Esther, the Jewish wife of the Persian king
Assuerus (Xerxes
I, 485-464 B.C.), is the main character of the
Book of Esther. Orphaned
at an early age, Esther was brought up in the family of her older cousin
Mardochus
(or Mordecai), who, like many other Jews, was a captive of Persia. The
king of that time, Assuerus (Ahasuerus), was looking for a new wife, and
many pretty girls were taken into his harem, among them was Esther. After
a year's training the girls were introduced to the king and he liked Esther
most. She became the new queen. During all this time Mardochus was
in contact with his cousin, giving her advice and instructions. Following
her cousin's instructions she did not reveal her Jewish origin. Once, lingering
at the gates of the palace, Mardochus overheard two guards planning to
kill the king. He immediately, through Esther, informed the king about
the plot. Soon thereafter king Assuerus appointed one Haman his
first minister. Mardochus was among the spectators at the palace gates
when the new first minister was entering the palace; everyone bowed, but
Mardochus refused. Haman was infuriated and plotted to kill not only Mardochus,
but all the Jews in Persia. When the terrible decree was issued Mardochus
applied to Esther for help.
Meanwhile the king was having a bad sleep and asked that the royal
journal be read to him. Thus he learned that Mardochus had earlier saved
him and realized that he had never thanked him. Next day when Haman
came to the palace the king asked him how to reward a man to whom the king
was obliged. Haman, thinking that the king meant him, offered an honorary
procession, of course, he was unpleasantly surprised when the king ordered
him to organize the procession in honor of the Jew Mardochus.
Esther in her turn asked the king to make a banquet and invite Haman,
who was much pleased with the queen's attention. But during the banquet
Esther revealed her Jewish origin and told the king about Haman's plan
to kill her people. The king left the banquet room to consider the question,
and Haman threw himself at the queen's feet pleading her to have mercy
on him. When the king returned, he thought that Haman was attacking his
queen, and ordered his death immediately. Haman was hanged on the gallows
he had prepared for Mardochus. Thus the Jewish population of Persia was
saved and their enemy punished.
This event is celebrated by Jews as Purim holiday.
See: Andrea del Castagno. Queen
Esther.
Filippino Lippi Three Scenes
from the Story of Esther.
Michelangelo The
Punishment of Haman.
Nicolas Poussin Esther
Before Assuerus.
Rembrandt. Esther
Preparing to Intercede with Assuerus (?). Assuerus,
Haman and Esther, Haman
Begging Esther for Mercy.
Jacopo Robusti, called Tintoretto. Esther
before Ahasuerus. Esther
before Ahasuerus.
Paolo Veronese. Coronation
of Esther. Esther before Ahasuerus.