The book begins during the reign of King Ahasuerus. During the third year of his reign, he throws a feast for his princes and servants. He then throws a feast for the common people that dwell in the Palace of Shushan. On the seventh day of the feast, the King called for his wife, Queen Vashti, to come forth and show her beauty to his guests. The Queen refused. This enraged King Ahasuerus. He called upon his council for advice. The noblemen felt she did wrong by disrespecting her husband. They told the King he should give her position to another. A decree was drawn up stating the King was looking for a new Queen. It was then sent out to all the provinces.

King Ahasuerus made it known that he wanted a fair, beautiful, young virgin for himself. Appointed officers from the pro

vinces were instructed to bring the women to the palace. Hegai, the keeper of the women, would begin a purification process that would last twelve months. Mordecai brought one of the young maidens. Her name was Esther. Esther had no mother or father and Mordecai took her as his own daughter. Mordecai instructed Esther not to reveal her nationality and family to anyone. Esther obeyed. After six months of oil and myrrh and six months of sweet odours and other purification rituals, the maidens were ready to go before the King. Everyone was impressed with Esther, especially the King. He chose her to be the new Queen. A lavish banquet was given in her honor. Esther still remained faithful to Mordecai's request.

King Ahasuerus prospered throughout his life because he stood up for the Jews. Everyone held him in the highest regards because of all his kind acts towards the Jewish people.

On the day Haman's edict was to be carried out, the Jews stood together and no one conquered them because of the strength they maintained together. Other nationalities began to fear Mordecai, making him more powerful than ever. The Jews slaughtered five hundred men and Haman's ten sons. The king reported these results to Esther and asked if there was anything else he could grant her. She wanted the sons of Haman to be hanged on the gallows. On the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth day, they rested and feasted. The Jews decided to take one day each year for rest and feast. They called it Purim. They wanted this day to continue through all the generations. Mordecai recorded the events and sent letters to every Jew proclaiming they celebrate and give gifts to one another. Through Esther, God saved the Jewish nation from genocide. The celebration was Mordecai's way of thanking God for what he had done for them.

Again, at the banquet, the King questioned Esther of her purpose and promised that her wish be granted. Esther then told of the plans to kill the Jews and asked that her life be given instead. King Ahasuerus asked who had planned such an attack. Esther revealed that it was Haman. Furious, the King left to "cool o

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Approximate Word count = 1448
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)