This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Esther 5-8, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Long ago, there was a beautiful queen named Esther. Esther was married to the king of the land, King Ahasuerus. One day, Esther decided to prepare a big feast for the king and his friend, Haman. The king was very happy with Esther’s feast and asked her what she wanted. Esther said that she wanted to prepare another feast for the king and Haman the next day.
Meanwhile, Haman was very angry with a man named Mordecai. Haman wanted to hurt Mordecai very badly. So Haman decided to build a tall gallows to hang Mordecai on. Haman’s wife and friends agreed that this was a good idea.
That night, the king could not sleep. He had his servants read to him from a book of records, and he learned that Mordecai had once saved the king’s life. The king wanted to honor Mordecai for his bravery, so he asked Haman how he would honor a person the king wanted to honor. Haman, thinking the king wanted to honor him, suggested a big parade through the city. The king agreed with Haman’s idea and told him to do it for Mordecai.
The next day, Esther told the king about Haman’s plan to hurt her people, the Jews. The king was very angry and wanted to know who would dare to do such a thing. Esther bravely told the king that it was Haman. The king was so angry that he ordered for Haman to be hanged on the gallows that he had built for Mordecai.
With Haman gone, the king allowed Esther and Mordecai to save their people. They wrote a law that would let the Jews fight back against anyone who tried to hurt them. And with the king’s permission, the Jews were able to protect themselves and their families.
Biblical Lessons
- God can use anyone, no matter how small, to do great things.
- We should always stand up for what is right, even if it is difficult or dangerous.
- We should trust in God’s plan, even when things seem uncertain or scary.
Related Stories
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Must-Read Christian Books
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
The Pilgrim's Progress
A classic allegory of the Christian journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, saturated with Scripture.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Shows how the gospel frees us from self-obsession to live in joy and service.
View on Amazon