Esther

Why did Mordecai leave Jerusalem in the first place?

Mordecai was taken into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.

What did Haman trick King Xerxes into decreeing?

On a single day, all the Jews were to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. ALL men, women and children!

Why did the wise man, Memucan, advise the king to banish Queen Vashti for refusing to obey him?

Other women will disobey their husbands and kings nobles as well if she gets away with it.

What is the holiday called on the 14th and 15th day of the 12th month called for all Jews?

Purim

How did the king reward Esther and Mordecai?

Queen Esther received Haman's estate and Mordecai was appointed to rule over it.

What was the name of the Queen?

Queen Vashti

What did the Jews in Susa do on the 15th day of the 12th month?

Rested and feasted with great joy!

What position in rank to the king did Mordecai receive?

Second in rank to the king

Who did the king order to go and get the Queen?

Seven eunuchs or princes

The King's throne was located in what citadel?

Susa

How did the King decide ways to honor Mordecai?

The king asked Haman what he would do to honor a man who delights him. Haman figured it was him.

What was revealed due to a sleepless night for the King?

The king asked for the book on his reign (chronicles) and found Mordecai was never rewarded for his loyaly.

The King was curious that Esther would approach him. What did he offer her?

The king said he would grant her up to half his kingdom if she asked.

Who was in charge of preparing the women in the harem for the king?

The king's eunuch, Hegai.

What was the name of Haman's wife?

Zeresh

How many times is the word "God" mentioned in the book of Esther?

0 None

What were Esther's instructions to Mordecai before she would face the king?

All the Jews in Susa were to fast for three days - nothing to eat or drink.

How were the Jews kept from annihilation?

An edict from the king gave permission for all Jews to protect themselves and plunder property.

What was Esther's Hebrew name?

Hadassah.

The banquet lasted seven days for everyone in the citadel. What did the King do for the 180 days prior to that?

He displayed the vast wealth of the kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty.

What was the first thing Mordecai did when he heard that the Jews were going to be destroyed?

He tore his clothes, put on sackcloths and ashes and went into the city wailing loudly and bitterly.

What happened to Haman?

He was hung on the gallows he had built for Mordecai.

Why did Haman, the highest noble under the King, despise the Jews and want them ALL killed?

He was so angry at Mordecai for not kneel down or pay him honor that he wanted to destroy ALL of his people.

If anyone approaches the King without being summoned, the law said to put them to death. What was the only exception?

If the king extends his gold scepter then one could approach.

Who is King during the time of Esther?

King Xerxes: also known as King Ahasuerus

How long did the beauty treatments last before the girls were allowed to see the King?

Twelve months

What did Mordecai overhear as he was sitting at the king's gate?

Two of the king's officials plotting to assassinate King Xerxes. (God will use this 4 years later!) Mordecai then told Esther who told the king.

What two things did King Xerxes do when he heard about the plot.

1. Had two officials hung on the gallows 2. Recorded the plot in the annals.

WHEN were all the Jewish men, women and children to be killed?

13th day of the 12th month

How many men were destroyed in the citadel of Susa by the Jews?

500 men. ALL the enemies of the Jews were destroyed. 75,000 were killed in other provinces.

Friends and Zeresh told Haman to build gallows to hang Mordecai from. How tall did the say to make it?

75 feet high

What Jewish tribe was Mordecai from?

The tribe of Benjamin

What happened to Haman's 10 sons?

They were all hung.

How were Mordecai and Esther related?

They were cousins.

How many times did the King tell Esther he would give her half his kingdom?

Three times.

How long had the King been ruling before he gave the great banquet?

Three years