Note to parent or teacher: This lesson plan on the life of Esther (which can be broken into shorter parts) highlights the following lesson objectives:

• Learn of more of the lives of the great men and women of the Bible. (Christian Life and Faith: Witnessing and Missionary Training: Great Men and Women of God-2a)
• Learn of historical characters who displayed great courage in the face of fear or seemingly insurmountable odds. (Character Building: Values and Virtues: Courage-2c)
• Understand that justice is fairness and equality; it is rewarding good work and punishing evil; it is standing up for what is right and doing one’s best to right wrongs. (Character Building: Social Skills: Justice-2b)

Read “Heroes of the Bible: Queen Esther.”

Listen to or read “The Story of Esther, Part 1.” (Runtime: 7:55)

Read the following facts on the history and background of the story of Esther:

• The book of Esther spans ten years, 483–473 BC.
• Go here for a world history timeline chart that depicts other major world events occurring during this time period. (After following the link, click on the “history” link that should appear on the left-hand side, then click on “500 BC – AD 1” that will appear on the right-hand side under other historical time period links.)
• The book of Esther takes place in the area that is present-day Iran. Find Iran on a map or globe, or go to Google Maps and search Iran.
• King Ahasuerus was also known by his Greek name, Xerxes.
• For more on the Persian civilization, read “Persian Empire” for a comprehensive article on this ancient civilization.

Listen to or read “The Story of Esther, Part 2.” (Runtime: 9:39)

Discuss how God can use those in government positions to help perform His plan. See if your child can list seven characters (including Queen Esther) in the Bible who held positions in foreign governments that God used to perform His will. (Answer: Queen Esther, Daniel, Joseph, Nehemiah, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.) God can use each of us in whatever place we are in. Look up 1 Corinthians 7:20. "Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him" (NIV).

Listen to or read “The Story of Esther, Part 3.” (Runtime: 10:52)

Talk about how sometimes doing the right thing is difficult. Queen Esther, probably still in her late teens or early twenties when this story takes place, knew that seeing the king to plead for the life of her people could cost her position and even her life. So she fasted for three days and asked her people to do the same. She knew this enterprise would require courage—courage that she alone did not have. When we are called on to act courageously, we can ask God for help through prayer, and ask others to pray for us so that we can make the right decisions.

Color “Hero of the Month Coloring Page: Esther.”

Do “Hero of the Month Quiz: Esther.”

Additional resource:

• “Bible Word Search: Esther”