In brief
Esther, whose Hebrew name is Hadassah, is a young Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in Susa, Persia. She becomes queen in place of Vashti. When Haman plots to destroy the Jews, she agrees to go before the king uninvited, after three days of fasting. She exposes Haman and obtains the salvation of her people. She is remembered as a courageous woman placed at a specific time for a specific mission.
What does the name Esther mean?
The text specifies that Hadassah “is Esther” (Esther 2:7). Hadassah is the Hebrew word for “myrtle.” The name Esther is generally linked to a Persian word for “star,” but this origin remains debated. The Bible gives no other explanation.
The story of Esther
An Orphan Who Became Queen
Esther 2:5-17In Susa, Mordecai, a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, raises Hadassah, who is Esther, his cousin, who has neither father nor mother. When the king looks for a new queen, Esther is taken to the women’s house. She obtains favor in the eyes of all who see her. The king loves her more than all the other women and makes her queen in place of Vashti.
“For Such a Time as This”
Esther 4:1-17Mordecai learns of the decree against the Jews and puts on sackcloth and ashes. Esther replies that going in to the king uninvited can cost a life. Mordecai tells her she will not escape alone and asks who knows whether she has come to the kingdom for such a time as this. Esther asks for three days of fasting and agrees to risk her life.
The First Banquet
Esther 5:1-8On the third day, Esther appears before the king, who holds out his golden scepter to her. He asks what she wants and promises her up to half the kingdom. She does not state her request right away. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet, then to a second one the next day. She waits for the right moment to speak.
The Queen’s Request
Esther 7:1-6At the second banquet, the king asks his question again. Esther answers, “let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.” She explains that her people have been sold to be destroyed. The king asks who is behind this plan, and Esther points to Haman, the adversary. Haman is terrified before the king and the queen.
What Esther teaches us
- God places people in specific positions, and some positions become opportunities to serve others.
- Courage means acting in spite of fear: Esther risked her life by agreeing to appear before the king.
- Pray and fast before acting: Esther asks all her people to fast before she goes to the king.
- Silence has a cost: Mordecai reminds Esther that keeping quiet would not protect her and that deliverance would come from elsewhere.
Key verses
“Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Mordecai invites Esther to understand her position as a call to act on behalf of her people.
“If I perish, I perish.” Esther makes her decision after asking for a three-day fast. Her courage comes not from certainty of surviving, but from a resolve made before God.
“Let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.” The queen ties her own life to that of her people and pleads for them before the king.
Sermons about Esther
Frequently asked questions
Why did God choose Esther?
The Bible gives no explicit reason, and the book of Esther never directly mentions God’s name. It shows a young orphan who finds favor, becomes queen and is in the right place. Mordecai sees a specific moment in it (Esther 4:14), and Esther agrees to respond.
What does the name Esther mean?
Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, “myrtle” (Esther 2:7). The name Esther is generally linked to a Persian word meaning “star,” but this origin is debated. The Bible does not explain the name any further.
Where can I find Esther’s story in the Bible?
It is found in the book of Esther, which has ten chapters. Chapter 2 tells how Esther becomes queen, chapter 4 her decision, and chapters 5 to 7 the banquets and Haman’s downfall. Chapter 9 describes the feast of Purim, which commemorates this deliverance.