Esther is Chosen

          When King Ahasuerus’ anger had calmed down he remembered what Vashti had done and what he decreed against her.

          The king's servants said, “Let beautiful young women be found for the king. Let the king choose officers in all the provinces of his kingdom so they may gather together every beautiful young woman to Shushan the palace. Gather them in the house of the women for purification. Let the young woman who pleases you reign instead of Vashti.” These words pleased the king, and he did so.

          In the palace was a Jew named Mordecai, who had been among the families captured and put in captivity. Mordecai was raising Esther, who was his uncle’s daughter. At the death of her father and mother, Mordecai took her for his daughter.  

          When the king’s command was heard many young women were gathered to Shushan. Esther was a beautiful woman and was taken into the king’s house. There she and all the other women were taken care of by Hegai, who was the keeper of women. Hegai thought Esther was beautiful and a good woman. He had her purifiers given to her quickly so she would be one of the first ones to go before the king. He moved her and her maids to the best place in the house of women.

          Mordecai told Esther not to tell anyone that she was a Jew, nor tell that she knew him.

          Mordecai walked back and forth in front of the yard of the women’s house in order to see if Esther was all right. He was anxious to find out what would happen to her. Mordecai knew the Jews would not be accepted in this country because they did not worship the same god. The Jews worshipped Yahweh while the others worshipped their king and many other gods.

          Each woman was purified for twelve months, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with fragrances and perfumes.

1. What man took Esther as his daughter? ____________________

2. Mordecai and Esther’s people were called _______________.

3. Jews were worshippers of _________________.

4. Why were the young women gathered at the palace? ______________

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