tell people and when we tell them?
→ Is it sometimes best to keep quiet?
" Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins"
Hamans' plot
Haman, who had been honored by King Xerxes and elevated to a high position above all the nobles, harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Jews. His animosity stemmed from Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to him. Fueled by his rage, Haman convinced King Xerxes to issue a decree for the extermination of all Jews in the empire. The decree was sent out, and the Jews faced impending doom.
When Mordecai learned of the decree, he was deeply distressed. He sent a message to Queen Esther, urging her to intercede on behalf of her people. In Esther 4:13-14, Mordecai said:
"Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
Mordecai’s message was a call to action, urging Esther to use her position to save her people, even though it meant risking her own life.
Questions
→ How dangerous is pride?
→ Have you ever dealt with pride in your life?
"So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued."''
Such a time as this
Esther, deeply moved by the gravity of the situation, requested that all the Jews in Susa gather to pray and fast, abstaining from food and drink. Esther herself joined in this period of fasting and prayer.
In the Persian court, it was a serious offense to approach the king without an invitation, often resulting in execution. Despite this danger, Esther, after her time of fasting and prayer, courageously entered the king’s throne room. Fortunately, King Xerxes was pleased with her presence and extended his golden scepter to her, signaling that she was welcomed.
Esther then requested a private banquet with the king and Haman. At the banquet, Esther invited the king to another feast the following day, during which she would make her request.
At the second banquet, Esther revealed Haman's plot and pleaded with the king to spare her people. Xerxes, outraged by Haman's conspiracy, ordered Haman’s execution. This act not only saved the Jewish people from destruction but also led to Haman’s downfall.
Questions
→ What do you think would have happened if Esther did not obey?
→ Why does God use people to save rather than doing it himself?
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?.”
Strengths:
- Obedience: Queen Esther was ready to be obedient to death and did not shy in the face of fear
- Leader: She summoned her whole nation to pray and act in the time of crisis that they were in as a people
- Fearless: She walked into the king's throne room for which she should have been killed, yet, she was spared and fulfilled her calling
- Beauty and honor: She was blessed and did not become prideful but humbled herself
Weaknesses:
- Hesitancy: Understandably, Esther was a little hesitant when asked by Mordecai to speak to the king
Conclusion
Queen Esther was a strong, faithful leader who stepped up to the call and saved her nation through obedience in prayer and fasting. She is a role model to all women and has inspired people for millennia. The story of Queen Esther causes us to reflect on our own lives and assess whether we are being obedient to the greatest capacity.
''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''
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