The book of Esther outlines the dramatic story of how Queen Esther, with the help of her cousin Mordecai, saves the Jewish people from annihilation. Here’s a summary of its chapters:
The Feasts of Xerxes (1:1—2:18)
- Vashti Deposed (Ch. 1)
King Xerxes, after a lavish feast, orders his queen Vashti to appear before him, but she refuses. As a result, she is deposed, and the king seeks a new queen. - Esther Made Queen (2:1–18)
Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is chosen as the new queen. She keeps her Jewish identity secret, following Mordecai’s advice.
The Feasts of Esther (2:19—7:10)
- Mordecai Uncovers a Plot (2:19–23)
Mordecai uncovers an assassination plot against King Xerxes, which he reports to the king, saving his life. This event is recorded in the royal chronicles. - Haman’s Plot (Ch. 3)
Haman, the king’s prime minister, plots to exterminate all Jews after Mordecai refuses to bow to him. He convinces Xerxes to issue a decree to destroy the Jews. - Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help (Ch. 4)
Mordecai urges Esther to approach the king and plead for her people, even though it is dangerous to approach the king without being summoned. Esther agrees to risk her life to save the Jews. - Esther’s Request to the King: Her First Banquet (5:1–8)
Esther approaches the king and invites him and Haman to a banquet. At the banquet, she holds off revealing her request, building suspense. - A Sleepless Night (5:9—6:14)
That night, King Xerxes cannot sleep, and he has the royal chronicles read to him. He is reminded of Mordecai’s earlier act of saving his life, and he decides to honor him. Haman arrives, and the king asks him how to honor someone. Haman mistakenly thinks the king is asking about him, but the king honors Mordecai instead, much to Haman’s humiliation. - Haman Hanged: Esther’s Second Banquet (Ch. 7)
At the second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and exposes Haman’s plot. The king, enraged, orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
The Feasts of Purim (Chs. 8–10)
- The King’s Edict in Behalf of the Jews (Ch. 8)
Esther and Mordecai are given Haman’s estate, and Mordecai is promoted to Haman’s former position. A new edict is issued allowing the Jews to defend themselves against any attackers. - The Institution of Purim (Ch. 9)
The Jews successfully defend themselves, and the day is declared a holiday, called Purim, to celebrate their deliverance. The Jews continue to celebrate Purim annually. - The Promotion of Mordecai (Ch. 10)
Mordecai is promoted to a high position in the kingdom, and he is honored by the people for his role in saving the Jews. The book ends with a brief mention of Mordecai’s greatness and influence.
This summary covers the key events and turning points of Esther, showcasing how courage, faith, and cleverness lead to the salvation of the Jewish people and the establishment of the annual festival of Purim.