The Book of Esther: Summarized

 

King Ahasuerus throws a 187 day party during which Queen Vashti is deposed for refusing to come at the king’s command. Esther, who was raised by her cousin Mordecai, is selected as the next queen.

 

Haman, the newly promoted second-in-command, enacts a plan to destroy all of the Jews because Mordecai refuses to bow to him. Queen Esther agrees to Mordecai’s request to speak to the king on behalf of the Jews. 

 

Queen Esther risks her life to seek an audience with the King to invite him and Haman to a banquet. During the second banquet, Esther makes her request, Haman is killed, and Mordecai is elevated to second-in-command.

 

Queen Esther and Mordecai lead the Jews to victory over their enemies, and the Jewish holiday of Purim is established.

 

 

Glossary of Characters

 

Ahasuerus (Xerxes): King of Persia, ruling over 127 provinces

 

Vashti: The first Queen of Ahasuerus; deposed for refusing to come at the king’s command, which sets the stage for Esther’s rise.

 

Mordecai: Esther’s older cousin and adoptive father; refuses to bow to Haman.

 

Esther (Hadassah): The protagonist and hero of the story. She is a Jewish orphan chosen to be Queen of Persia

 

Haman: The chief antagonist and high-ranking official who enacts a plan to destroy the Jews because Mordecai refuses to bow to him.

 

Hegai: Eunuch in charge of the women’s harem and Esther’s preparation.

 

Hathach: Queen Esther’s eunuch and primary messenger.