The book of Esther, nestled within the Old Testament, is a captivating narrative that unfolds with royal intrigue, divine providence, and the courageous actions of a young Jewish woman named Esther.
This biblical account, set against the backdrop of the Persian Empire, showcases God’s hidden hand at work in the lives of His people.
In this compilation, we explore 30 verses from the Book of Esther, accompanied by insightful commentary, to illuminate the timeless lessons and enduring truths found in this remarkable story.
Bible Verses About Esther
Esther 1:10-11
“On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at.”
The opening verses set the stage for the events in Esther, highlighting the opulence of King Ahasuerus’s court and the request that would lead to Queen Vashti’s removal.
Esther 2:7
“He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.”
Esther’s introduction reveals her given name, Hadassah, and emphasizes her physical beauty. Mordecai’s role as her guardian sets the stage for Esther’s later involvement in the events that unfold.
Esther 2:15
“When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.”
Esther’s humility and wisdom are evident as she seeks advice and finds favor in the eyes of those around her, including Hegai, the king’s eunuch.
Esther 2:17
“And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
Esther’s extraordinary favor with King Ahasuerus leads to her elevation as queen—a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative.
Esther 2:21-23
“In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai.”
Mordecai’s vigilance at the king’s gate plays a crucial role as he uncovers a plot against the king’s life, setting the stage for future events.
Esther 3:2-3
“And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, ‘Why do you transgress the king’s command?'”
Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman, despite the king’s command, foreshadows the conflict that will arise between Haman and the Jewish people.
Esther 3:5-6
“And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.”
Haman’s vengeful response to Mordecai’s refusal takes a sinister turn as he plots to annihilate all the Jews in the kingdom.
Esther 3:10-11
“So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. And the king said to Haman, ‘The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.'”
King Ahasuerus, unaware of the specific people targeted, gives Haman authority to carry out his malicious plan.
Esther 4:13-14
“Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'”
Mordecai’s urgent message to Esther highlights the critical moment of decision she faces and the providential role she may play in the salvation of her people.
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther’s courageous resolve is evident as she commits to approaching the king on behalf of her people, even at the risk of her own life.
Esther 5:1-2
“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”
Esther’s approach to the king is met with favor, symbolized by the extension of the golden scepter—an outcome she had not dared to presume.
Esther 5:9-10
“Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai.”
Haman’s momentary joy is overshadowed by his burning anger at Mordecai’s continued defiance.
Esther 6:1-2
“On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.”
God’s providence becomes evident as the king’s insomnia leads to the discovery of Mordecai’s earlier revelation about the plot against him.
Esther 6:6-7
“So Haman came in, and the king said to him, ‘What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?’ And Haman said to himself, ‘Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?'”
Haman, presuming the king refers to him, suggests extravagant honors for the one the king wishes to honor—an ironic turn in the unfolding narrative.
Esther 7:3-4
“Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.'”
Esther reveals the sinister plot against her people, pleading for their lives and exposing Haman’s role in the conspiracy.
Esther 7:9-10
“Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, ‘Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.’ And the king said, ‘Hang him on that.’ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.”
Haman’s sinister plot backfires, leading to his own demise on the very gallows intended for Mordecai. The poetic justice serves as a reminder of the consequences of wicked intentions.
Esther 8:3-4
“Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king.”
Esther’s continued intercession on behalf of her people reflects a deep sense of responsibility and compassion, leading to a favorable response from the king.
Esther 8:5
“And she said, ‘If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king.'”
Esther’s plea results in a strategic plan to counteract the previous decree that ordered the destruction of the Jewish people.
Esther 8:15-17
“Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday.”
Mordecai’s elevation and the reversal of the decree lead to widespread celebration among the Jewish people, underscoring the theme of God’s deliverance.
Esther 9:1
“Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.”
The anticipated day of destruction turns into a day of victory for the Jews, emphasizing the unexpected twists orchestrated by God.
Esther 9:22
“As the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.”
The establishment of Purim as a joyful celebration highlights God’s transformative power in turning sorrow into gladness.
Esther 9:28
“These days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.”
The perpetual observance of Purim is established as a reminder of God’s deliverance and the importance of preserving the memory of His faithfulness.
Esther 10:3
“For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.”
Mordecai’s prominence and commitment to the welfare of his people underscore the theme of God’s providential hand at work.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This New Testament verse echoes the providential theme found in Esther, emphasizing God’s ability to work all things for the good of those who love Him.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
Esther’s courageous commitment to approach the king aligns with the biblical principle of trusting and committing one’s way to the Lord.
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
The narrative in Esther reflects the truth that God holds the hearts of kings in His hands, directing them according to His sovereign will.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
God’s plans for the welfare and hope of His people find resonance in Esther’s story, assuring believers of His overarching purposes.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Esther’s boldness in the face of potential danger aligns with the spirit of power, love, and self-control bestowed by God.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Esther’s courageous actions exemplify the kind of faith described in Hebrews, where trust in God’s unseen providence leads to bold obedience.
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
The conclusion of Esther’s story aligns with the doxology in Ephesians, emphasizing God’s ability to exceed human expectations and bring glory to Himself.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being Reunited With Loved Ones In Heaven (With Commentary)