Esther

Under whose care were the beautiful girls of the kingdom place as they were brought to Susa?

Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the women in his harem.

What was it that Esther did not reveal as she was taken to the palace of Xerxes?

Her nationality and family background.

What disadvantage did the royal officials see in Mordecai?

Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.

Whom did Mordecai tell of the plot against Xerxes's life?

Queen Esther

Who gave another banquet the time Xerxes gave his banquet?

Queen Vashti

Against whom did Memucan say that Vashti had done wrong?

Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes.

What appointment did Esther make when the king gave her Haman's estate?

She appointed Mordecai to be over the estate.

How did Esther answer when the king asked for her requested at her first banquet?

She asked that the king and Haman come the following day to another banquet she would prepare for them. Then she would answer the king's question.

What did Esther again request of the king after the death of Haman?

She begged him to pit an end to the evil plan of Haman against the Jews.

What was the relationship of Esther and Mordecai after she was made queen?

She continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.

What did a girl have to do before she went in to King Xerxes?

She had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women.

What did Esther do when Mordecai refused the clothes she sent him?

She ordered Hadhak, one of the king's eunuchs assigned to attend her, to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.

What impression did Esther make on Hegai?

She pleased him and won his favor.

How did Esther dress when she went to approach the king on behalf of her people?

She put on her royal robes.

What did Vashti do when the attendants delivered the king's command to her?

She refused to come

What did Esther do when Mordecai told her of the plot against the king's life?

She reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.

What message did Esther return to Mordecai when Mordecai asked her to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy for her people?

She said that any man or woman who approached the king in the inner court without being summoned would be put to death. The only exception was for the king to extend the golden scepter to that person and spare his life.

Who did Esther tell the king had planned the annihilation of the Jews?

She said, "The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman."

How did Esther suggest that the king could end the evil plan of Haman?

She suggested that an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman had written to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces.

What is said of Esther's popularity before she went in to the king?

She won the favor of everyone who saw her.

Where was Mordecai when he learned of conspiracy against King Xerxes' life?

Sitting at the king's gate.

What was the nature of the beauty treatments given to the girls in Susa?

Six months of treatments with oil of myrrh; six months of treatments with perfumes and cosmetics.

How long did the great banquet of Xerxes last?

seven days

What did the royal officials do when Mordecai continued to refuse to honor him?

They told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated.

How were the two officials who plotted against Xerxes' life killed?

They were hanged on a gallows.

How did Xerxes and his nobles respond to the suggestion of Memucan?

They were pleased with the advice and did as Memucan proposed.

Why did Haman say that all the things he bragged about gave him no satisfaction?

He said he would have no satisfaction as lone as he saw Mordecai sitting at the king's gate.

For whom did Xerxes give a banquet?

His nobles, his officials, military leaders, princes

Of what did Haman boast to his friends and is wife?

His vast wealth, his many sons, the king had honored him above all others. The fact that he was the only person Esther had invited to accompany the king to her first banquet, His invitation to Esther's second banquet.

What advice did Zeresh and Haman's friends give to Haman regarding Mordecai?

His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it."

Why did Esther not reveal her nationality and family background when she was taken to the palace of Xerxes?

Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.

How did Esther respond when Mordecai insisted that she approach the king, even in danger?

She told Mordecai to gather the Jew of Susa to fast for her for three days while she and her maids fasted. She would then go into the king's presence even if it meant death.

How is Esther described physically?

She was "lovely in form and features"

What happened to Esther during the time the beautiful girls were being brought to Susa?

She was also taken to the king's palace and entrusted to Hegai.

What position was given to Esther by the king?

She was made queen in place of Vashti.

What rights did the edict of the king, as written by Mordecai, grant to the Jews?

To assemble and protect themselves

How did Mordecai stay aware of how Esther was doing in the king's palace?

Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how she was and what was happening to her.

What did Haman promise to do if the king would issue a decree to destroy the Jews?

He said he would put ten thousand talents (about 375 tons) of silver into the royal treasury for the men who would carry out this business.

With what finality did Mumucan say the measures against Vashti should be taken?

He said, "Let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media."

How did Haman want to take out his vengeance on Mordecai?

He scorned the idea of killing Mordecai. He looked for a way to kill all of the Jews.

Assuming that the king was talking about him, what did Haman suggest be done for the man the king delighted to honor?

He should wear a royal robe the king has worn, ride a horse with a oral crest on its head, on which the king has ridden, and be led through the city streets, while a proclamation was made that this is what is done for the man the king delights to honor.

What did the king instruct Haman to do after Haman described what should be done for the man the king delighted to honor?

He told Haman to go and do just as he had described for Mordecai who sat at the king's gate.

When Hathak came to Mordecai, what did Mordecai say to him?

He told him everything that had happened to him, including the amour of money Haman had promised to pay into the treasury for the destruction of the Jews. He gave him a copy of the edict for annihilation to show Esther and explain to her. He told him to urge Esther to go into the King's presence to beg for mercy for her people.

What did Mordecai say in the letters he sent to all Jews throughout the provinces of Xerxes after the triumph of the Jews?

He told them to celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar as a time when the Jews were delivered from the enemies.

What did the king tell Mordecai and Esther to do to stop the plan of Haman?

He told them to write another decree in the king's name in behalf of the Jews and seal it with the king's signet ring.

What did the king give to Haman when he told him to do with the people as he pleased?

He took his signet ring off and gave it to Haman.

What did Mordecai do when he learned of Haman's edict against the Jew's?

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

Why was Haman coming into the court of the palace as the king was speaking with his attendant?

He was coming to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows that had been built for him.

What honor was declared upon Haman by the king?

He was elevated and given a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles?

How did Haman read when he was told that Mordecai refused to honor him?

He was enraged.

How did Xerxes react when Vashti refused to come to his banquet?

He was furious and burned with anger

What was Haman's mood as he left Esther's first banquet?

He was happy and in high spirits.

What was the king's response when he saw Esther standing in his court?

He was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter.

How is the position of Mordecai described as the book of Esther closes?

He was second in rank to King Xerxes. He was preeminent among the Jews. He was held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews.

How did Haman react when Esther told the king that he had planned the annihilation of the Jews?

He was terrified and began to beg Queen Esther for his life.

What did Mordecai do when Esther sent him fresh clothes?

He would not except them.

What man refused to pay honor to Haman?

Mordecai

Who told Esther about Mordecai's mourning?

Her maids and eunuchs

What question did Xerxes ask the seven nobles of Persia and Media?

"According to the law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?"

How did the king answer Haman when Haman advised him to issue a decree to destroy the Jews?

"Keep the money" the king said to Haman, "and do with the people as you please.

How many provinces were under the rule of Xerxes?

127

How long did Xerxes display his wealth and his majesty prior to the great banquet?

180 days

When Mordecai asked Esther to go into the presence of the king, how long had it been since she had been called to go to the king?

30 days

How did Mordecai instruct at the Jews to observe the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar annually?

As day of fasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

How high did Zeresh and Haman's friends say Haman should build the gallows?

75 feet high

Who was the cousin of Mordecai?

A girl named Hadassah.

Who had been the father of Esther?

Abihail

Why did Memucan say that Vashti had done wrong?

All the women would know the Queen's conduct, and they would lose respect for their husbands.

Where were the events concerning the conspiracy against Xerxes recorded?

All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.

What was given to a girl when she would go from the harem to the king's palace?

Anything she wanted.

How were the beautiful girls of the kingdom found?

Appointed commissioners in every province brought the girls to Susa.

How is Mordecai introduced in the book of Esther?

As a Jew in the citadel of Susa

When did Esther express her petition concerning her people to the king?

At her second banquet

What was done to enhance the beauty of the girls brought to Susa?

Beauty treatments were given to them.

What favors did Hegai show for Esther?

Beauty treatments, special food; he assigned to her seven maids selected from the king's palace; he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.

Why was Mordecai held in such high esteem by the king and the Jews of the province?

Because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

Of what tribe of Israel was Mordecai a member?

Benjamin

Who were the two officers of Xerxes who conspired against him?

Bigthana and Teresh

How were the dispatches of Haman sent to all the king's provinces?

By couriers

What did Mordecai answer back to Esther when she explained why she should not approach the king?

Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish.

What was the other name of Hadassah?

Esther (Hadassah was her Jewish name; Esther was her Persia name.)

What had the king learned by the time he gave Haman's estate to Esther?

Esther had told the king how Mordecai was related to her.

For whom did Vashti give a banquet?

For the women

What man was highly honored by King Xerxes soon after the selection of Esther as queen?

Haman

Who entered the outer court of the palaces the king was speaking with his attendants about the honoring of Mordecai?

Haman

Why was the annual day of celebration named after the "pur?"

Haman had plotted against the Jews and had cast the "pur" (the lot) for their destruction.

What did Haman do when the king instructed him to go and honor Mordecai?

Haman himself led Modecai through the city streets, proclaiming before him ,"This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor."

Who was the father of Haman?

Hammadatha

What did the king ask Haman when Haman entered the court to speak to him about hanging Mordecai?

He asked Haman what should be done for the man the king delighted to honor.

What did the king say to Esther when she touched his scepter?

He asked her what request was, saying that he would give her up to half the kingdom.

What did the king ask Esther when she told him that her people had been sold for annihilation?

He asked whom the man was who dared to do such a thing.

What assumption did Haman make when the king asked him what should be done for the man the king delighted to honor?

He assumed that the king was speaking of Haman himself.

What did Mordecai do when Esther instructed him to gather the Jews of Susa for a three-day fast?

He carried out all of her instructions.

What did the king command when he heard of the gallows by Haman's house?

He commanded that Haman be hanged on it

What honor did the king command be paid to Haman ?

He commanded that all the royal officials at the king's gate kneel down and pay honor to Haman.

What difficulty did the king have during the night after the gallows were built?

He could not sleep that night

What did the king do to celebrate his finding his new queen?

He gave a banquet, proclaimed a holiday, distributed gifts with royal liberality.

What did the king give to Mordecai when he gave Esther the estate of Haman?

He gave him his signet ring, which he had reclaimed fro Haman.

How did the king react when Esther told him that Haman had planned the annihilation of the Jews?

He got up in a rage and went out into the palace garden.

What had been the relationship of Mordecai and Hadassah as she grew up?

He had brought her up as his own daughter because her father and mother had died.

How did Haman respond to the suggestion that he build a gallows?

He had the gallows built

What did the king do the night he was unable to sleep?

He ordered the book of chronicles (the record of his reign) to be brought in and read to him

What did Mordecai do after he was honored by Haman?

He rushed home with his head covered in grief and told his wife and friends what had happened to him.

Which of the seven nobles of Persia and Media spoke up when Xerxes asked what should be done to Vashti?

Memucan

When the king asked what honor Mordecai had received for his exposure of the assassination plot, what was he told?

His attendants told him that nothing had been done for Mordecai.

Of what great deed of Mordecai was the king reminded as the book of the chronicles was read to him?

His exposure of the assassination plot against the king

Whom did Haman call together to boast on himself after Esther's first banquet?

His friends and his wife.

What was Esther's final statement when she said that she would go into the king's presence even if it meant death?

If I perish, I perish

How did Esther respond on hearing about Mordecai's mourning?

In great distress, she sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth.

Why did Xerxes command that Vashti be brought before him?

In order to display her beauty to his guests

Where in Susa was Xerxes' throne located?

In the citadel

Where did Xerxes host his great banquet?

In the enclosed garden of the king's palace.

In what languages did the royal secretaries write out Haman's orders?

In the script and language of each province and in the language of each people

In what year of his reign did Xerxes give a great banquet?

In the third year

When was the "pur" case in the presence of Haman?

In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan.

Where is Susa were the beautiful girls of the kingdom brought?

Into the harem at the citadel of Susa.

How did Mordecai come to live in Persia?

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had carried him into exile from Jerusalem.

What did the king say about the authority that accompanied his signet ring?

No document written in the king's name and sealed with his ring could be revoked.

What did the king ask Esther as he and Haman were drinking their wine at the first banquet?

Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.

When did the Jews of Susa have a day of feasting and joy?

On the fifteenth day of Adar. (They assembled for destruction o the thirteenth and fourteenth of the month)

When did Esther go in to approach the king on behalf of her people?

On the third day of the fast of the Jews.

What did the Jews do to their enemies on the day appointed for annihilation?

They killed and destroyed their enemies.

In what city was the throne of Xerxes?

Susa

How many sons of Haman did the Jews kill on the day appointed for annihilation?

Ten

What did Xerxes request at his great banquet?

That Vashti be brought before him

What request did Haman make to the king regarding the Jews in the kingdom?

That a decree be issued to destroy them.

What suggestion did the king's personal attendants make for his finding a queen to replace Vashti?

That a search be made for beautiful virgins; the girl who pleased the king could be made queen.

What request did Esther make of the king when he held the scepter out to her?

That he and Haman come that day to a banquet she had prepared for the king.

What was Esther's petition to the king at her second banquet?

That he spare her people, for they had been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation.

What did Memucan suggest to be done to Vashti?

That she never again be permitted to enter the presence of King Xerxes and her royal position be given to someone lease who was better than she

What is said concerning plunder in Susa when the Jews killed their enemies?

The Jews did not lay their hands on the plunder.

For what reasons did Haman tell the king he should not tolerate the Jews in his kingdom?

They kept separate to themselves. Their customs were different from those of all other people.

How did Xerxes respond to his personal attendants' proposal for finding a new queen?

The advice appealed to him and he followed it.

What was the response in the city of Susa on learning of Mordecai's decree?

The city held a joyous celebration. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.

How did the city of Susa react to the edict sent out by Haman?

The city was bewildered.

What was done with the estate of Haman after his death?

The king gave it to Queen Esther

What physical object was given to Esther as a symbol of her position as queen?

The king set a royal crown on her head

What did Xerxes do when he learned of the plot against his life?

The report was investigated and found to be true, and the two officials were put to death.

What does the writer say began to be celebrated yearly by Jews on the fourteenth day of Adar?

The rural Jews---those living in villages---observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy, fasting, and giving presents to each other.

According to the orders of Mordecai, what day was appointed for the Jews to assert themselves against their enemies?

The thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.

On what day did Haman order that all the Jews of the kingdom be killed?

The thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.

When the men of Haman cast the "pur" on what months did it fall?

The twelfth month, of Adar.

how did the Jews of the various provinces respond on learning of Mordecai's decree?

There was joy and gladness among the Jews everywhere, with feasting and celebrating.

What did the annual days of celebration of the deliverance of the Jews come to be called?

These days were called "Purim", from the word"pur"

How did the men of Haman select the day and month on which to strike against the Jews?

They case the "pur". ("Pur" is the Hebrew word meaning "lot".

What was unique about the "laws of Persia and Media?"

They could not be repealed.

Who conspired to assassinate King Xerxes?

Two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway.

Who was king of Persia during the time of Esther?

Xerxes

Who was the wife of Haman?

Zeresh

What was the result of the king's review of the beautiful girls of the kingdom?

kShe won his favor and approval more than any other.