Daniel 1. Daniel and his friends refuse to eat King Nebuchadnezzar’s food (1:1–16). The Lord blesses Daniel and his friends with good health and wisdom (1:17–21).
Daniel 3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol (3:1–12). King Nebuchadnezzar casts them into a fiery furnace, and the Lord saves them from death (3:13–30)
Daniel 6. King Darius’s men persuade the king to sign a decree that for 30 days all petitions must be directed to him rather than to any other man or to God (6:1–9). In spite of the king’s decree, Daniel prays to God (6:10–13). As punishment for disobeying the decree, Daniel is thrown into a den of lions (6:14–17). The Lord sends an angel to protect Daniel (6:18–23).
Esther 3–5; 7–8. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, refuses to bow to Haman (3:1–4). Haman persuades King Ahasuerus to prepare a decree calling for the death of all Jews in the kingdom (3:5–14). Esther learns of Haman’s plan to kill her people and risks her life by going to ask King Ahasuerus for help (4:1–17). The king grants Esther’s request to come with Haman to a banquet (5:1–8). At the banquet Esther reveals Haman’s plot to kill the Jews (7:1–6). The king hangs Haman (7:7–10). The king honors Mordecai and grants Esther’s request to reverse Haman’s decree (8:1–17).
As a young boy, Daniel was carried captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. He and other promising Hebrew youths—including his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—were trained in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar.
Esther was a Jewish woman who lived shortly after the time of Daniel. After her parents died, she was raised by her cousin Mordecai. Esther was very beautiful, and Ahasuerus, the king of Persia and Media, was so pleased with her beauty that he made her his queen.
What did Daniel and his friends propose when they were given the king’s meat and wine? (See Daniel 1:8–14.) How are the blessings they received similar to the Lord’s promises to us if we obey the Word of Wisdom? (See Daniel 1:15, 17, 20; D&C 89:18–20.)
What happened when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into the furnace? (See Daniel 3:21–27.) Who was in the furnace with them? (See Daniel 3:25.) How does the Savior help us when we turn to him during our trials?
What challenges do we face today that require courage like Esther’s? What blessings will we receive as we strive to do what is right even when we are faced with difficult consequences?
Additional reading: Esther 1–2; 6; 9–10.
Gospel Doctrine Old Testament Lesson 45 - “If I Perish, I Perish”
Daniel 1; 3; 6, Esther 3-5, 7-8
Esther, Daniel and his friends are all in exile. Daniel finds himself a talented foreigner being raised up to give counsel to the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. Esther appears later, during the time of Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I). Maintaining their culture in a world of political intrigue, and where there are always others seeking power and prestige, becomes a strong lesson in faith for all in these stories.
Start Lesson
History Catch-up
934-612 B.C. Neo-Assyrians: The first true empire in the world. Iron Weapons. Leaders: Tiglath Pilesar III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, Sennacherib. Reputation for cruelty. Carried 10 tribes away.
612 B.C. Alliance of Medes, Persians, Babylonians overthrow Assyrians. Babylonian empire is born.
Medes (Medians) – An ancient Iranian people, north-west Iran and south east Turkey. 10th to 7th century under domination of Neo-Assyrian Empire. 612 BC overthrow Assyrians in Alliance with Babylonians. So they were a bit more to the north.
634-561 B.C. Neo-Babylonians: Nabopolassar created the empire and passed it to his son Nebuchadnezzar II (604-561 bc). Next leaders were Nabonidus and then Belshazzar.
Nebuchadnezzar could attack Jerusalem without worrying about the Medes on the north as he had marries Amytis of Media, the daughter of the Median King. In Daniel he is generally seen as an “enemy to god”.
559-530 B.C. Persians under Cyrus the Great begin their empire. In 549 he defeated the Medes and by doing that also picked up Assyria. He then diverted the Euphrates river and attacked during a religious festival. It was said that Babylon was taken by Persia without a fight, that the Persians simply walked in. Cyrus keeps Babylon as his capital. Cyrus was followed by his son
Cambyses (531-522 B.C.) was leader for 7 years followed by (not his son)
Darius the Great (522-486 B.C.) (his connection to the royal line was tenuous but he was declared king) followed by his son
Ahaseurus or Xerxes (486-465 B.C) (book of Esther)
499 B.C. Athens attacked Persian and Greco-Persian wars ensued. Persian razed Athens in 480 B.C. Several Greek victories occurred and peace was worked out.
331 B.C. Persians fall to Alexander the Great, defeated Darius III of Persia. Alexander died in 323 B.C.
323-31 B.C. Hellenistic Period. It ends in 31 B.C. with the conquest of the last part of the Greek Empire by the Romans.
The Word of Wisdom
In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem and initiated the first deportation of Jews to Babylon. Daniel was among them. He was likely a teenager when taken away around 605 b.c. from his homeland to be raised in the Babylonian court. He and his friends were wise and faithful young men and rose to positions of prominence and leadership. Daniel, as a Jewish prophet serving in the court of his captors, provided inspired guidance to Babylonian and Persian kings until he was more than eighty years old. (Ludlow)
Keep in mind that Jerusalem is not empty when the Babylonia siege and exile occurs. Jeremiah has been preaching at this time and he is ultimately imprisoned by his own leaders for his “negativity”. Nebuchadnezzar has him released and takes counsel from him.
Note the years this is occurring. Lehi would also have been active at this time. With such chaos swirling around it is little wonder the Lord took steps to preserve different branches of his people.
The book of Daniel divides evenly into two major parts:
Chapters 1–6 contain a collection of favorite stories about the courage and valiance of Daniel and his friends, as well as one of the most important revelations in history
Chapters 7–12 include Daniel’s other revelations regarding world-changing events in the next few centuries, through the Persian, Hellenistic (Greek), and early Roman periods (including the ministry of the Savior), as well as Daniel’s eschatological visions (Greek, eschatos, “of or relating to the end of times, the last days”).
Many biblical scholars believe the book of Daniel to be a fictional or semifictional composition written long after the events of which it purports to prophesy had already taken place. One reason for this view is the belief by such scholars that predictive prophecy is simply not possible, not reasonable. Latter-day Saints, however, affirm that such is not only possible but real. Internal evidence also argues against a late composition date for the book. A reasonable date proposed for its completion is around 530 b.c.
Daniel 1 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
In Genesis 10:10, the beginning of Nimrod's kingdom is said to have been "Babel [Babylon], and Erech [Uruk], and Akkad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar." Verse 11:2 states that Shinar enclosed the plain that became the site of the Tower of Babel after the Great Flood. Most likely northern Babylon…or northern Iraq…
Looking at a map of Iraq, with Baghdad roughly in the center, to the far north is Mosul. Somewhere between Tikrit and Mosul is likely the area we are talking about.
How long a trip is this? Around 800 miles. If you ask Google Maps how long this trip would take today, Jerusalem to Tikrit, it says 788 miles, 15 hr 21min. I don’t know what theh roads are like through there, but that calculates out to an average of 51 MPH.
Camels travelling in a caravan can travel on average, 20 miles a day. This gives Nebuchadnezzar an almost 40 day trip, one way. So those are the distances we are talking about. Also, Persia is modern day Iran, quite a bit further than Babylon.
Daniel 1 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
The secondary reason for this was…first, the leaders and educated in Jerusalem were brought to Babylon…then the leaders, royalty, etc, of Israel are brought to the palace. They are to learn the ways of the Chaldeans (Babylonians) but they cannot foment rebellion or cause many problems if the leaders are separated from the people.
In addition to that…the best way to advance your society is to copy the improvements and advancements from other societies. Verse 4 intimates that that is indeed what they wanted. Knowledge, science, and so forth.
Daniel 1 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
The boys were given the best royal court schooling and learned the Babylonian language. Their names were also changed.
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
Daniel means “God is my judge,” Belteshazzar means “O protect his life”
Hananiah means “Jehovah is gracious,” Shadrach (meaning obscure)
Mishael means “Who is what God is?” Meshach (meaning obscure)
Azariah means “Jehovah is my help.” Abednego means “servant of Nego.”
They were changed to Shadrach (meaning obscure), Meshach (meaning obscure); Abednego means “servant of Nego.”
Under the Mosaic Law, there were specific provisions and rules made regarding food. Eating animals that had both a cloven hoof and chewed cud (cattle, sheep, goats) was authorized, but others were not. In Babylon, one of the main food sources was pork, considered an abomination for the Jews. One of the ways modern archaeologists can determine whether an ancient town in Palestine was Canaanite or Israelite, was by the number of pig bones found in their ancient garbage pits.
Islam also forbids pork…but remember that islam is not formed/created until Muhammad in the 6th century AD (though muslims claim this is a restoration of the faith that traces back to Abraham (through Ishmael) and from there back to Adam.)
Daniel 1 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
And here we have the classic conundrum…how to not offend your hosts…
Daniel and his friends had a choice before them: follow God, or please the Babylonian king. Fortunately, he was able to put his faith to the test, by offering a deal to the Babylonian officer in charge of fattening up and preparing the young Israelite scholars. Instead of eating pork and other meats that were not prepared properly, Daniel and his friends would eat pulse, a vegetable soup. If in ten days they looked worse off than the others, they would obey the command of the king. Trusting in the Lord, they appeared more robust than those who ate fully from the king’s table.
Daniel 1 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
So Daniel has an ally…
10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
Daniel offers him a deal…
Daniel 1 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
“Pulse” is a King James English word which translates a Hebrew word referring to the common edible legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils—perhaps foods and drinks made of sprouted grains and vegetables.(Ludlow)
And just as it says in D&C 8918 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
Daniel 115 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel 1 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
Verse 21 gives the duration of Daniel’s service in the Babylonian court. The first year of Cyrus (king of Persia) was 539; thus, 603 to 539 b.c. is sixty-four years!
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
Daniel 3
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego with the Son of God
Ancient kings loved the concept of being divine. It was no different for Nebuchadnezzar. An idol in his likeness was created, and politicians wanting to make an impression on him, encouraged him to require all people to worship at his idol.
Again, we see a clear challenge to the Mosaic Law, this time to the 10 Commandments, where the chosen people of God were not to worship idols, nor bow down to them, putting these before God.
Daniel 3 1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
The idol is to be worshipped on a certain musical command.
Daniel 3 5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
The three young men refused to worship the king’s idol, and were judged guilty of treason.
Daniel 3 12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
They are brought to the king.
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.
14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
CJB 16 Shadrakh, Meishakh and ‘Aved-N’go answered the king, “Your question doesn’t require an answer from us.
NIV 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.
They are very direct in their reply.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
And we all know the story.
19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
The furnace prepared for them, so hot that it killed several men taking them to their execution, was obviously made as an example to all others. Yet again when the children of Israel stood for what was right, God brought forth a miracle and saved them from the fires. Nebuchadnezzar noted that while they tossed three into the fire, he could see them plus another that seemed to be like unto the Son of God.
23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Then they see a 4th man in vs 24…and the king identifies him in v 25.
25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Verse 26 has the King call them forth and they come forth.
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
All’s well that ends well…
Daniel 3 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.
Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abenego, we find in ancient tradition that Nimrod (who traditionally was both king of Babylon and Pharaoh of Egypt) attempted to slay Abraham in the same manner. Kerry Shirts notes:
It is Nimrod as Pharaoh who tries to kill or sacrifice Abraham by fire according to most ancient sources, entirely unavailable and unknown to Joseph Smith.[8] Here is the Book of Abraham and Covenant of Abraham sacrifice theme par excellence. Abraham refuses to give into the Pharaoh and Pharaoh will not give into Abraham. Nimrod in his councils decides Abraham must die, so the people followed Pharaoh's decree, everyone bringing wood for the heating of the kiln. The height of the wood was five ells, as well as five ells in diameter, and for three days and nights the fire was kept up. We are told "the flames licked the heavens, so that the oven was at a white heat."[9] Abraham is thrown in and is unharmed. The accounts vary as to what happens, but in every case Abraham wins, God shows He is on Abraham's side because Abraham does not follow other Gods. In Pseudo-Philo (apocryphal) the fire was so great it caused 83,500 to be burned as God caused an earthquake to save Abraham, "and Abraham came up out of the furnace, and the fiery furnace collapsed."[10] Interestingly, scholars are aware that "the words Ur Kasdim in Genesis 15:7 ("I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur Kasdim") were taken to mean 'the fire of the Chaldeans' since Ur was read as 'or, 'flame, fire.'"
Bro Shirts continues to explain that this was a battle of true priesthood between Abraham and Nimrod. So it is for the men of Israel and the Babylonian religious/political leaders. They cannot defeat Daniel and his friends with wisdom and understanding, so they seek to destroy them by implementing religious rules that will directly conflict with their religion. However, only those with the true power and authority of God are upheld by God and saved from the fires.
Daniel and the Lion’s Den
Daniel 6
Because of Nebuchadnezzar’s personal pride and desire to be king and god, he is dethroned by way of the Persians and Cyrus the Great.
After a few more kingly changes the Persian King Darius becomes king (Darius is a Median by birth but is ruling the Persian kingdom).
By this time, Daniel has established himself as a wise counselor to the various kings that preceded Darius (including interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, as we’ll study in the next lesson). Daniel is made Darius’ top adviser, and the first of three presidents over the people. (Note that Darius comes to power in 522 B.C. If Daniel was a young teenager in 600 or so during the exile, call him 13, so let’s guess a birth-year of 613 B.C. that would make him 78+ 13 or in his early 90’s).
Daniel 6 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. (CJB with three chiefs over them, of whom Dani’el was one)
3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
But there was a great deal of jealousy that accompanied Daniels rise to this level.
Daniel 6 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
Again, political power was sought by many, and they attempted to gain it by using Daniel’s faith in Jehovah against him. If Daniel could be toppled, then there was room for them at the top. The others convinced Darius to require no prayers or petitions to any god or man for 30 days would be cast into the lion’s den.
Verse 13 has the plotters tell Darius that Daniel has prayed against the edict of petition. (Remember the burning furnace occurred under Nebuchadnezzar).
Daniel was placed in a position to choose. He chose to secretly pray, so as not to provide problems for Darius and his kingdom. However, his enemies seeking his downfall, spied on him as he prayed secretly in his own chambers. Darius was beside himself, as he cherished Daniel’s friendship and counsel, however he had no choice but to fulfill his decree as was required of the kings of Persia.
Note in 6:15 Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is…(and remember that Darius is from Medes)
We all know the story from 6:16-20.
Daniel was cast into the lion’s den overnight, and when Darius arose early to check on him in the morning, found Daniel well.
Daniel 6:22 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
The Angel of the Lord had stopped the lions’ mouths.
It is likely that the Angel of the Lord that delivered Daniel was the same one who delivered Abraham from sacrifice. The Angel of the Lord’s Presence is the Messiah, and Savior of mankind. Not only is the Son of God able to protect men in the intensity of fire, but he can also stop the mouths of lions.
In each of these stories, we find that God stepped in and miraculously preserved his people, because they were faithful to God’s commandments, and did not waiver in trying times. Compare this to the majority of Israel in the same period. At the time of Daniel and his friends, Jeremiah and Lehi were being rejected by the people in Jerusalem, and their lives were endangered. It took the Lord to preserve them both. Yet the unfaithful people, who gave lip service to Jehovah, keeping his commandments only when it was convenient, and following the world’s ways as they desired, eventually were destroyed.
Today’s youth, just like Daniel and his friends, are faced with many conflicting societal expectations. There are gods of materialism, philosophy, and temptation that demand them to walk away from their faith, and serve new gods. Regardless of how these gods destroy society’s strengths, they are enticing: money, sex, drugs, gangs, violence, and technologies that can encourage all of these are very available to youth today. Each one must decide for him/herself who they shall worship. While many were successful in living on a Babylonian diet, only Daniel and his loyal friends were supported fully by God and placed at the front of the king’s advisers.
Esther
Queen Esther
Esther is the only book of the Old Testament not found among the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Some believe that it is not among the scrolls because the text does not say God’s name. As it is written, the salvation of the Israelites was due more to the sacrifice by Esther than a miracle at God’s hands.
The Persian king Ahasuerus/Xerxes I, has been stood up by his principle wife. He wished to display her beauty by having her appear at a festival without a veil. She refused to humiliate herself in such a way. To ensure women everywhere did not disobey their husbands, Xerxes deposed her, and sought a beautiful replacement. The story of Esther definitely began as a somewhat sexist story.
However, through the story, we find that Esther is not only beautiful, but also is a strong character. She is definitely a role model for women to follow. The Jewish people were endangered, because one of Xerxes’ chief advisers and military men, Haman, sought to destroy them. He was angry because of Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, and sought to wipe out all the Jews because of it. He wanted power and praise of the world, and was prepared to destroy anyone who got in his way.
Once again, politicians used religion to try and get their way. Haman convinced Xerxes that the Jews were his enemies, and was told that on a certain day, Haman and his followers could arm themselves and slay the Jews. The only way to save the Jews was for Esther to step in and get an audience with the king, yet he had not asked for her in a long time. To enter into the king’s throne room without being invited was risky. Those the king rejected, were put to death. Haman also built a huge gallows, from which to hang Mordecai.
In her most famous line…
Esther 4 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Approaching the king, he welcomed her in. She asked to provide a dinner for both Xerxes and Haman, which was granted. Haman thought this was a great honor, and would put him even higher upon the king’s list. However, Esther turned the tables on Haman, revealing her Jewish ancestry and her relationship to Mordecai.
Esther 7 5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.
Haman hanged on the gallows he built, and the Jews were allowed to arm themselves and attack their enemies, thus winning the day and preserving the Jews in exile.
Esther is still honored today. The deliverance of the Jewish people resulting from Esther’s saving actions is celebrated every year during the festival of Purim. According to the Bible, this holiday derives its name from the non-Hebrew word for the “lots” (purim) that were cast by Haman to determine the destruction of the Jewish people (Esther 9:24–27). More than that, Esther’s Hebrew name, Hadassah (Esther 2:7), has been given to Jewish relief agencies and hospitals around the world whose purpose is to relieve and rescue those in need.
Many have noted similarities between Purim and the Nuremberg war crime trials. In Esther Haman’s 10 sons were hanged. In 1946 ten of Hitler’s top associates were hung for war crimes.
There is another story of Stalin in the Soviet Union. In 1953 he was planning on deporting all soviet Jews to Siberia but before his plans were made, he suffered a stroke and died a few days later.
Purim is celebrated in March. There is a minor fast the night before (as Esther did). Requirements are to read the book of Esther. When the story is read Esther and Mordecai are cheered and Haman is openly booed. Drinking is encouraged. Small triangular-shaped cookies are traditional.
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