Esther

King Ahasuerus reigns over 127 provinces; holds 180–day feast for nobles and 7-day feast for all; Queen Vashti refuses to appear, is deposed by royal decree so that all wives honor their husbands.

Search for new queen; Esther, an orphan Jewess raised by Mordecai, chosen and crowned; Mordecai uncovers plot against king, recorded in chronicles.

Haman the Agagite promoted; Mordecai refuses to bow; Haman plots to annihilate all Jews and secures royal decree sealed on 13th Nisan to take effect 13th Adar.

Jews mourn; Mordecai urges Esther to intercede; after fasting three days Esther resolves to risk her life before the king, 'If I perish, I perish.'

Esther welcomed by king, invites king and Haman to two banquets; Haman builds 50-cubits gallows for Mordecai whose refusal still galls him.

Sleepless king reads chronicles, honors Mordecai by Haman’s own suggestion; Haman humiliated, warned that his downfall before the Jew Mordecai is certain.

At second banquet Esther exposes Haman’s plot; king enraged; Haman hanged on gallows he built for Mordecai.

Esther given Haman’s house; Mordecai promoted; new decree allows Jews to defend themselves on 13th Adar; joy and favor for Jews, many people convert.

Jews defeat enemies—500 slain in Shushan first day, 300 next, 75,000 in provinces; Haman’s ten sons hanged; Purim established for 14-15 Adar to celebrate deliverance.

Mordecai exalted next to king, seeks the welfare of his people; greatness recorded in Persian chronicles.