Esther
“Star (from Persian 'setareh'); her Hebrew name Hadassah means 'myrtle'”
Summary
A Jewish orphan who became queen of Persia and saved her people from destruction through courage and wisdom, commemorated in the festival of Purim.
☩Background
Esther's Hebrew name was Hadassah ('myrtle'), but she received the Persian name Esther (perhaps meaning 'star' like Venus) upon entering the royal harem. She was an orphan of the tribe of Benjamin, raised by her cousin Mordecai who held a position in the Persian palace at Susa. When King Ahasuerus (probably Xerxes) divorced Queen Vashti, the most beautiful virgins from all provinces were brought to the palace, and the king chose Esther to be his new queen.
☩Saving Her People
When Haman the Agagite obtained a royal decree to destroy all Jews because Mordecai refused to bow to him, Esther faced a crisis that demanded extraordinary courage. Approaching the king unbidden could mean death, yet she resolved to intercede for her people, saying 'If I perish, I perish.' After fasting three days, she entered the king's presence and was graciously received. Through a series of banquets and carefully timed revelations, she exposed Haman's plot. Haman was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, and the Jews were permitted to defend themselves, resulting in their deliverance.
☩Legacy
The Jews commemorate their deliverance through Esther in the annual festival of Purim on the 14th and 15th of Adar. Esther's story displays her as a woman of clear judgment, magnificent self-control, and noble self-sacrifice—qualities that made her an instrument of divine providence for her people's salvation.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Esther," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Esther," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Esther," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.James Orr (ed.), "Esther," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).