Esther was a young Jewish woman who, though orphaned as a child, saved her people from destruction in the Persian empire. When king Xerxes (Ahasuerus) banishes his wife for dishonoring him before his guests, he holds a beauty contest to choose a new bride. Esther, who is under the care of her cousin Mordecai and manages to keep her Hebrew identity a secret, captures the king’s heart and is chosen for her grace and beauty. One day, Mordecai refuses to bow before Haman, one of the King’s court officials, who then in his wrath puts forth a decree that all Israelites should be put to death. Esther knows that even as queen it was punishable by death to approach the king without being summoned. She bravely does so and reveals her Jewish identity and Haman’s vicious plot. The king, enraged by Haman’s treachery, has him executed on the very gallows he had built to kill Esther’s people. The king himself then decrees that the Israelites are allowed to defend themselves, and they ultimately manage to be victorious over their persecutors. Esther’s bravery and the king’s love for her becomes the people’s salvation. Esther is a “type” of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her story foreshadows that of Our Lady, who constantly intercedes for us, her children, before the throne of her son the King, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Esther 2:5–7 Introduction to Esther (Hadassah), her Jewish heritage, and Mordecai’s guardianship.
Esther 2:8–18 Esther is taken to the king’s palace and eventually chosen as queen.
Esther 2:17 Esther wins favor and is crowned queen.
Esther 2:20 She keeps her Jewish identity secret as Mordecai advised.
Esther 3:1–6 Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman; Haman plots against the Jews.
Esther 3:8–15 The decree to destroy the Jews is issued.
Esther 4:13–14 Mordecai’s famous words: “Who knows if you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:15–17 – Esther calls for a three-day fast and resolves to approach the king.
Esther 5:1–8 Esther approaches the king and invites him and Haman to two banquets.
Esther 7:1–6 Esther reveals her identity and Haman’s plot.
Esther 7:7–10 Haman is executed on the gallows he built for Mordecai.
Esther 8:3–17 Esther and Mordecai secure a new decree allowing Jews to defend themselves.
Esther 9:20–32 The institution of Purim as a lasting celebration.
Patron of:
Courage and Advocacy
Feast Day:
July 1
Illustration by: Colton Rompala