The Old Testament contains stories of many remarkable women whose lives have inspired other women throughout the ages. Out of all the stories about these amazing women, one that has captivated the hearts of many is the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who became the Queen of Persia.

Queen Esther is better known for her willingness to sacrifice her life to save her people. At a time when the Jewish people in the Persian Empire were in great peril of being destroyed, a humble Jewish woman was chosen by Ahasuerus to become his wife and the queen of Persia. Esther’s story resembles a good story of love and romance.

Queen Esther
Edwin Long (1878)

When the Persian officials sought a woman throughout the Persian Empire to be the new wife of the Persian king, Esther was chosen. After a long time of preparation and training, Esther and the other women selected to become Ahasuerus’ wife, prepared to meet the king; and then out of all the beautiful women, the king chose Esther, a Jewish woman.

Esther’s story is a story of beauty, romance, and triumph, but Esther’s story is much more important than love and romance. Esther’s story is a story of survival. Esther’s story is about a woman who chose true character and wisdom despite the difficult circumstances surrounding her.

When Haman devised a plan to kill all the Jews in the Persian empire, Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, told Esther to go before the king and intercede for her people. Esther was concerned for her life because it was against Persian law to come before the king without being summoned by him.

Mordecai told Esther, “Who knows? Perhaps you have attained to royal position for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Although Esther was not called by the king to come before him, she decided to go, even if her decision would cost her life, “I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

Jeff Griffin, the Senior Pastor of The Compass Church has preached a series of sermons on Esther. The posts below are based on Jeff’s sermons on the life of this remarkable Jewish woman.

Studies on Esther

Esther: For Such a Time as This

The Royal City of Susa

Esther: For Such a Time as This: “God’s Grace”

Esther: For Such a Time as This – Our Mission

Esther: For Such a Time as This – “Our Nightmare”

Esther: For Such a Time as This – “Our Decision”

Esther: For Such a Time as This – “God’s Justice”

Other Studies on Esther

The Tomb of Esther and Mordecai

Jim West on Mordecai

The Book of Esther and the Computer Virus

Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

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