Esther — Chapters

King Ahasuerus holds lavish feasts and commands Queen Vashti to appear before him; she refuses, prompting a decree that forbids her from ever appearing before the king again.

Esther 2 tells of King Ahasuerus appointing a new queen after Vashti, introduces Mordecai and his orphaned daughter Esther, and records Esther’s ascent to queenship and a subsequent conspiracy against the king.

In Esther chapter 3, the king elevates Haman, who, enraged by Mordecai’s refusal to bow, devises a decree to annihilate all Jews. The decree is signed, mailed to every province, and the city of Shushan is left in distress.

Mordecai mourns the impending doom for the Jews, Esther learns of the decree, and with Mordecai’s counsel she prepares to risk approaching the king to save her people.

Esther summons King Ahasuerus and Haman to a banquet, prompting Haman’s fury over Mordecai and leading to a plot to hang him.

The king discovers Haman’s plot to kill Mordecai, and Haman’s own plan to honor Mordecai backfires, leading to his humiliation and doom.

King Ahasuerus confronts Haman at a banquet after Queen Esther’s daring plea, leading to Haman’s execution on the gallows he built for Mordecai.

The king grants Esther the house of Haman and orders the reversal of Haman’s decree, leading to the Jews’ deliverance and a widespread celebration.

In Esther 9 the Jews defeat Haman’s sons, the king orders their execution, and the Jews celebrate their deliverance by establishing the festival of Purim.

Chapter 10 records King Ahasuerus rewarding Mordecai with tribute and praising his leadership and kindness to his people.