Read the Book of Esther

Esther 1 describes how Ahasuerus of Persia and Media held royal feasts, and Vashti disobeyed the king and was deposed as queen.

Esther 2 describes how Ahasuerus sought a new queen, Esther was presented by her cousin Mordecai to the king who was pleased with her and chose her as queen, and Mordecai exposed a plot against the king.

Esther 3 describes how Mordecai refused to bow to the king's advisor Haman, and Haman arranged a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.

Esther 4 describes how Mordecai and the Jews mourned and fasted because of the king’s decree, and Esther prepared to go to the king.

Esther 5 describes how the king received Esther, she invited him and Haman to a banquet, and Haman planned to have Mordecai hanged.

Esther 6 describes how Mordecai received great honors, and Haman mourned and was counseled by his wife.

Esther 7 describes how Esther revealed Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews, and he was hanged on his own gallows.

Esther 8 describes how Mordecai was honored and placed over the house of Haman, and Ahasuerus issued a decree to preserve the Jews.

Esther 9 describes how the Jews slayed their enemies, including Haman’s ten sons, and the Feast of Purim was instituted to commemorate their deliverance and victory.

Esther 10 describes how Mordecai stood next to Ahasuerus in power and honor.