The Bible history books, including Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, tell the story of ancient Israel. They cover a …
2 Samuel
After the failure of King Saul, 2 Samuel depicts David as a true (though imperfect) representative of the ideal theocratic king. Under David's rule the Lord caused the nation to prosper, to defeat its …
Esther 10
Mordecai’s Fame Increases 1 King Ahasuerus then imposed forced labour on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. 2 Now all the actions carried out under his authority and his great achievements, …
Esther 9
The Jews Prevail over Their Enemies 1 In the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar), on its thirteenth day, the edict of the king and his law were to be executed. It was on this day that the …
Esther 8
The King Acts to Protect the Jews 1 On that same day King Ahasuerus gave the estate of Haman, that adversary of the Jews, to Queen Esther. Now Mordecai had come before the king, for Esther had …
Esther 7
The King Has Haman Executed 1 So the king and Haman came to dine with Queen Esther. 2 On the second day of the banquet of wine the king asked Esther, “What is your request, Queen Esther? It shall …
Esther 6
The Turning Point: The King Honours Mordecai 1 Throughout that night the king was unable to sleep, so he asked for the book containing the historical records to be brought. As the records were …
Esther 5
Esther Appeals to the King for Help 1 It so happened that on the third day Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace, opposite the king’s quarters. The king was …
Esther 4
Esther Decides to Risk Everything in order to Help Her People 1 Now when Mordecai became aware of all that had been done, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes. He went out into the …
Esther 3
Haman Conspires to Destroy the Jews 1 Some time later King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, exalting him and setting his position above that of all the officials who …
Esther 2
Esther Becomes Queen in Vashti’s Place 1 When these things had been accomplished and the rage of King Ahasuerus had diminished, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decided …
Esther 1
The King Throws a Lavish Party 1 The following events happened in the days of Ahasuerus. (I am referring to that Ahasuerus who used to rule over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces extending all …