Esther (KJV)
10 chapters · 167 verses. Choose a chapter to read it in the King James Version.
About the Book of Esther
Esther tells how a Jewish queen in the Persian court risked her life to save her people from annihilation. Though God is never named, his providential protection of his people pervades the account and grounds the feast of Purim.
- Genre
- Historical narrative (court tale)
- Author
- Anonymous; author unknown
- First audience
- Jews of the Persian diaspora and beyond
How to read it: Read narrative attentively — God works unnamed and behind the scenes; watch for his providence in 'coincidence' and human courage.
It opens: “Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)” (Esther 1:1)
Chapters
Key verses in Esther
The verses of Esther that the rest of Scripture cross-references most often.
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.
Read Esther with a guide
- Esther: For Such a Time7 days with the queen who spoke upAll 7 days in Esther
- 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting21 days on humility, prayer and seeking God1 of 21 days in Esther
- Fasting & Seeking God7 days on fasting, prayer and humility1 of 7 days in Esther
- Women of the Bible14 days with women whose stories reveal God's faithfulness1 of 14 days in Esther