1. Queen Esther Paragon of Beauty and Virtue

2. The Story of Esther The expulsion of Vashti (1:1-22) The elevation of Esther (2:1-23) The extermination of the Jews (3:1 – 9:32) – The extermination planned (3:1 – 4:17) – The extermination thwarted (5:1 – 9:32) The exaltation of Mordecai (10:1-3)

3. The Expulsion of Vashti King Ahasuerus made a great feast (1:1-8) Queen Vashti was commanded to come and show her beauty, but she refused (1:9-12) King Ahasuerus accepted the counsel to reject Vashti and look for another queen (1:13-22)

4. The Elevation of Esther Fair, young virgins were brought to Shushan to be purified for selection (2:1-4) Hadassah (Esther) was taken in with the other virgins and given special treatment (2:5-11) Esther obtained favor in the sight of the king and was selected as queen (2:12-18) Mordecai saved the kings life (2:19-23)

5. The Extermination of Jews Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, so Haman wanted to kill all the Jews (3:1-5) Haman made request of the king to have the Jews destroyed and the decree was sent out (3:7-15) The Jews mourned the impending doom and Esther was made aware of the problem (4:1-8)

6. The Extermination of Jews Mordecai asked one question that instilled courage and virtue in Esther (4:13-17) Esther requested of the king a banquet with himself and Haman (5:5-8) Haman showed joy and pride (5:9-14) Mordecai is recognized for his earlier good deed of saving the king (6:1-14)

7. The Extermination of Jews Esther exposed Hamans plan to destroy the Jews and Haman was hanged (7:1-10) Esther requested of the king that the Jews be authorized to protect themselves (8:1-14) There was joy and gladness among the Jews (8:15-17)

8. The Extermination of Jews The Jews resisted and their enemies were destroyed (9:1-16) The feast of Purim was instituted to celebrate the Jews victory (9:17-32)

9. The Exaltation of Mordecai Mordecai advanced in the kingdom and continued to care for his people (10:1-3)

10. Esther Paragon of Beauty and Virtue She was lovely and beautiful (2:7) She was godly and virtuous … – She was a young and chaste virgin (2:2-3) – She was a respectful and obedient daughter (2:7,20; 4:8) – She was a sacrificial and religious Jew (4:15-16) – She was a bold and courageous queen (4:16; 5:4; 7:6; 8:3-6)

11. Esther Paragon of Beauty and Virtue She was godly and virtuous … – I am a young person… – I was not raised by my parents… – I am living far from home in difficult times… – I am surrounded by worldliness… – I am popular and dont have time for… – I am a victim of prejudice and hatred… – I am not going to be affected by… – I have to do what __________ says…

12. Esther Paragon of Beauty and Virtue Inward beauty is more important than outward beauty (Prov. 31:30) Clothe your inside with godliness (1 Tim. 2:9-10) Inward purity must be passed on (Tit. 2:5) Incorruptible apparel is in the sight of God of great price (1 Pet. 3:4)

13. Esther Paragon of Beauty and Virtue Think on what is virtuous and you will be virtuous (Phil. 4:8) Add to your faith, virtue and you will be virtuous (2 Pet. 1:3,5) Esther had youth, Esther had beauty, but most importantly, Esther had virtue. Be an Esther today!