Who Was Esther?
Esther’s story begins with a young Jewish woman living far from the land of Israel.
She probably never imagined that one day she would become a queen! Or that God would use her position to save His people.
But that is exactly what happened.
Esther’s story is one of courage, wisdom, and trusting God when doing the right thing could be dangerous.
A Young Woman in a Foreign Land
Esther was a Jewish woman living in Shushan, the capital city of Persia. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, while Esther was the name she was known by in Persia. She had been raised by her cousin Mordecai after being orphaned.
Life for Esther was very different from life in the land God had promised to Israel. She was part of the Jewish people who were living in exile, in the Persian Empire.
Then something unexpected happened. King Ahasuerus was looking for a new queen.
Esther was among the young women brought before the king, and eventually, Esther was chosen to become queen.
Imagine that! A young Jewish woman who had grown up without her parents was now living in the royal palace as queen of Persia.
But God had placed Esther in that position for a reason.
A Dangerous Problem
For a while, Esther's life in the palace may have seemed safe and comfortable.
Then everything changed. A man named Haman was given an important position in the kingdom. Haman became angry with Mordecai because Mordecai would not bow down to him.
Haman's anger didn't stop with Mordecai. He made a plan to destroy all the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire.
Suddenly, Esther's position as queen wasn't simply a privilege. It became an opportunity to act on behalf of her family and people.
Mordecai sent word to Esther and urged her to go to the king and plead for her people.
But there was a problem. No one was allowed to approach the king without being invited. Doing so could mean death.
Esther had a difficult decision to make. Would she remain silent and protect herself? Or would she risk her life to help save her people?
"For Such a Time as This"
Mordecai reminded Esther that perhaps she had come to her royal position for such a time as this.
Esther decided to act.
But she didn't rush into the king's presence. Instead, she asked the Jewish people to fast, and she and her servants fasted as well. Then Esther prepared to go before the king.
She knew she was taking a great risk. Esther went before the king and he extended his golden scepter to her.
She was safe.
Now Esther could begin the work of asking the king to save her people.
Esther's Wisdom and Courage
Esther didn't simply tell the king everything at once. She invited the king and Haman to a banquet.
Then she invited them to another banquet. At the second banquet, Esther finally revealed the danger.
"My people and I are sold, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." Esther 7:4
The king asked who was responsible. Esther pointed to Haman. The king's response changed everything.
Haman's plan to destroy the Jewish people was stopped, and the king gave the Jewish people permission to defend themselves.
God had used Esther's position, courage, wisdom, and willingness to act to help save His people.
Esther's Legacy
Esther became known for more than becoming a queen.
She is remembered for courageously going before the king at the risk of her own life and helping save the Jewish people living in exile throughout ancient Persia. The events of her story also became the foundation for the Jewish celebration of Purim.
One of the beautiful things about Esther's story is that she wasn't a powerful warrior or a famous leader when her story began.
She was simply Esther! A young Jewish woman who found herself in an unexpected place at an important moment.
And when the moment came, she chose courage.
What Can We Learn From Esther?
Esther's story gives us plenty to talk about with our children.
Courage doesn't mean you aren't afraid. Esther knew that approaching the king could cost her life. She acted even though she understood the danger.
God can use us wherever He places us. Esther was living in a foreign land and serving as queen of Persia. She may not have understood why she was there, but God used her circumstances.
Doing the right thing sometimes requires a difficult choice. Esther could have remained quiet. Instead, she chose to speak up for her people.
And perhaps one of the biggest questions Esther's story leaves us with is this:
What has God placed in your life that He might use for His purposes?
Esther's story reminds us that we don't always see the whole picture.
Sometimes we simply have to be faithful with the opportunity God has placed in front of us.
Esther at a Glance
- Hebrew name: Hadassah
- Name meaning: Esther—"star"; Hadassah—"myrtle tree"
- Husband: King Ahasuerus
- Relative: Mordecai, her cousin
- Home: Shushan, Persia
- Known for: Becoming queen, courageously approaching the king, helping save the Jewish people, and beginning the celebration of Purim
- Where to read her story: The Book of Esther
The story of Esther isn't just about a queen. It's about a young woman who found herself in a difficult situation and chose courage when her people needed her.
And that makes Esther a wonderful Bible story to share with our children.
