The Life of Esther: A Teacher’s Guide
INSIDE: Discover fun facts about the life of Esther that you can share in your classroom!
The life of Esther is one of courage, faith, and divine intervention. As a Jewish queen of Persia, Esther played a key role in saving her people from destruction. The Book of Esther provides valuable lessons on bravery, obedience, and God’s unseen hand in history. This guide will help teachers understand and present Esther’s story with clarity and depth.
The Meaning of Esther’s Name
Esther had two names:
- Esther – A Persian name meaning “star” or “myrtle.”
- Hadassah – Her Hebrew name, meaning “myrtle tree.”
The myrtle tree is often associated with peace and righteousness in the Bible (Zechariah 1:8-11).
Esther’s Early Life
Esther was born into a Jewish family living in exile. Her ancestors had been taken from Israel during the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. Though the Bible does not provide details about her parents, we know that her cousin, Mordecai, took her in and raised her as his own daughter (Esther 2:7). Little is know about the life of Esther before the start of the chapters of the book of Esther.
Esther’s Husband
- King Ahasuerus – Also known as Xerxes I, he ruled the Persian Empire from 486–465 BC.
Esther’s Family in the Bible
- Cousin (and guardian): Mordecai
- Uncle: Jair
- Grandfather: Shimei
- Great Grandfather: Kish
How Long Does the Book of Esther Cover?
- The events in the Book of Esther take place over an 8-year period (from the third year of King Ahasuerus’ reign to at least his twelfth year – Esther 1:3, 3:7).
Why Is Esther Important?
Esther’s story is remarkable because of her courage and obedience to God’s calling. She is known for:
✅ Becoming the Jewish Queen of Persia
✅ Risking her life to approach the king uninvited
✅ Exposing Haman’s plot and saving the Jewish people from annihilation
✅ Establishing the holiday of Purim, a yearly Jewish celebration remembering God’s deliverance
Where Did Esther Live?
- Esther lived in Susa (Shushan), Persia, which was one of the capital cities of the Persian Empire.
How Long Did Esther Live?
- The Bible does not tell us how long Esther lived or what happened to her after the events of the book.
Where Is Esther Buried?
- According to tradition, Esther is buried in the Tomb of Esther and Mordecai in modern-day Hamadan, Iran.
Where Can We Find Esther’s Story in the Bible?
📖 The Book of Esther (10 chapters) tells her entire story.
Key Themes for Teaching the Book of Esther
When teaching about the life of Esther, here are a few themes you can focus on:
- God’s Providence – Even though God’s name is never mentioned in the book, His hand is evident in every event.
- Courage and Faith – Esther risked everything to save her people.
- The Power of Prayer and Fasting – Esther and the Jewish people fasted before she approached the king (Esther 4:16).
- God’s Protection Over His People – Haman’s evil plan was turned against him, showing how God defends His people.
How to Use This Guide
This guide provides a quick reference for teachers introducing the Book of Esther. Whether teaching a Bible study, Sunday school, or Christian school class, Esther’s story is a powerful example of faith, bravery, and God’s faithfulness.
📌 Discussion Questions:
- How did God move to put Esther in a place of influence with the king?
- Why was it dangerous for Esther to go before the king uninvited?
- How did Mordecai encourage Esther to take action?
- What lessons can we learn from Esther’s decision to fast and pray before speaking to the king?
- How does Esther’s story show God’s protection over His people?
By studying the life of Esther, students can see how one person’s courage, guided by faith, can change the course of history.
