What Kind of Woman Was Queen Esther in The Bible?

Introduction

Many know Queen Esther of the Bible. She was beautiful—that’s one thing the bible is very clear about. But beauty doesn’t make a person, neither does it build a legacy. What then made her famous? What kind of woman was Esther in the Bible?

Who is Esther in the bible and what did she do? In short, Esther’s story is a captivating tale of how a young, beautiful Jewish woman rises to power and saves her people from annihilation. Despite facing many challenges and dangers, Esther shows her unwavering faith and determination.

In this blog, we will do an Esther Bible study, in the form of a simple story of Esther. And we will dive deep into what kind of woman was Queen Esther: what made Esther so special, what is the Esther anointing, what are the characteristics of Esther in the bible, and the 6 biblical lessons from the book of Esther.

What is special about Esther in the Bible?

Esther, the hero of the biblical Book of Esther, is a remarkable woman known for her courage, intelligence, and faith. King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) chose Esther to be his queen after Queen Vashti was ousted.

Before looking at Esther’s character traits, let’s briefly look into her story itself and the main characters that are at play.

Esther Character list

In the Bible, the character of Esther is featured in the Book of Esther. Let’s first have a look at the main characters in the Book of Esther, before we can understand how special Esther was and the lesson to learn.

Here is a list of other key characters in the story of Esther in the Bible:

1. Esther (Hadassah): The Jewish protagonist and the queen of Persia. Esther was a beautiful young woman living in a foreign land. She was a young orphan, yet played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them. Book of Esther.
2. Mordecai: Esther’s cousin and guardian. Mordecai’s actions play a significant role in the events of the story. He uncovers a plot against the king, and his refusal to bow to Haman sets the conflict in motion. Book of Esther, especially Esther 2:5-7, Esther 4:1-17, Esther 6:1-11, Esther 10:2.
3. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus): The king of Persia, who is initially married to Queen Vashti but later selects Esther as his new queen when she was selected to wear the royal crown after a beauty contest. Book of Esther, especially Esther 1:1-22, Esther 2:1-23, Esther 5:1-14.
4. Queen Vashti: The queen who is removed from the royal throne for refusing to appear before King Xerxes and his guests. Her elimination sets the stage for Esther to become queen. Book of Esther, especially Esther 1:10-22.
5. Haman: The villain of the story, an official in King Xerxes’ court who plots to exterminate the Jewish people. He is the chief enemy and serves as a hinder to Mordecai. Book of Esther, especially Esther 3:1-15, Esther 7:1-10.
6. Zeresh: Haman’s wife. She advises him to build a tall gallow on which to hang Mordecai. Book of Esther, especially Esther 5:14.
7. Hegai: The king’s eunuch in charge of the king’s harem of beautiful virgins, who helps prepare Esther for her role as queen. He selected the most beautiful royal robes for her and prepared her for the royal position. Book of Esther, especially Esther 2:8-15.
8. Bigthan and Teresh: Two eunuchs who plot to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai overhears their plan, leading to their arrest and execution. Book of Esther, especially Esther 2:21-23, Esther 6:1-2.
9. Memucan: One of the royal officials who advises Xerxes on how to deal with Queen Vashti’s disobedience. During those biblical times, king’s officers played a powerful role in royal decision making. Book of Esther, especially Esther 1:16-22, Esther 7:9-10.
10. The Jewish People: The community facing annihilation, whose fate is at the center of the story. Book of Esther, the entire narrative, but particularly Esther 4:3, Esther 8:5-17.

These are the main characters in the Book of Esther. Their interactions and decisions shape the narrative, and the story is celebrated annually during the Jewish feast of Purim.

Simple story of Esther

Who is Esther in the bible and what did she do? A simple Esther Bible study will give the answers—the facts about Esther in the Bible. This blog is too short to touch on everything (LOL), so we will explore the key points in the book of Esther.

The story of Esther, found in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament, is a captivating narrative of courage, intrigue, and divine intervention. Set in ancient Persia, it unfolds with King Xerxes hosting a great banquet, showcasing his wealth and power with royal liberality. When his wife, Queen Vashti, refuses to appear before the guests of the king’s banquet, she is ousted, paving the way for a search to find a beautiful woman to become the new queen.

“So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked. It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she.”

Esther 1:19 (NLT)

Enter Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. She, among many other beautiful young virgins, is taken by the King’s men and brought to the King’s palace. Esther’s beauty catches the eye of the king’s attendants, and she is chosen as the new queen, though her Jewish heritage remains a secret.

“But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. So his personal attendants suggested, “Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king.”

Esther 2:1-2 (NLT)

“As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care.”

Esther 2:8 (NLT)

The plot then thickens as Mordecai uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate the Persian king, foiling the plan and earning the king’s gratitude.

“One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana[g] and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. But Mordecai heard about the plot and informed to Queen Esther. She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report.”

Esther 2:21-22 (NLT)

The central conflict arises with introducing Haman, an ambitious royal official who seeks to annihilate the entire people of Jewish heritage. Unaware of Esther’s family background, the king grants Haman the authority to carry out his wicked plan (not knowing about Haman’s hidden agenda, nor knowing Esther’s Jewish background).

“Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, ‘There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their laws are different from those of any other people, and they refuse to obey the laws of the king. So it is not in the king’s interest to let them live. If it please the king, issue a decree that they be destroyed, and I will give 10,000 large sacks of silver to the government administrators to be deposited in the royal treasury’.”

Esther 3:8-9 (NLT)

When Mordecai finds out, he urges Esther to reveal her identity and intercede on behalf of her people, risking her life to approach the king uninvited—an act punishable by death. Esther’s courage shines as she appears in the King’s inner court in the face of danger. She finds the favor of the king and invites him and Haman to Esther’s banquet, gradually exposing Haman’s evil plot.

“Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: ‘Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?’” 

Esther 4:13-14 (NLT)

The revelation leads to Haman’s downfall, and the king grants Esther and Mordecai the authority to issue a counter-decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. The Jewish people are saved from destruction, and the festival of Purim is established to commemorate their deliverance.

“Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.”

Esther 9:20-22 (NLT)

The story of Esther illustrates the power of faith, courage, and strategic thinking in the face of adversity. It highlights how an unlikely heroine chosen “for such a time as this,” can play a crucial role in the unfolding of God’s providence.

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14 (NLT)

What made Esther so special?

What sets Esther apart is her key role in saving the Jewish people from annihilation—through her faith and obedience. When the evil Haman plotted to exterminate all Jews in the Persian Empire, Esther, at the risk of her own life, approached the king uninvited to plead for their survival. This act required immense bravery, as approaching the king without an invitation was punishable by death.

Esther’s strategic thinking is also clear throughout the story. She wisely used her position as queen to gain influence and gather information, which ultimately helped her to expose Haman’s plan to the king. Her quick thinking and ability to navigate complex political situations show her intelligence and resourcefulness.

Furthermore, Esther’s unwavering faith played a crucial role in her actions. Before approaching the king, she asked her fellow Jews to fast and pray for three days, showing her reliance on God’s guidance and intervention. She did not want to act based on her own insights but sought God first. She knew without Him she wouldn’t succeed—she knew she needed God’s help. She truly was a prayer warrior woman.

Esther’s rise highlights the power of a woman’s courage and determination to make a difference. Despite her initial reluctance to take on the dangerous task, she stepped up and became a catalyst for change, ultimately saving her people from destruction.

Esther was a woman of immense bravery, intelligence, and faith. Her story serves as an inspiration for all, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what is right and the potential for ordinary individuals to make a significant impact.

Queen Esther was truly an anointed and appointed woman in ministry in the Bible. In our own lives, we can all be like her—a warrior woman.

What are the characteristics of the Esther anointing?

The facts about Queen Esther in the bible are not merely about what she did—it is actually more about who she was.

The Esther anointing is all about embodying the qualities of Esther from the Bible. It’s like tapping into her vibe of courage, smarts, loyalty, and compassion.

This anointing is like a special sauce that gives people, especially women, the power to handle tough situations with grace and wisdom. Think of it as having that extra boost of confidence and divine guidance when facing challenges.

Esther’s story is like a roadmap to make a positive impact on your communities and live out your purpose.

That being said…., what are the characteristics of the Esther anointing?

Esther anointing characteristics

In the Bible, Queen Esther is celebrated for her bravery, faith, and obedience to God. She was a Jewish woman who became the queen of Persia and played a vital role in saving her people from destruction. The queen Esther characteristics are several.

One of the key characteristics of the Esther anointing is courage. Esther fearlessly approached the king, risking her own life to intercede for her people. She showed immense bravery in standing up against injustice and fighting for the rights and safety of her fellow Jews. This made her one of the mighty female warriors in the Bible.

Another characteristic of the Esther anointing is faith. Esther relied on God’s guidance and trusted in His plans. She fasted and prayed, seeking divine direction before taking action. Her unwavering faith in God’s power and providence allowed her to navigate difficult circumstances and make wise decisions.

Furthermore, Esther displayed obedience to God. Despite her initial hesitations, she ultimately obeyed Mordecai’s instructions to approach the king. Her obedience to God’s will not only saved her people but also brought about a significant turning point in the story.

Esther possessed great wisdom and discernment. She carefully strategized how to approach the king, timing her requests wisely. Her discernment enabled her to navigate the palace intrigues and gain favor with the king.

Esther’s humility is also worth mentioning. Despite her elevated status as queen, she remained humble and did not let her position define her. This humility allowed her to connect with her people and act selflessly in their best interest.

In summary, the Esther anointing includes characteristics such as courage, faith, obedience, wisdom, discernment, and humility. Esther’s anointing serves as a powerful example for women, demonstrating the impact one person can have when they trust in God and act under His will.

List of 10 characteristics of Esther in the Bible

The characteristics of Esther in the Bible, is also called the Esther anointing.

Here are the 10 Esther anointing characteristics:

1. Courageous: Esther displays great courage when she approaches King Xerxes without being summoned, risking her life to save her people.
2. Intelligent: Esther uses her intelligence and strategic thinking to navigate the political and social challenges in the Persian court.
3. Faithful: Esther remains true to her Jewish identity and heritage, even in the foreign and sometimes hostile environment of the Persian court.
4. Resourceful: Esther adapts to challenging situations and uses her wit and resourcefulness to achieve her goals.
5. Obedient: Esther respects the guidance of her cousin Mordecai and follows his advice when entering the king’s presence.
6. Strategic: Esther strategically plans her approach to King Xerxes, revealing her ability to think ahead and plan for the best outcome.
7. Compassionate: Esther shows compassion for her people and is willing to risk her own safety to save them from harm.
8. Humble: Despite her elevated position as queen, Esther remains humble and doesn’t let her status go to her head.
9. Beautiful: Esther’s great beauty is often mentioned in the biblical narrative, playing a role in her selection as queen.
10. Devoted: Esther’s devotion to her people is a central theme in the story, highlighting her commitment to the well-being of the Jewish community.

These Esther anointing characteristics contribute to the overall character of Esther as a strong and virtuous figure in the Bible. They showcase her as a woman of faith and determination who plays a pivotal role in the salvation of her people.

What are the leadership qualities of Esther in the Bible?

The leadership qualities of Esther in the Bible are clear throughout her story.

The 10 key leadership qualities that Esther shows:

1. Courage: Esther displays immense courage by stepping forward and taking action to save her people, even at the risk of her own life. She does not allow fear holding her back from doing what is right.
2. Influence: Despite her initially lowly status as a Jewish orphan, Esther rises to become the queen of Persia. Her influence and position allow her to advocate for her people and make a significant impact.
3. Strategic thinking: Esther carefully plans her approach to King Xerxes, timing her requests wisely and strategically navigating the palace intrigues. She shows the ability to think ahead and make calculated decisions.
4. Empathy: Esther shows deep empathy and compassion for her people. She is willing to put herself in their shoes and take action to ease their suffering. Her genuine concern for the well-being of others is a mark of her leadership.
5. Resilience: Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, Esther remains resilient and perseveres in her mission. She does not give up easily and continues to fight for the rights and safety of her people.
6. Humility: Esther’s humility is a key leadership quality. Despite her elevated position as queen, she does not let her status define her. She remains humble and approachable, allowing her to connect with her people and gain their trust.
7. Wisdom: Esther shows wisdom in her decision-making process. She seeks divine guidance through fasting and prayer and makes wise choices that align with God’s will. Her wisdom enables her to navigate complex situations and make the right decisions. Wisdom is one of her characteristics as a powerful prayer warrior woman.
8. Integrity: Esther upholds her Jewish identity and heritage, even in a foreign and sometimes hostile environment. She remains true to her beliefs and values, serving as a role model for integrity and authenticity.
9. Influence through example: Esther’s actions and character inspire others to follow her lead. Her bravery, faith, and obedience to God serve as a powerful example for others to emulate.
10. Vision: Esther has a clear vision of the outcome she desires—the salvation of her people. She remains focused on this vision throughout her journey and takes deliberate steps to bring it to fruition.

These leadership qualities of Esther in the Bible, make her an exemplary figure, demonstrating how leadership can be characterized by courage, influence, strategic thinking, empathy, resilience, humility, wisdom, integrity, influence through example, and vision.

We can learn from her and cultivate Esther leadership qualities in our own lives.

What lesson does the book of Esther teach?

The book of Esther teaches several important life lessons. Here are 6 biblical lessons from the book of Esther.

6 powerful life lessons from the book of Esther:

To me, the most important lesson of Esther’s life is, “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14). Whatever we have in life, wherever we are, God placed us there—for a reason. He makes sure we are at the right place at the right time; to do His will. Then, it is up to us to do the right thing.

Keeping this in mind will keep us humble. If not, we may take credit for ourselves and lose sight of God’s plan. It will also give us the courage to do what God wants us to do and the conviction that we have what it takes—because it is God’s plan, He equips us.

Another lesson is the power of faith and trust in God’s providence. Despite the absence of direct mentions of God in the book, the events and outcomes clearly reveal His hand at work. Esther’s faith and reliance on God’s guidance ultimately lead to the salvation of her people. Queen Esther fully surrendered control to God.

An additional lesson is the importance of courage and taking action in the face of adversity. Esther’s willingness to step forward and risk her life to save her people shows the impact that one person can make when they stand up for what is right.

The book also teaches the value of unity and community. Esther’s plea for her people to come together and fast shows the strength that can be found in collective action. It emphasizes the importance of supporting and caring for one another, especially in times of difficulty.

The book of Esther also highlights the consequences of pride and arrogance. The downfall of Haman, who sought to destroy the Jewish people out of his own pride, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing ego to cloud judgment and harm others.

Overall, the Book of Esther teaches lessons about faith, courage, unity, humility, and the power of God’s providence. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for what is right, trusting in God’s plan, and supporting one another in times of need.

We can incorporate these lessons from Queen Esther in our own daily lives, and stand up for what is right, in humility.

What is the main message of the book of Esther?

The main message of the Book of Esther is the testimony to the providence of God in the lives of His people. The story of Esther in the Bible underscores themes of courage, faith, and the reversal of fortune.

One key message is the concept of divine providence—the idea that God works behind the scenes to guide events for the good of those who trust in Him. Despite the absence of overt religious language or miracles, the events in Esther reveal God’s hidden hand at work, orchestrating circumstances to preserve the Jewish people from annihilation.

The story also emphasizes the importance of courage in the face of adversity. Esther, an unlikely heroine, rises to the occasion, risking her life to save her people. Her courage, along with Mordecai’s steadfastness and trust in God, becomes a model for facing challenges with faith and resilience.

In summary, the key messages of the Book of Esther include the recognition of divine providence and the importance of courage in difficult times.

Prayer to be a woman like Esther in the Bible

Father, I thank You that you gave such a cloud of witnesses we can learn from. Help me fully understand what kind of woman Esther in the Bible was and help me cultivate the same characteristics in my daily life.

Lord God, grant me the courage to stand for what is right. Help me recognize the right time and right place, and to do what you want me to do. I fully acknowledge that where I am is not by chance—You placed me here, for a purpose. Help me to always see this and then to step out in faith.

I am grateful that You give me opportunities to show faith and courage each day of my life, in the small things and in the big things. Thank You Holy Spirit, for always coming alongside me. I know I am not alone. You are with me.

Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.