Esther 10 records King Ahasuerus imposing tribute on the land and islands, and it notes that Mordecai's greatness and acts are written in the royal chronicles. It concludes by describing Mordecai as second to the king, great among the Jews, and devoted to the good and peace of his people.

Esther 9 describes the Jews defeating their enemies on the thirteenth of Adar, killing Haman's ten sons, and then establishing Purim as a yearly celebration. It also records Esther and Mordecai's letters to confirm the festival for all generations.

Esther 8 records the reversal of Haman's plot: the king gives his estate to Esther and promotes Mordecai, then permits a new decree allowing Jews to defend themselves. The chapter ends with the Jews experiencing light, gladness, joy, and honor, and many people becoming Jews out of fear.

Esther 7 records Esther's bold plea to King Ahasuerus to save her life and her people from Haman's destruction. The king, enraged, orders Haman hanged on the very gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai, and the king's wrath is pacified.

Esther 6 recounts the night the king cannot sleep, so he has the royal records read and discovers that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. When Haman arrives to request Mordecai's execution, the king instead orders Haman to publicly honor Mordecai, and Haman's household warns that his downfall is certain.

Esther approaches the king, finds favor, and invites him and Haman to a banquet, where she asks them to return the next day. Haman leaves joyful but is enraged by Mordecai's refusal to stand, and at his wife's suggestion, he builds a gallows for Mordecai.

Esther 4 recounts Mordecai's mourning over the decree to destroy the Jews and Esther's initial reluctance to approach the king without being summoned. After Mordecai warns her that silence means destruction, Esther calls for a fast and resolves to go to the king, accepting the risk.

Esther 3 recounts Haman's promotion and Mordecai's refusal to bow, which provokes Haman to plot the destruction of all Jews. King Ahasuerus authorizes the decree, and while he and Haman drink, the city of Susa is thrown into confusion.

Esther 2 recounts how a Jewish orphan named Esther is taken into the king's harem and eventually made queen, while her cousin Mordecai watches over her and later foils an assassination plot. The chapter sets the stage for the deliverance of God's people through quiet, providential events.

Esther 1 describes King Ahasuerus's extravagant banquet and Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before him, which leads to a royal decree that every man should rule his own house. The chapter sets the political and social backdrop for the rise of Esther.

Nehemiah 13 recounts Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem and his reforms to restore covenant faithfulness. He confronts mixed marriages, Sabbath violations, and the neglect of temple provisions, calling the people back to obedience.

Nehemiah 12 lists the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and those who served later, then describes the dedication of Jerusalem's wall with two great thanksgiving processions and the appointment of men to oversee temple offerings. The chapter emphasizes ordered worship, joyful celebration, and the people's commitment to support the priests and Levites.

Nehemiah 11 describes the resettlement of Jerusalem after the wall was rebuilt. It records the casting of lots to bring one in ten to live in the holy city, lists the leaders and families who moved there, and notes the remaining people in the towns of Judah and Benjamin.

Nehemiah 10 describes a written covenant sealed by Nehemiah, priests, Levites, and leaders, and joined by the rest of the people. They bind themselves with an oath to follow God's law, avoid intermarriage and Sabbath trade, and provide for the temple's ongoing worship through tithes and offerings.

Nehemiah 9 records a day of fasting, confession, and worship as the people separate from foreigners and hear the Law. The Levites lead a long prayer that recounts God's righteousness and Israel's repeated rebellion, ending with a covenant to obey.

Nehemiah 7 describes the completion of Jerusalem's wall, the appointment of faithful leaders, and a genealogical census of the returned exiles. It highlights the importance of order, identity, and generous giving for the work of God.

Nehemiah 6 records the final attempts of Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall through deceit, intimidation, and hired prophecy. Nehemiah refuses to be distracted or frightened, and the wall is completed in fifty-two days, causing the enemies to lose confidence because they perceive God's hand in the work.

Nehemiah 5 records a great outcry from the people against their own Jewish brothers who were exacting usury and taking their fields and children into bondage. Nehemiah confronts the nobles, demands restitution, and models generous leadership by refusing the governor's bread.

Nehemiah 4 records the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall under fierce opposition. Enemies mock and threaten, so Nehemiah prays, arms the workers, and urges them to remember the Lord and fight for their families.

Nehemiah 3 lists the many groups and individuals who repaired Jerusalem's wall, each taking a section near their home or trade. The chapter shows a united effort under God, with the high priest, rulers, craftsmen, and even daughters working side by side.