Esther

King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia holds a lavish 180-day feast. When Queen Vashti refuses to appear before his drunken guests, the king deposes her on the advice of his counselors, creating an opportunity that will lead to Esther's rise.

A search for a new queen brings the Jewish orphan Esther (raised by her cousin Mordecai) into the king's palace. She finds favor and is crowned queen, while hiding her Jewish identity. Mordecai uncovers a plot to assassinate the king, which is recorded in the royal chronicles.

Haman, promoted to highest official, is enraged when Mordecai refuses to bow to him. He plots to destroy not just Mordecai but all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He casts lots (purim) to choose the date and obtains the king's decree for genocide.

Mordecai mourns in sackcloth and urges Esther to intercede with the king. Esther fears approaching the king uninvited (punishable by death) but Mordecai delivers the famous challenge: Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther calls for a three-day fast.

Esther bravely approaches the king and is received with favor. Rather than revealing her request immediately, she invites the king and Haman to two banquets. Haman is elated but furious when Mordecai still won't bow. His wife suggests building a gallows for Mordecai.

That night the king cannot sleep and has the royal chronicles read to him, discovering Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty in saving his life. Haman arrives to request Mordecai's execution but is instead forced to honor Mordecai publicly — leading him through the streets on the king's horse.

At the second banquet, Esther reveals that she is Jewish and that Haman has plotted to destroy her people. The king is furious. When Haman falls on Esther's couch begging for mercy, the king interprets it as assault. Haman is hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordecai.

Since Persian law cannot revoke the king's decree, a new decree is issued allowing the Jews to defend themselves. Mordecai is given Haman's position and signet ring. Joy and celebration spread throughout the empire, and many people convert to Judaism out of fear.

On the appointed day, the Jews successfully defend themselves against their enemies throughout the empire, killing over 75,000 attackers but taking no plunder. The feast of Purim is established to commemorate this deliverance for all future generations.

King Ahasuerus's greatness and Mordecai's rise to second in rank are summarized. Mordecai is described as working for the good of his people and speaking peace to all his descendants, a fitting conclusion to a story of God's hidden providence.