📖 Esther: A Brave Queen
Esther is a young Jewish woman living in exile in Persia who becomes queen without anyone knowing her true identity. When the proud official Haman convinces the king to sign a decree to destroy the Jewish people, Esther's cousin Mordecai urges her to risk her life and speak up, reminding her that she may have been placed in the palace "for such a time as this." Esther fasts and prays, then approaches the king uninvited, a crime that could cost her life. Through two carefully planned banquets and a king's sleepless night, Haman's plot is exposed and turned back on him. The Jewish people are delivered, and the Feast of Purim is established to remember it. This unit teaches that God works behind the scenes, even when His name is never mentioned in the book, and that He can use anyone, even a young queen in a foreign palace, to protect His people and accomplish His purposes.
Queen Vashti Disobeys the King and Loses Her Crown
Esther 1
King Ahasuerus throws a huge party and commands Queen Vashti to show her beauty to the guests. When Queen Vashti refuses to come, the king becomes furious and removes her from the throne. This sets the stage for Esther to become queen and fulfill God's hidden plan.
View LessonEsther Keeps Her Jewish Identity Secret and Becomes Queen
Esther 2
King Xerxes of Persia chooses a new queen from the young women gathered in Susa. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, finds favor with everyone and is chosen as queen. Mordecai learns of a plot to kill the king and tells Esther, who warns the king. The king's life is saved, and God's hidden plan begins to unfold.
View LessonEsther Risks Her Own Life to Save All the Jews from Haman
Esther 3-4
King Xerxes promotes a wicked official named Haman. When Mordecai the Jew refuses to bow to him, Haman becomes enraged and plots to kill every Jew in the kingdom. Esther must risk her life by going to the king without being called, trusting God to deliver her people.
View LessonQueen Esther's Bold Request and Haman's Surprising Downfall
Esther 5-6
Queen Esther risks her life to approach King Xerxes who extends his gold scepter. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet but waits to ask. Haman builds a tall pole to hang Mordecai. God keeps the king awake and he reads about Mordecai saving him. The king makes Haman honor Mordecai instead.
View LessonQueen Esther's Courage at the Banquet That Saved Her People
Esther 7
Queen Esther holds a second banquet and bravely tells King Xerxes that Haman plans to destroy her and all her people. The king becomes furious, and Haman is hanged on his own gallows, while Mordecai is given Haman's position and ring. Kids learn that God is always in control and can turn evil plans around for good.
View LessonThe King Lets Mordecai Write a New Law to Save His People
Esther 8-9
King Xerxes gives Queen Esther and Mordecai the authority to write a new decree to save the Jews from destruction. The Jews defend themselves against their enemies, and God turns their sorrow into joy. They celebrate with feasting and establish the holiday of Purim to remember God's deliverance.
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