Esther is Made Queen

          After Esther’s year of purification was up she went before the king. The next morning she was sent to the second house, which was kept by Shaashgaz. He kept the king’s concubines also. Esther could not go before the king again unless he was very pleased with her and asked for her by name.

          Esther had favor in the sight of all who looked on her. The king loved Esther above all the women, set the royal crown on her head, and made her rule instead of Vashti.

          The king made a great banquet for all his princes and servants in honor of Esther. He ordered the rest of the people to take a day of rest. He gave gifts according to the state of the king.

          When the young women were gathered together the second time Mordecai was setting in the king’s gate. Esther had not revealed her kinship or her people as Mordecai had commanded her. Esther obeyed Mordecai’s command just as she did when she was being raised by him. While Mordecai was sitting on the gate, two of the king’s servants, Bigthan and Teresh, who guarded the door, were angry and were trying to find a way to come against the King Ahasuerus. When Mordecai saw Esther, the queen, he told her what he had heard.

          Esther told the king Mordecai’s words. When the matter was checked out, it was found to be true, and the two of them were hanged.

1. How long did it take for Esther to be purified? _____________________

2. Whose place did Queen Esther take? ____________________

3. What was Queen Esther’s husband’s name? ______________________

4. Who saved the king’s life by telling him that his guards were planning to

    come against him? ___________________________________________

5. What happened to the men who had plotted against the king? ________

    __________________________________________________________