The book of Esther is about an orphaned Jewish girl who became Queen and saved the Jewish Nation from destruction. She was married to King Ahasuerus, who ruled “from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces” – that is, over the Achaemenid Empire.
Esther was born with Hebrew name Hadassah (“Myrtle”).
Her name was changed to Esther to hide her identity.
Raised by her Uncle Mordecai. Esther 2:7-8
But based on Middle Eastern practices, Esther was a probably a teenager when she married Ahasuerus (which would make sense of why she submits to Mordecai in 2:10 and 2:20). So if she was 15, then she had to deal with Haman’s plot when she was about 20.
A Jew, she was warned by her Uncle not to reveal the fact. Esther 2:10-11
Esther 2:15-17 Esther becomes a favorite of King Ahasuerus.
Esther 2:20-22 She keeps her Jewish secret.
Esther 4:5 The message to Mordecai
Esther 4:8-10 She discovers Haman’s plot to destroy all Jews.
Esther 4:13-17 It’s time to speak up to save the Jews.
Esther 5:1-7 Obeying her Uncle, Mordecai She goes before the King.
Esther 5:12 Haman believes his plan is working.
Esther 6:14 At the banquet she had planned.
Esther 7:1-8 Haman plans up in smoke.
Esther 8:1-4 Mordecai is recognized.
Esther 8:7 Haman’s reward.
Esther 9:12-13,25 Haman’s sons get theirs.
Esther 9:29-32 Days of PURIM established.
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