Esther Becomes Queen
Ilumi Kids · Stories
Far, far away, in the land of Persia, lived a powerful king named Ahasuerus. After Queen Vashti disobeyed him, the king decided he needed a new queen to sit beside him on the throne.
So, the king sent messengers throughout his vast kingdom. They had a special mission: to find the most beautiful young women from all the provinces and bring them to the palace in the capital city, Susa.
King Xerxes was looking for a new queen. Esther, a young Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, was taken to the palace and, following his advice, kept her people a secret. With grace and humility, Esther won the king’s heart, and he placed the royal crown on her head. God had a plan for her.
Where it is in the Bible: Esther 2
God places people in special places to carry out his plans at just the right time.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
Far, far away, in the land of Persia, lived a powerful king named Ahasuerus. After Queen Vashti disobeyed him, the king decided he needed a new queen to sit beside him on the throne.
So, the king sent messengers throughout his vast kingdom. They had a special mission: to find the most beautiful young women from all the provinces and bring them to the palace in the capital city, Susa.
In the city of Susa, lived a good man who was faithful to God, named Mordecai. He took care of his orphaned cousin, Hadassah, whom everyone called Esther. Esther was not only very beautiful, but she also had a kind heart.
Mordecai loved Esther as if she were his own daughter. When the king's officers took her to the palace, he gave her important and secret advice.
Mordecai: Esther, don't tell anyone that you are from the Jewish people. Keep this in your heart for now.
In the palace, Esther was placed under the care of an officer named Hegai. He liked Esther immediately and gave her the best foods, perfumes, and servants. She was kind to everyone and quickly won the hearts of all who knew her.
For a whole year, Esther and the other young women prepared to meet the king. They received beauty treatments with perfumed oils and spices. Esther followed all of Hegai's advice, showing her wisdom and humility.
Finally, it was Esther's turn to go to King Ahasuerus. With her grace and simplicity, she shone more brightly than any jewel or fancy dress. Her inner beauty was as great as her outer beauty.
When the king saw Esther, he loved her more than all the other young women. She found favor and admiration in his eyes, and the king's heart filled with joy just by looking at her.
The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. — Esther 2:17
King Ahasuerus had no doubts! He took the royal crown and placed it on Esther's head, making her the new queen of Persia. To celebrate, the king gave a great feast in honor of Queen Esther.
Even as queen, Esther did not forget Mordecai or her people. She continued to obey her cousin's advice, keeping her secret. Little did she know that God had an incredible and courageous plan for the new queen.
