The story of Queen Esther is found in the biblical book of Esther, a book that does not explicitly mention God but shows God's providence in the events. The story takes place during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia.
Esther, a Jewish orphan girl, is raised by her cousin Mordecai in the city of Susa. Through a series of events, Esther becomes a candidate to replace Queen Vashti, who had been banished by the king for refusing to appear before him at a royal feast. Esther finds favor with King Xerxes, and he chooses her as the new queen without knowing her Jewish heritage.
Around this time, Haman, an ambitious and vengeful advisor to the king, rises to power. He becomes furious when Mordecai refuses to bow down to him, as Haman demanded everyone do. In his rage, Haman plots to exterminate all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He manipulates King Xerxes into issuing a decree to kill the Jews on a specific date chosen by casting lots (purim), which is how the festival of Purim got its name.
Mordecai learns of Haman's wicked plan and urges Esther to intervene with the king. At first, Esther hesitates, fearing for her life since approaching the king without being summoned could result in death. But Mordecai reminds her that her position as queen may have been divinely appointed to save her people, and if she remains silent, deliverance for the Jews will come from elsewhere, but she and her family will perish.
Esther decides to take the risk and approaches the king, finding favor once again. She invites the king and Haman to a series of banquets but does not reveal her request immediately. On the second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and pleads with the king to spare her people from Haman's evil plot.
Enraged by Haman's deception and audacity to harm Esther's people, King Xerxes orders Haman to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. However, the king's decree to exterminate the Jews remains in place because Persian laws could not be revoked.
So, with the king's permission, Mordecai drafts a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies on the appointed day of the massacre. On the day of the planned attack, the Jews rise up and successfully defend themselves against those who sought to destroy them. The Jews are saved, and the day is celebrated as the festival of Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people.
The book of Esther concludes with Mordecai becoming a high-ranking official in the Persian court, and Queen Esther's courage and faithfulness are celebrated throughout the generations as a testament to God's providence and protection of His people.
