Old Testament · 10 chapters
Read Esther.
Esther tells how a Jewish queen and her cousin Mordecai respond to a plot against their people in Persia. Although God is not named explicitly, the story explores courage, reversals of fortune, and responsibility in a moment of danger.
Choose a chapter Esther · 10 chapters
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Choose a chapter for the complete Bible text and a short summary to guide your reading.
Chapter 1.
A royal feast ends with Queen Vashti refusing the king’s command to appear. Her removal opens the question of who will become queen.
Read chapter 23 versesChapter 2.
Esther is chosen as queen while concealing her Jewish identity. Mordecai uncovers a plot against the king, and his service is entered into the royal record.
Read chapter 15 versesChapter 3.
Haman’s anger at Mordecai becomes a plan to destroy the Jewish people. He obtains the king’s authority for an empire-wide decree.
Read chapter 17 versesChapter 4.
Mordecai urges Esther to act despite the danger of approaching the king uninvited. She asks the Jewish community to fast before she takes the risk.
Read chapter 14 versesChapter 5.
Esther gains the king’s favor and invites him and Haman to banquets. Haman’s delight turns to rage at Mordecai, and he prepares a means to kill him.
Read chapter 14 versesChapter 6.
A sleepless king discovers Mordecai’s unrewarded service and orders Haman to honor him. The reversal begins undermining Haman’s confidence and plans.
Read chapter 10 versesChapter 7.
At the second banquet, Esther identifies herself with the threatened people and exposes Haman. He is executed using the structure prepared for Mordecai.
Read chapter 17 versesChapter 8.
Esther and Mordecai receive authority to counter Haman’s decree with permission for Jewish self-defense. Mourning turns to relief as the new order spreads.
Read chapter 32 versesChapter 9.
The Jewish communities defend themselves against their enemies and establish Purim to remember their deliverance. The annual celebration includes feasting, gifts, and care for the poor.
Read chapter 3 versesChapter 10.
The closing notice describes Mordecai’s high position and his work for his people’s welfare. His influence is remembered through public service and advocacy.
Read chapterKing James Version (KJV). Bible text supplied by eBible.org and the CrossWire Bible Society. Summaries are written with AI assistance and are separate from Scripture. Read the chapter itself when considering its meaning.