Bible Characters
Queen Esther: The Orphan Who Saved Her People (+Quiz)
The palace of Susa, a decree, courage of heart, and the miracle of Purim.
Esther - Hadassah - was a Jewish orphan who became Queen of Persia and saved her people from destruction. The Book of Esther, read on Purim, is a story of courage and hidden providence - and one of the most beloved in Bible quizzes.
▶ Play now: the Esther quiz — 50 questions per level
The Orphan and Her Upbringing
Esther was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, one of the exiles from Jerusalem living in Susa the capital. "She had neither father nor mother" - and yet she grew into a woman of wisdom, grace, and courage.
Chosen as Queen
When Ahasuerus deposed Vashti, young women were gathered from across the kingdom. Esther was chosen as queen, but on Mordecai's advice she did not reveal her people or her homeland. Meanwhile, Mordecai uncovered a plot to kill the king and saved his life.
Haman's Decree
Haman the Agagite, the king's right-hand man, was filled with rage against Mordecai, who would not bow to him, and bought with silver a decree to destroy all the Jews in a single day - "to kill and to annihilate." The lot was cast, and the thirteenth of Adar was set.
"Who Knows If for Such a Time"
Mordecai called on Esther to act, speaking the timeless words: "Who knows whether you have come to royalty for such a time as this." Esther asked all the Jews to fast for three days, and then entered the king's presence uninvited - at the risk of death: "And if I perish, I perish."
The Banquets and the Deliverance
Esther held two banquets, and at the second she exposed him: "An adversary and an enemy - this wicked Haman." Haman was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, and Mordecai rose to greatness. The Jews were granted permission to defend themselves against their enemies and were saved.
The Miracle of Purim
The days of Purim were established for all generations - on the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar - to commemorate the deliverance: "from sorrow to joy, and from mourning to a festive day." They are marked with the sending of gifts of food, gifts to the poor, feasting, and the reading of the Megillah.
Play the Esther quiz
Bible Quiz now has a dedicated Esther quiz — real questions from the bank across five difficulty levels, 50 questions per level, from the easy questions up to the "Super-Rabbi" level with exact verses and numbers. You can also reach it from the character area or the game screen, via the "by hero" button.
FAQ
Who raised Esther?
Mordecai, her cousin, since she was an orphan without father or mother.
What did Mordecai say to Esther?
"Who knows whether you have come to royalty for such a time as this" - a call to act on behalf of her people.
Who plotted to destroy the Jews?
Haman the Agagite, a minister of King Ahasuerus, out of rage against Mordecai.
Which holiday commemorates Esther's miracle?
Purim - on the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar - with the reading of the Megillah, sending gifts of food, and gifts to the poor.