How Esther Saved the Jews
King Xerxes ruled the vast Persian Empire. After Queen Vashti was removed from her position, the king searched for a new queen. Among the young women brought before him was Esther, a Jewish orphan who lived with her cousin Mordecai. Following Mordecais advice, Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret. Xerxes was pleased with Esther and chose her to become queen.
Later, Mordecai discovered a plot to assassinate the king. He informed Esther, who passed the warning to Xerxes, and the kings life was saved.
At that time, Haman served as the kings highest official. He became angry because Mordecai refused to bow before him. Seeking revenge, Haman convinced the king to approve a decree that would destroy all the Jewish people in the empire.
When Esther learned of the danger, she courageously invited King Xerxes and Haman to a special banquet. During the feast, Esther revealed that she was Jewish and pleaded for her life and the lives of her people. Xerxes was shocked and furious when he learned of Hamans plan.
Haman begged Esther for mercy, but the king ordered that he be punished. Mordecai was promoted to a position of great honor, and the Jewish people were saved from destruction.
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BIble verse
NIV
"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" — Esther 4:14 (NIV)
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Questions & Answers (QA)
1. Who ruled the Persian Empire?
2. Who was Esthers cousin?
3. What did Mordecai tell Esther to keep secret?
4. Who became queen?
5. What plot did Mordecai discover?
6. Who was the kings prime minister?
7. Why was Haman angry with Mordecai?
8. What did Haman plan to do?
9. How did Esther help her people?
10. What happened to Mordecai afterward?
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