King Ahasuerus, a ruler of Persia about 2,500 years ago, once gave a banquet for his subjects. His wife, Queen Vashti, refused to dance for the guests, so she lost her crown - and possibly her head as well.
A beauty contest was held to pick Vashti's successor. The winner was a Jewish woman, Hadassah, whose Persian name was Esther.
Esther's uncle Mordecai overheard two men plotting to kill the king. He told his niece, and she warned the king. Ahasuerus was unaware at the time that it was Mordecai who had saved his life.
About the same time, Ahasuerus made Haman the Agagite the prime minister of Persia. All who saw him were supposed to bow down before him. However, Mordecai refused to bow, as he would pay homage only to God.
Haman was furious. His revenge: Annihilate the Jews.
He drew lots, or "purim," the Hebrew word for lots, to select the day for destroying the Jews, and convinced the king of his plan.
Mordecai told Esther of the evil decree. Although it was forbidden for anyone, even the queen, to appear before the king unless summoned, Esther went to him. She invited the king and Haman to a party she had planned for them. Both accepted.
That night, Ahasuerus could not sleep. He asked for the court chronicles to be read to him, learning then that it was Mordecai who had thwarted the assassination attempt. Wishing to honor Mordecai, the king asked Haman how he could reward a person.
Haman thought it was he who was to be honored. His advice: Allow the man to wear royal robes and be led on horseback through the city.
Haman soon discovered that it was Mordecai, not himself, who would ride the horse.
At the party, Esther begged her husband to spare the Jewish population. She told him that she, too, must die if the edict was carried out.
The king ordered Haman to be hanged, and he reversed the decree. But too many Persians already were preparing to attack Jewish communities. Ahasuerus warned the Jews to defend themselves.
They defeated their attackers and were saved. The following day was set aside for a day of feasting and joy.
