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.

A faithful, original Bible study of Esther that traces the book’s message to Jesus Christ.

A Scripture-first Sermon Academy guide to Esther Bible study guide with biblical context, study questions, teaching help, and related resources.