Esther 1-10
Esther was Jewish. That means she was an Israelite. She lived in the land of Persia with her older cousin Mordecai.
The king of Persia needed a new queen. He announced, “Bring me the most beautiful women from all over my kingdom.” Esther was one of the women sent to the palace. When the king met Esther, he chose her to be his queen.
Haman was the king’s chief helper. He hated the Jewish people. They were God’s people. Haman wanted everyone to bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman. Mordecai would only bow down to God.
Haman went to the king. He said, “The Jews are bad people. You should sign a law that will help me get rid of them.” So the king signed the new law. God’s people were in great danger!
M0rdecai heard about the new law. He ran to tell Esther, “You must save yourself and the rest of God’s people. Perhaps God has made you the queen for a reason.”
So Esther came up with a plan. It would be very risky for her.
Esther invited the king and Haman to a special dinner. Then she asked the king, “Why does Haman want to get rid of me?” The king was surprised. She said, “I am Jewish. Haman tricked you into signing a new law that would get rid of all the Jews.”
The king told his guards, “Arrest Haman!” Then he made Mordecai his new chief helper. He told Queen Esther, “I will make a new law that will keep you and our people safe.” God used Esther to save his people!
Discussion Questions
Who was Esther’s cousin? Mordecai
Who was the king’s chief helper? Haman
What was Haman’s plan? To kill all the Jews
What did Esther do? She obeyed God and asked the king to save her people
What happened to Haman? He was arrested
Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for the story of Esther and how she saved her people. Help us to remember that you do mighty miracles in heaven and on earth. Amen
Memory Verses
“Do good and share with others.” Hebrews 13:16
Song: Haman was a Mean, Evil Man
(to the tune Zacchaeus)
Old Haman was a mean, evil man,
A mean, evil man was he,
He was meaner than an angry old flea,
As mean as he could be.
When Mordecai could not bow to him,
He had to make his plea,
He went to the king and made him agree
To sign an evil decree.
But Queen Esther was a very good queen,
A very good queen was she,
Without delay she began to pray
And she sent to God her plea.
She went to the King and bowed really low,
Even though she wanted to flee.
She got the king to change his decree,
The Jewish people were free!
Game: Good King May I
Have a throne at one end of the room, choose a queen (or king) to wear a crown. (It may be wise to start with an adult in this position)
The Good King or Good Queen should wear the crown and hold a scepter.
Instruct the family members to take turns calling, “Good King (or queen), may I come closer?
The Good King (or queen) must answer, “Yes, good servant, you may.” Then have the king (or queen) tell how many and what kind of steps the player may take, such as three baby steps, two large steps, or one hop.
The first person to reach the throne becomes the new king or queen.
As your family plays, review the story of Esther and remind them that Esther had to ask the king for something important.
