# Esther, Esther's ## Facts: Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of the Persian kingdom during the time of the Babylonian captivity of the Jews. * The book of Esther tells the story of how Esther became the wife of the Persian King Xerxes and how God used her to save her people. * Esther was an orphan who was raised by her godly older cousin, Mordecai. * Her obedience to her adoptive father helped her to be obedient to God. * Esther obeyed God and risked her life in order to save her people, the Jews. * The story of Esther illustrates God's sovereign control over the events of history, especially how he protects his people and works through those who obey him. (Translation suggestions: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names]]) (See also: [Xerxes](../names/ahasuerus.md), [Babylon](../names/babylon.md), [Mordecai](../names/mordecai.md), [Persia](../names/persia.md)) ## Bible References: * [Esther 02:7](rc://en/tn/help/est/02/7) * [Esther 02:15](rc://en/tn/help/est/02/15) * [Esther 07:01](rc://en/tn/help/est/07/01) * [Esther 08:02](rc://en/tn/help/est/08/02) ## Word Data: * Strong's: H635