Questions and Answers
What is the capital of Persia?
Suza
Where did the girls who came before Xerxes stay for beauty treatments?
Citadel of Suza
What term refers to Persians in the context of Esther?
Iran
Which civilization provided the foundations for the Tower of Babel?
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Who was the eunuch responsible for Xerxes Harem?
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What is the Persian term for 'Star'?
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Who was the son of Darius and became Persian king?
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Who was the bodyguard of Xerxes that attempted to kill him?
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What was Mordecai's relation to Esther?
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Who advised King Xerxes to send Vashti away?
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What is Vashti known as?
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What does Esther's Hebrew name, Hadassah, mean?
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Who is the villain in the Book of Esther?
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Who was Haman's wife?
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From which language does the name Xerxes originate?
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What does Vashti's name mean?
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Who said to Esther that she was there for perhaps a time as this?
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What did Xerxes hold out to Esther, signifying permission to enter his presence?
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Who was Amestris supposedly the wife of?
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How tall was the pole that Haman ordered Mordecai to be executed on?
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How many sons did Haman have that were put to death?
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What is the modern-day name for Persia?
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Who plotted to kill Mordecai?
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How long was the first banquet?
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How long was the second banquet?
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Who was the first banquet for?
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Who was the second banquet for?
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What was the third banquet for?
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Where were the records written down after Bigthana and Teresh plotted to kill the king?
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When Esther is chosen, whose position did she take?
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When did Haman cast the lot?
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How many talents of silver did Haman offer Xerxes as a bribe?
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Did Xerxes keep the silver offered to him by Haman?
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Who does Esther send to find out what is wrong with Mordecai?
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Mordecai asked the Jews to pray and fast for how long?
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What extra things were present at the second banquet?
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Locations
- Susa: Capital of Persia where Jews sought new opportunities.
- Citadel of Susa: Facility for young girls undergoing beauty treatments for a year before being presented to Xerxes.
- Esther: Persian name meaning "Star," also Hadassah in Hebrew, meaning "myrtle tree."
- Xerxes: Son of Darius, Persian king, known for his royal fleet's defeat at the battle of Salamis.
- Mordecai: Jewish official in the Persian court and cousin to Esther, who encouraged her to act in a time of crisis.
- Haman: Antagonist in the story, an Agagite who despised the Jews and plotted against Mordecai.
- Vashti: Queen of Persia, known for her beauty and defiance against Xerxes.
- Zeresh: Wife of Haman, involved in his plots.
Significant Events and Details
- Royal Scepter: Symbol of permission extended by Xerxes to Esther to enter his presence.
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Banquets:
- First banquet lasted 180 days for nobles and officials.
- Second banquet lasted 7 days, attended by men working in the citadel of Susa.
- Third banquet hosted by Vashti for all women.
- Haman's Decree: Offer of a bribe to Xerxes totaling 10,000 talents of silver to annihilate the Jews; Xerxes did not accept the silver.
- Fasting: Mordecai instructed the Jews to pray and fast for 3 days for Esther’s upcoming visit to the king.
Cultural and Historical Aspects
- Purim: Jewish festival commemorating the events in the Book of Esther.
- Hanakkah: Festival of lights, observed by Jesus, relevant to Jewish culture.
- Eunuchs: Characters like Shaashgaz and Hegai were responsible for the royal harem and Esther’s upbringing.
Important Quotes and Symbolism
- "Perhaps for such a time as this": A pivotal statement by Mordecai, emphasizing Esther's role in a significant moment.
- Pole for Execution: Haman's order for Mordecai’s execution involved a 75-foot tall pole—a symbol of his hatred and subsequent downfall.
Contextual Notes
- Historical Setting: The narrative occurs during the Persian Empire, particularly in the region that is modern-day Iran and Iraq.
- Esther's Role: She often navigates a complex court filled with political intrigue, reflecting the struggle for Jewish identity and survival amidst oppression.
- Haman’s Ten Sons: All were executed, marking the culmination of Haman's plot against the Jews.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first ten chapters of the Book of Esther with these flashcards. Each card features a key term along with its definition, providing a quick way to review important concepts and vocabulary related to Esther and the historical context of Persia, Iraq, and the Jews. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the material!
