What was the name of the king in the story?
King Xerxes (He was also called King Ahasuerus)
What did the king do to his first wife, Queen Vashti?
He sent her away because she would not come when he called her.
What was the punishment for going to the king without being called?
You could be put to death
Who was the king's special helper who was in charge of all the women and gave Esther her beauty treatments?
Hegai
What happened when the king could not sleep one night?
He had the records of his reign read to him
What was the name of Esthers cousin that raised her?
Mordecai
What did Mordecai tell Esther to keep a secret when she became queen?
That she was Jewish
What did Esther do when she first went to the king's court to save her people?
She asked him to come to a special banquet
What did the king realize Haman had done to him?
Haman had lied to him and tricked him
What did the Jews do to defend themselves against their enemies?
They fought back and were victorious
Who was the bad guy who wanted to hurt the Jewish people?
Haman
What did Mordecai do that made Haman so angry?
He did not bow down to Haman
Where did the story of Esther take place?
The city of Susa
How did the king show that he was not angry with Esther when she came to see him?
He held out his golden scepter
What did the king discover in the records that made him want to honor Mordecai?
That Mordecai had once saved the king's life
What was Esther's other name, her Hebrew name?
Hadassah
What new Jewish holiday celebrates the saving of Esther's people?
Purim
What did Mordecai overhear some men plotting to do?
Hurt the king (He overheard a plot to assassinate the king)
What did Haman want the king to do to honor Mordecai?
Have Mordecai ride a horse through the city with a royal robe and crown
What did Haman's wife and friends suggest he do to punish Mordecai?
Build a tall gallows to hang him on
What was the name of the servant who brought messages between Esther and Mordecai?
Hathach
What famous thing did Mordecai say to Esther to help her be brave?
Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
What did Esther say to the king at the second banquet that made him so angry?
That Haman was trying to hurt her and her people
How long did the king's grand feast last at the start of the book?
7 days for the people of Susa, but the initial feast for officials lasted 180 days
How did the story of Esther end for Mordecai?
He was rewarded and became second-in-command to the king