Esther- The New Queen Is Chosen

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

My name is Hadassah. I am also called Esther. 

I have lived in the women's quarters of the king's palace for ten months. During this time I was given special lotions, hair treatments, palace food, clothing, and lessons on how to behave in front of a king as was many other girls.

I asked the king's servant, Hegai to choose what special item I should bring when I went before the king. 

I was escorted to the King's chambers and followed the instructions I had been given. I stood in my place until the king invited me to walk toward him.

He smiled.

I was honored to please him.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"My name is Esther." I had been told that this was the name to say.

His eyes brightened and he appeared happy. "Esther, you are the loveliest woman I have seen, more than any other woman who has appeared before me."

He turned to his servants. "I want to see no more women. I have made my choice. Esther pleases me more than any other woman. She will be my queen."

"Come here, Esther."

I obeyed then bowed.

"You, Esther, are hereby appointed queen in Vashti's place. In your honor I will give a great banquet, Esther's banquet. I will invite all my nobles and officials."

He turned to his advisors. "Call the scribe. I am proclaiming a holiday throughout the provinces in honor of Queen Esther. Presents are to be given to all. Do not hold anything back. Queen Esther is to be honored in all the land."

All the women who had lived in the women's quarters of the king's palace gathered together into court by the gate. 

I need to say that I had followed my uncle's instructions to not tell anyone about my family background. He had always watched out for my welfare. Of course I did as he said.

At the same time that the women gathered, my uncle Mordecai sat at the king's gate. Two guards, Bigthana and Teresh, became angry about something the king had done. They made plans to assassinate King Xerxes. Uncle Mordecai heard the entire plan and waited for the right time to speak to me.

He saw me a little while later and waved. I went to him. 

"Esther, my daughter, I have heard two men plotting to assassinate the king, their names are Bigthana and Teresh. You must get word to the king right away."


...come back next time to read what happened.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Did the king see all the women who were schedule to appear in his chamber?
2. Which woman did King Xerxes choose to be the new queen?
3. What did the king do first for the winner?
4. What did the king set aside for the whole nation?
5. What kind of gifts did the king give and to whom?
6. Where was Mordecai sitting?
7. What did he hear?
8. Who did he tell?
9. What instructions did Mordecai give?