1 Ahasuerus's royal feasts. 10 Vashti refuseth to come, when sent for by the king. 13 The king consulteth with his wise men concerning this act of disobedience, and by the advice of Memucan putteth away Vashti, and asserteth by a decree the sovereignty of the men over their own wives.
1 By advice of his servants Ahasuerus appointeth the fair virgins of his kingdom to be assembled in order to choose out a queen. 5 Esther brought up by Mordecai. 8 She is preferred by Hegai keeper of the women before all the other virgins, but by Mordecai's directions telleth not her kindred. 12 The manner of purification and going in unto the king. 15 Esther pleaseth him, and is made queen. 21 Mordecai discovereth a plot against the king's life, which service is registered in the chronicles of the kingdom.
1 Haman, advanced by the king, hath great respect paid him by all but Mordecai, on whose account he seeketh revenge upon the whole Jewish nation. 7 He casteth lots to fix the time for executing his purposes. 8 By falsely accusing the Jews he obtaineth a commission from the king to destroy them.
1 The great mourning of Mordecai and the Jews. 4 Esther sendeth to Mordecai to enquire the reason, is informed thereof, and advised by him to intercede with the king for the nation. 10 She at first excuseth herself, but being admonished of the consequences by Mordecai, 15 appointeth a fast, and undertaketh the suit.
1 Esther, venturing to appear uncalled before the king in the inner court, is graciously received, and promised the grant of her request: she inviteth the king and Haman to a banquet. 6 Being encouraged by the king to name her suit, she inviteth him and Haman to another banquet the next day. 9 Haman, though proud of the distinctions shewn him, repineth at and complaineth to his friends of Mordecai's neglect. 14 By the advice of his wife and friends he prepareth for him a gallows.
1 Ahasuerus, hearing read in the chronicles the good service done by Mordecai, thinketh how to reward him. 4 Haman, coming to request that Mordecai might be hanged, becometh himself the instrument of doing him honour. 12 Complaining of his misfortune, his friends foretell him of his fall.
1 Esther at the banquet petitioneth the king for her own life, and for the life of her people. 5 Esther accuseth Haman. 7 The king in wrath, being told of the gallows prepared for Mordecai, causeth Haman to be hanged thereon.
1 Esther having made known Mordecai's nearness of kin unto her, he is advanced in Haman's room. 3 Esther with tears beseecheth for the reversal of the letters gone forth against the Jews. 7 The king granteth authority to the Jews to stand upon their defence, and letters are issued out accordingly. 15 Mordecai's honours, and the joy of the Jews.
1 The Jews, assisted by the rulers through fear of Mordecai's power, slay their enemies, and the ten sons of Haman among the rest. 12 Ahasuerus at the request of Esther granteth to the Jews at Shushan another day of slaughter, and causeth Haman's sons to be hanged. 20 The two days of Purim are made anniversary festivals in commemoration of this deliverance.
1 The greatness of Ahasuerus, and Mordecai's advancement under him.