The Book of Esther

Speaker: Holly Goddard
Length: 3 Parts

Stories really capture our attention when someone is in the middle of a situation where they face a difficult choice. Will they choose what’s best for themselves, or will they choose what’s best for someone else? True heroes always choose the latter.

In the story of Esther, we read about a young woman who faced that very choice. And in her case, thousands of lives hung in the balance. Her story inspires us to respond with courage in the face of fear.

Part 1: From Orphan to Queen

Around 500 BC in the vast Persian Empire, King Xerxes had his queen banished due to a perceived act of disrespect. This opened the door to a nationwide search for a new queen. The crown would fall on the most unlikely candidate—a young Jewish woman named Esther.

Part 2: A Threat and a Dilemma

A powerful official named Haman manipulates the king into authorizing a plan to eliminate all Jews living in the region. With her people’s fate in her hands, Esther has a difficult choice to make with potentially costly consequences.

Part 3: The Reversal of Fortunes

After a dramatic twist of events, Haman unknowingly sets up his own downfall and Esther exposes him as the enemy. But was it too late? Once an edict was delivered, it couldn’t be reversed. The story unfolds in a way that warrants Jews to this day to hold an annual celebration of remembrance.