This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Esther 1-2:18, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a great king named Ahasuerus who ruled over many lands. He wanted to show everyone how rich and powerful he was, so he threw a big party for all his important friends and family. The party lasted for 180 days!
When it was over, the king threw another party, but this one was for everyone in the city. It lasted for seven days and took place in the beautiful garden of the king’s palace. There were fancy decorations and beautiful couches made of gold and silver. Everyone drank from golden cups, and the wine was free for everyone who wanted it.
On the seventh day of the party, the king had a special request. He wanted the beautiful queen, Vashti, to come to the party and show off her beauty to everyone. But Queen Vashti said no. This made the king very angry! He asked his wise men what he should do, and they told him to get rid of Queen Vashti and find a new queen who would obey him. So, the king made a new law that said Vashti could never come back to the palace, and he started looking for a new queen.
Meanwhile, there was a girl named Esther who lived in the city. She was very beautiful and kind, and she lived with her cousin Mordecai. Mordecai had taken care of Esther since she was a little girl, because her parents had died. Esther was Jewish, but she didn’t tell anyone that because Mordecai had told her to keep it a secret.
The king’s servants went all over the city looking for the most beautiful girls to bring to the palace. They brought them to the palace and put them in a special place called the harem. Esther was one of the girls they brought to the palace.
When Esther arrived at the palace, she was very nervous. She didn’t know what to expect. But she soon found out that the king was very kind and respectful to her. Esther was very kind and respectful, and she made the king very happy. He liked her more than any of the other girls in the harem. In fact, he liked her so much that he made her the new queen!
Biblical Lessons
- It’s important to show respect to those in authority, like the king and queen.
- We should always try to be kind and respectful to others, even when it’s hard.
- It’s important to obey the law and do what we’re supposed to do, like the king’s wise men told him to do.
- God can use us, even if we’re not in a position of power. Mordecai was just a regular person, but he played an important role in Esther becoming queen.