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1 Ahasuerus rules Persia. He holds feast – it is lavishly described (rather unusually given the narrative minimalism of most of the rest of the OT). Queen Vashti holds a parallel feast for the women. When merry with drink, Ahasuerus demands that Vashti come and show off her beauty to his guests. Queen Vashti refuses, making Xerxes angry. His counsellors express concern that Vashti’s insubordination will set a bad precedent for wives everywhere. They advise that she is replaced so the right message is sent out across the land. 2 Ahasuerus looks for new queen, with many virgins brought before him. Esther (brought up by Mordecai, her cousin) is prepared, presented, chosen and made queen. Esther conceals her Jewish identity. Mordecai saves Ahasuerus' life by revealing a conspiracy against him by two of his eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh. 3 Haman is promoted, and gains respect. Mordecai does not bow to Haman. Haman angry, and seeks to kill not only Mordecai, but all Jews. Haman obtains permission from the king to issue a decree to kill all Jews, on the pretext that they separated themselves from the rest of the land and did not observe the king’s laws. The date of the killing is set for the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. 4 Mordecai and Jews learn about the decree and mourn with sackcloth and ashes. Mordecai informs Esther of law, and advises her to speak with king. Esther resolves to do so, despite the fact that she risks death for approaching the king uninvited. (She has been been called to the king for thirty days.) The Jews fast for three days.
