Esther

16 chapters

Chapter summaries

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1. 1King Assuerus celebrateth a great banquet to show his glory, 10. calleth queen Vasthi thereto, who refusing to come, is by advice of his counsel deposed.
2. 2Inquiry being made of the best and fairest virgins, (5. Esther the unknown niece of Mardocheus a Jew) is preferred, 18. and made Queen in place of Vasthi; a marriage feast made, and presents given. 21) Mardocheus detecteth traitors, and his service is recorded in the register.
3. 3Aman advanced by the king, is much offended that Mardocheus doth not adore him. 6. and therefore procureth the king's decree, to destroy the whole nation of Jews.
4. 4All the Jews lament their imminent danger. 5. Mardocheus willeth Esther to entreat the king for their safety. 11. she fearing to go to the king contrary to his law uncalled, 15. yet they all fasting and praying for her, she doth it.
5. 5Esther standing in the king's sight he calleth her, 4. she requesteth that he and Aman will dine with her. 7. Again she inviteth them. 9. Aman is more incensed against Mardocheus, prepareth high gallows to hang him on.
6. 6The king hearing the good service of Mardocheus in detecting traitors, read in the chronicle (for which he had yet no reward) 4. commandeth Aman to honour him next to the king, 11. which he performeth.
7. 7Esther entertaining the king and Aman again at a feast, is promised to obtain, whatsoever she will ask. 3. she demandeth safety for her self, and all the people, against Aman's cruelty, 6. and Aman is hanged on the gallows, which he had prepared for Mardocheus.
8. 8Esther informeth the king that Mardocheus is her uncle, he is advanced in authority, 3. and contrary letters are sent that the Jews be saved, 11. and their enemies slain. 15. Mardocheus is in high honour, and his whole nation is esteemed and feared by other people.
9. 9The Jews kill their enemies which would have killed them. 6. namely the ten sons of Aman are hanged on gallows, 13. more slain the next day. 17. the day following is made holy, and so to be kept every year.
10. 10Assuerus subdueth many countries. 4. Mardocheus understandeth, and declareth his dream. 9. God separateth his people from other nations by a better lot.
11. 11An Appendix and conclusion of this history. 2. The dream of Mardocheus.
12. 12The conspiracy of two eunuchs, detected by Mardocheus, is repeated, 6. and Aman's malice against him for the same.
13. 13A copy of the epistle which Aman sent to all provinces to destroy the Jews. 8. And Mardocheus his prayer for the people.
14. 14Esther prayeth in humility of spirit, that God will deliver the people from the cruelty of Aman.
15. 15Mardocheus causeth Esther to go to the king and intreat for the people. 10. She is terrified by this countenance, but God turneth his heart, and he calleth her courteously to him.
16. 16A copy of king Artaxerxes' letters, which he sent for the safety of the Jews, 10. declaring the insolence of Aman and dutiful service of Mardocheus and Esther, 20. commanding all his princes to assist the Jews, and with them to celebrate the day which is changed from sorrow to joy.