Saturday, March 5, 2016

Esther-Mordecai's News

By Mary Vee
Esther 2


From Esther's Journal



My name is Hadassah. I am also called Esther. 

I was very surprised to be chosen as queen. I don't really understand all that has happened in my life. What I have done was learn to ask questions and be kind to those who can show me what to do.

I went out to the women's quarters with the other women. Mordecai, who has been my guardian since my parents died sat with other men discussing topics. 

He saw me and signaled for me to come close. I obeyed and went to him. 

"Esther," his eyes were concerned, maybe troubled about something. "Listen carefully.  I have heard two of the king's officers talking. They stood duty by the gate only a short time ago. Apparently they are very angry with something the king has done. They made a plan to assassinate the king. There names are Bigthana and Teresh. You must report this to the king right away. Go now!"

I did as he said and rushed into the palace. Hegai stood in the corridor. Good, he was a man I could trust. "Hegai, I must speak to the king. I have urgent news."

He bowed to me. I didn't know if I'd ever get used to that. "Yes, my queen. Follow me."

We walked through the corridors leading to the king's chambers. Two guards opened the door. 

King Xerxes looked up from his work and saw me. A smile spread and his whole face brightened. "Esther. Come. Come in."

The guards escorted me to the king. I bowed as I had been taught.

"What can I do for you, Esther?"

"I come with news."

"Go ahead. Tell me this news."

My uncle often sits at the gate and discusses topics with the men of the city. While there this morning, he overheard two of the king's officials plotting an assassination of the king."

He sat up straight, no longer with a look of amusement on his face. "Who were these officers?"

"My uncle said their names are Bigthana and Teresh."

The guard standing near me eyed the king. "I'll take care of it, my king, and bring a report."

King Xerxes touched my chin. "Stand. Your loyalty and service once again proves why you should be queen. What is your uncle's name?"

"His name is Mordecai." 

"When you see your uncle again, give him my thanks."

"Yes, your majesty." The guard escorted me out of the king's room.

Two days later a report was given to the king, confirming Bigthana and Teresh's devious plot. 

Hegai knocked on my door. "I thought you'd like to know that Bigthana and Teresh have been found guilty and were hung on the gallows this morning. The event has been recorded in the king's chronicles. You have done well, my queen. I must say, I'm not in the least surprised."

My uncle had saved the life of the king. Maybe I was made queen for this occasion. The news might not have reached the king in time. I asked my maids to leave me. Then I kneeled and praised God for his goodness.

...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  


1. Who is Mordecai?
2. Why did he want to speak with Esther?
3. What did Esther do with the news?
4. Whom were the accused?
5. How did the king respond?
6. What did the report say?
7. What happened to the accused?
8. What did Esther do after she heard the news?


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