Esther Chapters 1 & 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

According to Esther 1:1, who was ruler during the time of Esther?

Ahasuerus

According to Esther 1:1, how many provinces did King Ahasuerus rule over?

127

According to Esther 1:2-3, who did King Ahasuerus make a feast for in the third year of his reign?

All his officials and servants

According to Esther 1:4, how long did King Ahasuerus show the riches of his kingdom in the third year of his reign?

180 days Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:5, how long did the feast last at the end of the days in which King Ahasuerus showed the riches of his kingdom?

7 days Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:5, where did King Ahasuerus make a feast in the third year of his reign?

The court of the garden of the king's palace Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:7, at the feast that King Ahasuerus gave, what were the drinks served in?

Golden vessels Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:8, what did King Ahasuerus order the officers of his household to do with regard to drinking?

According to each man's pleasure Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:9, who did Queen Vashti give a feast for?

The women Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:10-11, who did King Ahasuerus command to be brought before him?

Queen Vashti Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:11, why did King Ahasuerus want Queen Vashti brought before him at the feast?

To display her beauty Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:11, what did Queen Vashti do when she was commanded to come to the king?

Refused to come Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:12, what was King Ahasuerus' reaction when Queen Vashti refused to come to him at the feast?

Became furious and burned with anger Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:13, what did the wise men who understood the times know?

Law and justice Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:15, why did King Ahasuerus ask the wise men what they should do to Queen Vashti?

Because she did not obey the command of the king Signup and view all the answers

In Esther 1:16, who did Memucan tell the king that Vashti had wronged in addition to the king?

All the princes Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:17, what did Memucan say that all women would do to their husbands when Queen Vashti's behavior became known to them?

Despise them Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:19, why did Memucan say that the royal decree should be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes?

So that it would not be altered Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:19, Memucan recommended that a royal decree be issued that Vashti could no longer do what?

Come before the king Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 1:22, the letters sent to all the king's provinces stated that each man should be what?

Master in his own house Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:1-2, after King Ahasuerus's wrath had subsided, whom did his servants suggest be sought for the king?

Beautiful young virgins Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:3, which of King Ahasuerus's eunuchs was the custodian of the women?

Hegai Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:4, since King Ahasuerus had decreed that Vashti would no longer be his queen, who was to take her place?

The woman who pleased the king Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:5, Mordecai, who lived in the citadel of Shushan, was a descendant from which Jewish tribe?

Benjamites Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:6, who had carried away Mordecai's ancestor, Kish, from Jerusalem into captivity?

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:7, after the death of her parents, Esther was raised by Mordecai as his own daughter even though she was the daughter of whom?

Mordecai's uncle Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:7, while Mordecai was bringing up Esther, she was known by what other name?

Hadassah Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:8, where was Esther taken after King Ahasuerus's decree was proclaimed throughout the provinces?

To the king's palace Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:9, why were Esther and her maidservants moved to the best place in the house of the women?

Esther pleased Hegai Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:9, while in the care of Hegai, how many choice maidservants were provided for Esther from the king's palace?

Seven Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:10, what had Mordecai instructed Esther not to reveal to anyone about herself?

Her people Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:11, who paced in front of the court of women's quarters to learn about Esther's welfare?

Mordecai Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:12, how long did each young woman have to prepare before her turn to see King Ahasuerus?

12 months Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:14, after each young woman appeared before King Ahasuerus, she then returned to the custody of whom?

Shaashgaz Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:15, what did Esther take with her when she appeared before King Ahasuerus?

Whatever Hegai advised her to take Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:15, who was the father of Esther?

Abihail Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:16, Esther was taken into the royal palace of King Ahasuerus during what year of his reign?

Seventh Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:17, what did King Ahasuerus do for Esther to show that he loved her more than all the other women?

Gave her the royal crown Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:18, what did King Ahasuerus do to honor Esther as his new queen?

Made a great feast for all his officials Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:19, where was Mordecai sitting when the virgins were gathered together a second time?

Within the king's gate Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:20, whose command was Esther obeying when she did not reveal her family and her people?

Mordecai Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:21, what was the occupation of the two eunuchs who became furious with the king?

Doorkeepers Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:21-22, who did Mordecai tell about the eunuchs who planned to lay hands on the king?

Queen Esther Signup and view all the answers

According to Esther 2:21-23, what was the punishment for Bigthan and Teresh when their plot was confirmed?

Hanged on a gallows Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Esther Chapters 1 & 2

Ahasuerus, ruler over 127 provinces, is a key figure in the narrative.
Significant events unfold during the king's third year of reign, including lavish feasts and political decisions.

Feasts and Display of Power

King Ahasuerus holds an elaborate feast for officials and servants lasting 180 days.
A subsequent 7-day banquet takes place in the court of the king's garden.
Drinks are served in golden vessels, emphasizing royal wealth.

Queen Vashti's Rebellion

Queen Vashti hosts a separate feast for women.
When summoned to display her beauty, she refuses to obey King Ahasuerus, provoking his anger.
Ahasuerus consults wise men who emphasize law and justice to address her defiance.

Memucan's Counsel

Memucan warns that Vashti's actions will set a precedent leading other women to disrespect their husbands.
He advises making a royal decree to prevent Vashti from appearing before the king again.

Selection of a New Queen

Following Vashti's dismissal, beautiful young virgins are sought to find a new queen.
Hegai, a eunuch, oversees the selection process.
Esther, raised by her cousin Mordecai, is one of the chosen women; she is also known as Hadassah.

Esther's Rise to Favor

Esther pleases Hegai and receives seven maidservants from the palace.
Mordecai instructs her to keep her heritage a secret as she prepares to meet the king.
Each young woman undergoes a year of beauty treatments before meeting King Ahasuerus.

Esther's Coronation

Esther is taken into the royal palace in the seventh year of Ahasuerus's reign and becomes his favorite.
Ahasuerus honors Esther with a royal crown and holds a great feast for officials to celebrate her as queen.

Mordecai's Role

Mordecai discovers a plot by two doorkeeper eunuchs against the king and informs Esther.
The conspirators, Bigthan and Teresh, are hanged after their plot is confirmed.

Important Characters

Ahasuerus: King of Persia, displays his wealth and power, seeks a new queen after Vashti.
Vashti: Queen who refuses the king's command, leading to her downfall.
Esther (Hadassah): Mordecai's cousin, becomes queen after pleasing the king.
Mordecai: Esther's guardian, plays a vital role in uncovering a plot against the king.
Memucan: One of the king's wise men, recommends consequences for Vashti's disobedience.

Themes

Power dynamics between rulers and subjects, especially within the royal household.
The consequences of defiance against authority.
The significant role of women in political maneuvering and influence within the court.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Book of Esther with these flashcards covering chapters 1 and 2. Learn about King Ahasuerus, his reign, and the events that unfolded during this time. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of this biblical text.