By Mary Vee
Esther 2
From Mordecai's Journal
My name is Mordecai. I have taken care of Hadassah as a daughter ever since her parents died. Just so you know I sometimes called her Esther as well.
Even though many Hebrews from Judah were taken here as slaves, God has blessed us. I was able to provide a nice home and food for both Esther and myself.
You may have heard that the king banished his wife, Queen Vashti, from the kingdom and is in the process of selecting a new queen. All the unmarried women were required to go to a selection where some were then chosen to go to the palace. From these women, the king would choose a new queen.
Esther cried when she told me the news. Since the order to appear before the commissioner was an edict by the king, she had to go. I saw in her eyes she really didn't want to go. The poor thing was afraid. But I knew she'd been trained in the proper and expected manners of a young woman. And, to tell the truth, she was beautiful.
Knowing the great punishment for refusing to obey the edict, I encouraged her. I told her God would always be by her side and protect her. She looked at me, not convinced. "Esther, you will do fine. If you are sent home then God has spoken. If you are chosen to be the new queen, then--God has spoken. You will only be happy by obeying what God asks you to do."
I hugged her. "One instruction I will give you before you go. Don't let anyone know who your people or family are. Trust me. This is for the best. Now, you know I spend time at the city gate everyday. I will keep watch. If you need anything, send word to me."
She nodded "I will, Uncle Mordecai."
After she left, I became concerned for her welfare. Not upset. God would care for her. But I also knew in my heart that I had been given charge of her welfare. So I prayed. "Almighty God, please protect Esther in the palace. Give her the words to say. Let her meet the right people who will not harm her. Take care of my girl."
Even with the prayer I couldn't allow myself to be irresponsible. I went to the court of women's quarters everyday and asked the maids and servants who came outside, "How is Esther. Is she well? Is she happy?"
The servants gave the same response every time "She is well and seems happy. The man in charge of all the young women's care, Hegai, has been very pleased with her answers and manners. He gave her the best room and the most honored maids. She has been given the most attention over all the others." Then each servant leaned close and whispered, "I can see why. She is kind and respectful. She never imposes her own way, but asks the opinion of those who have worked in the palace."
I was so happy to hear these reports. Still, I went to the court of women's quarters every day and kept checking on her. For one full year, while she completed all the required preparations, I did this everyday.
I don't know why God has allowed this situation. I am a bit curious. I am also confident whatever is to come, God will care for us.
...come back next time to read what happened next.
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sources: New International Version, New King James Version
1. Who is Mordecai
2. What did he encourage Esther to do? Why?
3. What special instruction did he give her?
4. After she left, what did he do?Why?
By Mary Vee
Esther 2
From Esther's Journal
My name is Hadassah. I lived with my uncle Mordecai, until yesterday. We had a nice little home in a place called Susa. He'd taken care of me ever since my parents died. We are Jews and slaves in a land not our home.
I miss my home and Mordecai already.
The commissioner chose me and other girls then took us to the palace. The other girls laughed and mocked those not chosen. I couldn't join them. Their words were so cruel.
The selected girls rode in the king's chariot to the gate. The magnificent door opened. I hardly knew what to say. Never in my life had I seen such wealth.
This gate was a meeting place for the wise and wealthy men of the city. Although my uncle Mordecai was not wealthy, he was very wise. He sat with these men and discussed many topics.
I leaned forward, searching the faces for him. He stood and smiled. The very gesture I needed to comfort me. I smiled back.
The carriage took us to the palace entrance. One of many, I later learned. This entrance led to the rooms where we would live. We followed our guide up stairs and down a corridor. The doors opened.
A large room stocked with beautiful dresses, scarves, jewelry, shoes, makeup, anything I imagined a princess would want.
A man named Hegai introduced himself to us. "You are one group of girls who will be presented to the king. Young women from the rest of King Xerxes empire will be arriving shortly. For now, look around and become familiar with what is available for you."
The girls broke into smaller groups. They ran like starved animals to the wardrobe and pawed at the dresses.
I wasn't shy or lonely. God had soothed my aching heart to return home. But, I didn't want to be like the other girls. In a way, I felt sorry for he king. I felt sorry for Mordecai having to live without my help. The only way I could show my desire to help and my gratefulness to Mordecai was to have a strong yet gracious spirit while here at the palace.
As I stood watching the girls, Hegai walked close to me. "What is your name?"
I gave a small curtsey and said, "Some call me Hadassah and some call me Esther. Whichever pleases you."
He smiled. "You have answered well. Would you like to look at what is available to you?"
"Everything here is lovely. I wouldn't know which would please the king the most and would appreciate your counsel."
"Another wise answer. Come with me. I will show you your maids."
The other girls were so busy holding dresses up to themselves and laughing they hadn't notice we left the room.
...come back next time to read what happened next.
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sources: New International Version
1. Where was Esther taken?
2. Who all went with her?
3. Who did she see at the gate?
4. Who was put in charge of these young women?
5. What did Esther do that impressed Hegai?
By Mary Vee
Esther 2
From Esther's Journal
My name is Hadassah. I lived with my uncle Mordecai, until yesterday. We had a nice little home in a place called Susa. He'd taken care of me ever since my parents died. We are Jews and slaves in a land not our home.
After breakfast, all of the unmarried girls of Xerxes empire were to meet with the commissioner in charge of their city.
I really didn't want to go, but Uncle Mordecai told me I had to obey the edict. So, there I stood with about a hundred other girls and young women at the center of the city.
The commissioner began his walk through the crowd of girls. If he pointed at a girl, he wanted her to go with him to the palace. If he didn't, she was to go home.
I looked toward the ground and kept to the back of the group. Other girls were excited to be noticed. They raised a hands to call the commissioner over to them. They giggled and did their best to get his attention.
The commissioner didn't seem impressed by these things. I hoped looking toward the ground would get him to overlook me. The girls in the front of the crowd had been categorized. Those who stayed and those who went to the palace. He moved closer to me.
My heart pounded. Please pass me by. Please let me go home.
I saw his sandals move closer to me. He didn't say a word to the girls, but I heard their responses. "Oh, please just give me a chance. I'll do whatever it takes. I'll change my hair, wear a different dress. Please!"
He ignored their pleadings.
Then he stopped in front of me. He set his hand under my chin and raised my head. He smiled. "You're going to the palace."
Why the Almighty wanted me to go, I don't know. Uncle Mordecai depended on me to make his meals and keep his house clean. I swallowed and nodded. The commissioner pointed to where he wanted me to stand then he finished his work.
When he reached the end of the line he announced, "If I have not chosen you to go to the palace you are to return to your homes."
The girls standing around me huddled and laughed. Joy and pride beamed from their hearts. They had been selected. I stood to the side and looked at the flowers. So beautiful. So graceful and soft. I touched the petals and smelled their scents. This is how I wanted to please the Almighty. Even if it meant going to the palace.
...come back next time to read what happened next.
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sources: New International Version
1. Why did the girls gather in the center of the city?
2. Why did the commissioner choose some girls and not others?
3. Why did Hadassah stay in the back of the line?
4. What did the commissioner say to her?
5. Did Hadassah tell the commissioner that she was a Hebrew?
By Mary Vee
Esther 2
From Esther's Journal
My name is Hadassah. I live with my uncle Mordecai in a place called Susa and have ever since my parents died. We are Jews and slaves in a land not our home.
King Xerxes issued an edict calling for all young unmarried girls to come to the castle.
The herald told us to meet in the center of town by the flowers the next morning.
Of course everyone heard the news. At dinner time I called my uncle to the table and served the food.
"Uncle, I really don't want to go. Couldn't I just hide here in the house?"
"Hadassah. You are such a lovely girl. You know why the king has made this edict, right?"
I sat at the table with him. "Everyone has heard what Queen Vashti did."
"Yes. The king was very embarrassed. He showed his strength and power to his guests by banishing her after she refused to obey his order."
"But why do all the unmarried girls have to go? What if we dreamed of having a husband one day?"
He put his hand on mine. "Hadassah, the Almighty is in control. Nothing will happen that doesn't have His approval. I want you to be at the meeting place tomorrow as the edict ordered."
I looked down at my plate. I would never disobey my uncle. He has been a good father for me. "All right, Uncle. I'll go as you asked."
The next morning the sun rose and the chickens squawked. I suddenly remembered the meeting. After getting dressed and making breakfast, I grabbed my shaw.
"Hadassah." Uncle Mordecai walked to me with his arms open wide and gave me a hug. "Remember, my daughter, the Almighty is watching over you. Do as you are instructed to honor the king. This will please the Almighty."
"I will." I looked at my home once again, not sure when or if I would be able to come back. "Good bye." I opened the door and looked back at Uncle Mordecai once again. He smiled. That was the picture of him I would hold close in my mind whenever I felt lonely.
As I stepped out to the road, several other girls walked in a group toward the center of the city. I let most of them pass to be in the back of the crowd.
A circle of flowers surrounded by benches formed the very center. The commissioner stood on one side and motioned the girls to gather close by.
I really hoped that by standing in the back, I would not be chosen.
...come back next time to read what happened next.
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sources: New International Version
1. What did Mordecai ask Hadassah to do?
2. Who was she suppose to meet?
3. Who all was invited?
4. Why were they suppose to go to the meeting?
5. Would all the girls go?
By Mary Vee
Esther 1
From Esther's Journal
My name is Hadassah. I live with my uncle Mordecai in a place called Susa and have ever since my parents died. We are Jews and are from the tribe of Benjamin.
My uncle had been among those taken as slaves from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. We still live in the Babylon area.
I call Mordecai my uncle, but he is also my cousin. Now that I am telling the whole story, some people also call me Esther.
We lived a simple life. One that I enjoyed. My uncle was a good dad to me and always loved me. He told me so many times what a lovely girl I was. I didn't feel that way, but I was happy he thought so.
News traveled rather quickly in our city, especially if something happened to the king or queen. When I fetched water this morning I heard the king and queen had a problem. A huge problem.
The king's name was Xerxes. He was not a king of Jerusalem, a Hebrew like us. He was the king in this Babylonian area. Xerxes ruled over 127 provinces that reached as far east as India and as far southwest as Cush in Egypt. The king lived here in Susa.
During the third year of his reign, Xerxes gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. Even the military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces came.
This banquet lasted 180 days! Really! Xerxes showed off his wealth and power to all who were there. Then when the 180 days ended he held another banquet in his private garden on the palace grounds. This one lasted seven days and everyone from the least to the greatest was invited.
The gardens had white and blue linen hanging and fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold an silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pear and other costly stones. Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine never ran out, which the king had ordered. They say it was a spectacular sight.
The king commanded each guest to be allowed to drink whatever he wanted.
At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
On the seventh day, Xerxes was in high spirits from the wine. He commanded the seven men who served him to bring Queen Vashti to his banquet. She was to wear her crown. He wanted everyone to see his beautiful wife.
But when the servants delivered King Xerxes command, Queen Vashti refused to come.
...come back next time to read what happened next.
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sources: New International Version
1. Who was Hadassah?
2. Who was Esther?
3. Why did Hadassah live with her uncle?
4. Why did they live in Babylon?
5. Who was the king?
6. Who was the queen?
7. Why did the king have a party that lasted 180 days?
