Esther, queen of Persia, became heroine to Jews

An orphan, Esther grew up in the house of her cousin Mordecai, a Jewish exile who was a high officer in the Persian government in Susa (or Sushan), where the king's winter palace was located. (Esth. 2:7.)

Mordecai's great-grandfather was carried away into Babylonian captivity with Jehoiachin, the prophet Ezekiel and many others some 120 years before the story of Esther took place. (Esth. 2:6.)Ahasuerus, the Persian king many scholars believe was also known as Xerxes, chose Esther to be his queen after Queen Vashti was banned from his presence for refusing to make an appearance at a royal feast. (Esth. 2:1-7.) Persian kings usually chose their wives from among the noblest Persian families. Ahasuerus did not know of Esther's Jewish lineage, and Esther, upon Mordecai's advice, did not reveal it. (Esth. 2:10.)

Haman, one of the king's chief men, hated Mordecai, and obtained a decree to put all Jews to death by a certain date. (Esth. 3:5-15.)

One of the most important moments in Jewish history came when, after Mordecai reminded Esther of her opportunity to use her favored position as queen, she appealed to the king to revoke the decree. (Esth. 4:13-14; 5:1-14.)

A king's decree, however, was irrevocable even by the king himself. (Esth. 8:8.) Through Esther's influence Ahsauerus issued a second decree, which greatly weakened the first: the Jews were notified of the impending day of extermination and were authorized to attack and destroy all enemies who should assault them on that day. Prepared for battle and able to defend themselves, the Jews in Persia were spared.

The Jews "smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword." (Esth. 9:5.) Haman was hanged "on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai" (Esth. 7:10) and his 10 sons were hanged. (Esth. 9:14.)

A day of feasting and gladness was held. (Esth. 9:17.) The Feast of Purim has been observed by many to the present time. On the night of the 14th day of Adar (March), many light candles, and some synagogue services are opened by a brief prayer followed by the reading of the book of Esther.

Throughout history, Esther has been regarded as a woman of piety, faith, courage and heroism because of her role in literally saving her people, the Jews, from execution.

(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.

Information compiled by Gerry Avant

Sources: My Neighbor, My Sister, My Friend, by Ardeth G. Kapp; Bible dictionary, 1979 LDS edition of King James Bible.

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