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Esther

Living in Susa with Mordecai

EST.2.5-7

{Now} in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name {was} Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;

Events

Esther before the kingEST 5:2

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Updated on August 15, 2026

Esther

Esther was a young Jewish orphan who became Queen of Persia. With courage, she risked her life to save her people from Haman's plot of genocide. Her story is celebrated during the feast of Purim.

Read the full story of Esther

Journey Timeline

Orphaned and Raised by Mordecaic. 490 BC
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Esther, a Jewish orphan whose Hebrew name was Hadassah, is raised by her cousin Mordecai in the Persian capital of Susa after her parents died. Mordecai becomes like a father to her.
EST 2:5-7
Queen Vashti Deposedc. 483 BC
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During a lavish banquet, King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) commands Queen Vashti to appear before his guests. When she refuses, the king deposes her, creating a vacancy for a new queen.
EST 1:10-22
Taken to the Palacec. 479 BC
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Esther is among the beautiful young virgins gathered throughout the empire as candidates to become the new queen. She undergoes twelve months of beauty treatments before meeting the king.
EST 2:8-12
Chosen as Queenc. 478 BC
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The king loves Esther more than all the other women. He sets the royal crown upon her head and makes her queen instead of Vashti. She does not reveal her Jewish identity, as Mordecai instructed.
EST 2:15-20
Mordecai Saves the Kingc. 478 BC
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Mordecai uncovers a plot by two royal officials to assassinate King Xerxes. He reports it through Esther, and the conspirators are executed. The event is recorded in the royal chronicles.
EST 2:21-23
Haman's Plotc. 474 BC
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Haman, elevated to highest position under the king, demands that all bow to him. Mordecai refuses. Enraged, Haman plots to destroy not just Mordecai but all Jews throughout the empire.
EST 3:1-6
Decree of Deathc. 474 BC
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Haman persuades the king to issue an irrevocable decree authorizing the destruction of all Jews on a specific day. Couriers carry the edict throughout the empire. Mordecai mourns in sackcloth.
EST 3:7-4:3
For Such a Time as Thisc. 474 BC
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Mordecai urges Esther to intercede with the king. When she hesitates, he speaks the famous words: 'Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' She agrees to approach the king unsummoned, risking death.
EST 4:4-17
The Banquetsc. 474 BC
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Esther approaches the king and finds favor. She invites him and Haman to two banquets. Meanwhile, Haman builds a gallows to hang Mordecai, but that night the king discovers Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty.
EST 5:1-6:11
Haman's Downfallc. 474 BC
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At the second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot against her people. The king is furious. Haman is hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordecai.
EST 7:1-10
The Jews Deliveredc. 473 BC
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Though Persian law prevents revoking the first decree, the king issues a new edict allowing Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, the Jews triumph over their enemies throughout the empire.
EST 8:1-9:17
Feast of Purim Establishedc. 473 BC
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Mordecai and Esther establish the feast of Purim to commemorate their deliverance. The name comes from 'pur' (lot), which Haman cast to determine the date of destruction. This feast is still celebrated by Jews today.
EST 9:18-32