BBB Bible Series: Esther-Jewish Queen Of Persia Quiz

Answer: to enter his court

After a six month long celebration, King Ahasuerus asked Queen Vashti to appear in his court, in order to show off her beauty to his guests. Her refusal to do so infuriated the king, and when he consulted with his wisest advisers, they suggested that if all the women in the kingdom heard of such an outrage, that they might respond similarly to their own husbands.

It was decided to depose of the queen, and begin a search for a suitable replacement.

Answer: the king decreed a gathering of all the beautiful maidens

According to Esther 2:2-3 in the King James Version, the advisers to the king suggested that, "...Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace..."

Many young women came as beckoned, but the beauty of Esther, along with her natural grace and charm appealed to the king more than all of them. In verse 17 we read that, "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

Answer: Hadassah - Myrtle

Hadassah, meaning "myrtle", was a common shrub in Samaria and Galilee, as well as in many other parts of the world, that may grow to around ten feet in height. This plant is still used by many modern-day Jews during the feast of tabernacles, as a covering for the booth. The blossoms may come in a variety of colors; pink, red, white, purple, and are very fragrant.

The significance of her name is not lost as described in Esther 2:12, where we see a detailed description of the preparation processes by which all the young women were 'purified' with oil, myrrh and sweet odours.

Answer: hang him

The elaborate plans of Haman to have Mordecai hanged from a gallows especially constructed just for Mordecai came to naught. In fact, by a simple twist of irony, Haman himself was hung from those very same gallows, by the king whom he was trying to impress and manipulate. Read Esther 3-7 for the entire story of Haman's devious plans and how good things overcame evil intentions because of one woman's obedience and courage.

Answer: Bigthan and Teresh

Bigthan and Teresh were two of the king's officials or chamberlains. Apparently, something the king had done or said had made them angry, and they intended to do him harm, according to Esther 2:21-23.

Answer: he wasn't aware of the kinship between Mordecai and Esther

He was unaware of the two of them being cousins because Mordecai had requested that she not make her nationality known to the king or the court, when she was selected to become a member of the royal family. According to Esther 2:10 in the King James Version: "Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it."

So, this very busy man, got even busier to build a gallows for Mordecai to hang from, and deceitfully passing edicts signed by the king himself that would have had all the Jews killed. (Esther 3:10-15)

Answer: she presented herself to the king without being called upon

In that particular culture, at that particular time, one did not just "show up", even if one was the queen. The protocol was clear; if the king did not request an audience with someone, they simply waited until the mood struck him. Conversely, if the king summoned someone, they had BETTER show up. That mistake was made by his first queen, Vashti.

The king could have issued death decrees to either of the women for their actions, yet he did not do so. He had merely deposed Vashti, and he granted Esther the audience with him that she sought. (Esther 4:16-17)

Answer: His wife and friends

In Chapter 5, verses 9-14 in the King James Version we see that, "Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits (75 feet) high and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made."

Answer: Mordecai

Mordecai received the ring, as Esther 8:2 points out, and Esther put Mordecai in charge of the house of Haman. This included Haman's wife, his ten sons, and all their possessions.

Answer: Pur

Pur means "lots". Casting lots for something indicates a type of superstitious activity partaken of by the heathen people, in both the Old and the New Testaments. (Roman soldiers "cast lots" for Jesus raiment, as He hung on the cross.) It is more than just gambling; many times it was used as a source of divination.

The Jewish feast of Purim derives its name from the word Pur. Many Jews and Christians alike believe that this feast serves as a reminder to people everywhere that God takes care of His people, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties.