Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

After King Ahasuerus's anger had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done, as well as the decree that had been issued against her.

The king's servants who served him advised, "Let us find beautiful young virgins to bring before the king." The king agreed with their suggestion and appointed officials in all the provinces of his kingdom. He instructed them to search for a maiden who would please him and take Vashti's place as queen.

In the palace of Shushan, there lived a man named Mordecai, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin. He had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon when he conquered Jerusalem and exiled King Jeconiah. Mordecai was a cousin to Hadassah, who is also known as Esther, since she had lost her parents and was being raised by him.

When the king's decree reached Shushan, many young women were gathered under the care of Hegai, one of the king's attendants. Among them was Esther, whom Mordecai had entrusted to Hegai's care. She quickly won his favor, and he provided her with cosmetics and food, as well as seven other young women to serve her.

Esther kept her nationality a secret, following Mordecai's advice. He would often visit the palace grounds to check on her and see how she was faring.

After twelve months had passed, Esther's turn came to meet the king. She was given a year of beauty treatments, alternating between oil of myrrh and sweet fragrances, before being summoned to the palace. When it was time for her to go in to the king, he would grant her anything she desired, but she couldn't return to the women's quarters until the next day.

Esther, who had been raised by Abihail as her father and Mordecai as her uncle, requested only what Hegai had already given her. She won the favor of everyone who saw her.

In the tenth month of the seventh year of King Ahasuerus's reign, Esther was taken to his palace in Tebeth. The king was immediately drawn to her, and she won his favor more than any other young woman. He placed a royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

The king hosted a grand feast for all his officials and servants, including a celebration for Esther's coronation. He also issued a decree releasing taxes in the provinces and distributing gifts according to his generosity.

When the virgins were gathered together again, Mordecai sat at the gate of the palace, keeping watch. He had instructed Esther not to reveal her family ties or nationality, just as she had when she was living with him.

While Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of the king's attendants, Bigthan and Teresh, became enraged and conspired to assassinate King Ahasuerus. They were responsible for guarding the palace entrance.

Mordecai informed Esther about their plot, who then told the king in his name. An investigation was launched, and the two conspirators were found out. As a result, they were hanged on a tree, and their names were recorded in the royal chronicles.