CHAPTER 20
Esther Gets Ready

Esther 2–8

Esther was a beautiful woman who lived in Persia. She was one of God’s people—the people of Israel. They were called Jews. The king chose Esther to be his new queen.

But the king didn’t know that Esther was Jewish!

During this time, the king chose a man named Haman to work for him. Haman disliked the Jews. He found a way to make a law that would get rid of them. God’s people were in danger!

When Esther found out about the law, she knew she had to talk to the king to save God’s people. Queen Esther was afraid. She prayed to God, “Please help me be brave for your people.” God helped Esther come up with a plan.

Esther invited the king to a big dinner. She told him to bring Haman too. At the dinner, Esther turned to the king and said, “Please don’t hurt me or my people!”

“Who wants to hurt you?” the king asked. Esther pointed to Haman.

“Haman wants to get rid of the Jews,” Esther said. “I am Jewish.”

The king was angry with Haman and punished him. Then the king wrote a new law to keep God’s people safe.