Old Testament · Courage
Esther Bible Story
Queen Esther risks her safety to speak for her people at the right time.
Short Bible Story Preview
Esther became queen in Persia, but she kept her Jewish identity quiet for a time. When a dangerous plan threatened her people, her cousin Mordecai urged her to speak to the king.
Approaching the king without being called was dangerous, so Esther asked her people to fast. Then she went with courage, wisdom, and patience. Through her brave action, her people were saved.
The book of Esther helps children see that courage can be thoughtful and prayerful. Sometimes God places a person in a position to help others at exactly the right moment.
Artwork in This Story
Esther before Ahasuerus
- Artist
- Artemisia Gentileschi
- Date
- c. 1628-1635
- Source
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art Source
- Rights
- Open access public domain artwork image
This scene captures the risk of Esther's approach to the king, the turning point of her story.
Key Lesson
Courage means using your place and voice to protect others.
Parent Questions
- Why was Esther afraid to go to the king?
- How did she prepare?
- Who did she help?
- What does it mean to be brave for someone else?
