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Esther Facts & Worksheets

Esther is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Esther. She is a Jewish queen of Persia who played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.

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Esther is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Esther. She is a Jewish queen of Persia who played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.

See the fact file below for more information on Esther, or you can download our 25-page Esther worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE OF ESTHER

  • Esther was a Jewish woman whose Hebrew name was Hadassah. She was orphaned at a young age and was raised by her cousin Mordecai. 
  • The Book of Esther does not mention her parents or provide much information about her family background.
  • Esther and Mordecai were part of the Jewish community living in the Persian Empire. It is believed that they were descendants of Jews who had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon and later settled in Persia. They resided in the city of Susa, which was the capital of the Persian Empire at that time.
  • Esther’s beauty is emphasized in the biblical account. It is mentioned that she was “lovely in form and beautiful” (Esther 2:7). 
  • When King Ahasuerus sought a new queen after deposing Vashti, Esther was among the young women selected to participate in a beauty pageant organized by the king. 
  • She caught the attention of the king and won his favor, ultimately becoming the new queen.
  • Before becoming queen, Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret, following Mordecai’s advice. 
  • This decision becomes significant later in the story when she must reveal her heritage to the king in order to save her people.

QUEEN ESTHER SAVING HER PEOPLE

  • After Esther became queen, a high-ranking official named Haman rose to power in the Persian Empire. Haman harbored a deep hatred for the Jews and convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree ordering the annihilation of all the Jews throughout the empire on a specific day chosen by casting lots (Purim).
  • When Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, learned of the decree, he urged Esther to approach the king and plead for the salvation of her people. However, approaching the king without being summoned was a risky act that could result in death, even for the queen.
  • Initially hesitant, Esther was eventually persuaded by Mordecai and the urgency of the situation. 
  • She asked Mordecai and the Jews in Susa to fast for three days, seeking divine guidance and protection. Afterward, Esther bravely decided to approach the king, stating, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
  • Esther prepared a banquet for the king and invited him and Haman. During the banquet, the king asked Esther what she desired, promising to grant her request even up to half his kingdom. 
  • Instead of revealing her request immediately, Esther invited the king and Haman to a second banquet the following day.
  • During the second banquet, as the tension mounted, Esther finally revealed her request. She informed the king that she and her people had been sold for destruction, and she pleaded for their lives. Esther pointedly accused Haman of being the instigator of the plot to annihilate the Jews.
  • King Ahasuerus was outraged by the revelation and the betrayal of his trust by Haman. In a turn of events, the king ordered Haman to be executed on the very gallows that Haman had prepared for Mordecai.
  • Although Haman was gone, the king’s decree to annihilate the Jews remained in effect, as Persian laws could not be easily reversed. 
  • However, the king issued a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies on the appointed day.
  • With this new decree, the Jews were able to fight back and protect themselves against those who sought to harm them.
  • They emerged victorious, and the day of their deliverance became a joyous celebration known as the festival of Purim, which is still celebrated by Jews today.
  • Esther’s bravery, strategic planning, and willingness to risk her own life for her people played a critical role in saving the Jews from destruction. Her story stands as a testament to courage, faith, and the power of standing up for what is right.

VALUES LEARNED FROM THE STORY

  • Courage in the face of adversity: Esther’s story teaches us about the power of courage. Despite the risks involved, Esther found the strength to approach the king and plead for the lives of her people. 
  • Her courage inspires us to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
  • The importance of timing and patience: Esther’s decision to fast and wait for the right moment before approaching the king demonstrates the significance of timing and patience. 
  • Sometimes, we need to wait for the right opportunity to act, and rushing into a situation can be counterproductive. Esther’s story reminds us to exercise patience and discernment in our actions.
  • The influence of an individual: Esther’s influence as queen had a significant impact on the fate of her people.
  • Her position allowed her to speak directly to the king and advocate for the Jews. This highlights the potential influence each of us can have in our own spheres of influence. It encourages us to use our positions, no matter how big or small, to make a positive difference.
  • The power of unity and community support: When Esther asked Mordecai and the Jews to fast and pray for three days, it showcased the power of unity and community support. 
  • Together, they sought divine intervention and support. The story teaches us the strength that comes from supporting and standing with one another in times of need.
  • Divine providence and faith: The story of Esther is often seen as an example of divine providence, where God’s hand can be seen orchestrating events for the good of His people. 
  • It reinforces the importance of faith and trust in a higher power, even when circumstances seem dire. Esther’s faith and reliance on God’s guidance serve as an inspiration for us to trust in something greater than ourselves.

POPULAR CULTURE

  • The story of Queen Esther has had a significant influence on popular culture, inspiring various adaptations and references in literature, film, theater, and music. Here are a few examples of Queen Esther’s presence in popular culture:
  • Literature: Queen Esther’s story has been retold and referenced in numerous works of literature. For example, “Hadassah: One Night with the King” by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen is a novel that expands on the story of Esther.
  • Additionally, Queen Esther appears in T.S. Eliot‘s poem “A Song for Simeon,” and she is mentioned in other literary works exploring themes of bravery and female empowerment.
  • Film and Television: The story of Queen Esther has been adapted into various films and television productions. One notable example is the 2006 film “One Night with the King,” which is based on the novel mentioned earlier. 
  • The film depicts the events surrounding Esther becoming queen and her efforts to save her people. Additionally, Queen Esther has been featured in various Bible-based miniseries and television programs.
  • Theater: Queen Esther’s story has been adapted for the stage as well. Musicals like “Esther: A New Musical” and “Queen Esther’s Dilemma” have brought her story to life, exploring themes of faith, courage, and leadership. The character of Esther has also been portrayed in biblical-themed plays and dramatic interpretations.
  • Art and Music: Queen Esther has been a subject of artistic representation and inspiration. Paintings, sculptures, and illustrations depicting Esther and her role in saving the Jews can be found in various art collections. 
  • In music, the story of Esther has been the basis for compositions such as Handel’s oratorio “Esther” and other musical works inspired by her story.
  • Fashion and Costumes: Queen Esther’s attire and fashion sense have influenced costume designs and fashion trends. Her iconic royal robes and jewelry have been recreated and used as inspiration for various costumes, particularly in theatrical and cultural events.
  • Overall, Queen Esther’s story continues to captivate and resonate with audiences across different forms of media. 

Esther Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Esther across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Esther. Esther is a Jewish queen of Persia who played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Esther (Bible) Facts
  2. The Beautiful Queen
  3. Time to Save
  4. The Cost of Disobedience
  5. Beauty Standards
  6. Beauty Standards Today
  7. Beautiful You!
  8. Inner Beauty
  9. Finding Beauty
  10. Beautiful Quotes
  11. Beautiful Views

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Esther in the Bible?

Esther is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Esther. She was a Jewish queen of Persia and the wife of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). Her story revolves around her bravery and intervention to save the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them.

What is the main story of Esther in the Bible?

The main story of Esther revolves around her rise to become queen and her efforts to prevent the annihilation of the Jewish people. The villain of the story is Haman, an official in the Persian court who plans to kill all the Jews. With the help of her cousin Mordecai, Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the king and manages to save her people.

What is the significance of Esther’s actions in the Bible?

Esther’s actions are significant because she risked her own life to save the Jewish people. Despite the danger and the potential consequences, she approached the king uninvited, which was a capital offense. Her courage and resourcefulness are celebrated as an example of faith and bravery in the face of adversity.

How is Esther celebrated in Jewish tradition?

Esther is celebrated in the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther. During Purim, the story of Esther is read aloud, and people engage in festive activities such as wearing costumes, giving gifts, and sharing food. Esther is seen as a symbol of resilience, faith, and the power of individuals to make a difference.

What are some key lessons we can learn from the story of Esther?

The story of Esther teaches several important lessons. It emphasizes the importance of courage, even in difficult circumstances. It highlights the significance of taking action to stand up for what is right, even when it involves personal risk. Additionally, the story underscores the theme of divine providence, as Esther’s actions are believed to be guided by God’s unseen hand.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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