Courageous Faith: What Kids Can Learn from Esther

The life of Esther is a powerful story of courage, faith, and God’s unseen work. As a young Jewish woman living in exile, Esther became queen of Persia and was placed in a position of influence for a very specific purpose—to help save her people from destruction.

The Book of Esther shows students that God is always at work, even when His name is not mentioned directly. Esther’s story offers meaningful lessons on bravery, obedience, prayer, and trusting God’s timing. This guide is designed to help teachers present Esther’s life with clarity and confidence.

The Meaning of Esther’s Name

Esther is known by two names, each reflecting an important part of her identity:

Esther – A Persian name often connected to the meaning star or myrtle.
Hadassah – Her Hebrew name, meaning myrtle tree.

In Scripture, the myrtle tree is associated with peace and righteousness (Zechariah 1:8–11), reminding students that Esther’s life reflected God’s purposes even while she lived in a foreign land.

Esther’s Early Life

Esther was born into a Jewish family living in exile. Her people had been taken from Israel during earlier captivities, and they were now living under Persian rule. The Bible does not tell us much about Esther’s parents, but it does tell us that her cousin Mordecai raised her as his own daughter (Esther 2:7).

Before becoming queen, Esther lived an ordinary life. God used her obedience and faithfulness long before her courage was tested.

Esther’s Husband

King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) ruled the Persian Empire from 486–465 BC.

As queen, Esther lived in the royal palace, yet she remained connected to her Jewish identity and listened to Mordecai’s guidance.

Esther’s Family in the Bible

Cousin and guardian: Mordecai
Uncle: Jair
Grandfather: Shimei
Great-grandfather: Kish

Mordecai played an important role in Esther’s life, encouraging her to trust God and act courageously when her people were in danger.

How Long Does the Book of Esther Cover?

The events of the Book of Esther take place over about eight years, 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 stands out in the Bible because of her willingness to act in faith when the cost was high. She is remembered for:

Becoming the Jewish queen of Persia
Risking her life by approaching the king without an invitation
Exposing Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish people
Helping establish Purim, a yearly celebration remembering God’s deliverance

Her life reminds students that courage often means trusting God even when we feel afraid.

Where Did Esther Live?

Esther lived in Susa (Shushan), 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 recorded in the book.

Where Is Esther Buried?

According to Jewish 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?

Esther’s story is found in the Book of Esther, which contains 10 chapters.

Key Themes for Teaching the Book of Esther

When teaching the life of Esther, consider focusing on these key themes:

God’s Providence – God’s name is not mentioned, yet His hand is evident in every detail.
Courage and Faith – Esther chose to act bravely for the sake of others.
Prayer and Fasting – Esther and the Jewish people fasted before she approached the king (Esther 4:16).
God’s Protection – What Haman intended for evil was turned into deliverance.

These themes help students see how God works behind the scenes to care for His people.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is a helpful reference for teachers introducing the Book of Esther in Bible studies, Sunday school classes, Christian schools, or family learning time.