Esther the Hero

Summary

The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Esther the Hero

Podcast: The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein
Date: September 27, 2025

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Overview

This episode covers the climax and resolution of the Book of Esther, focusing on how Queen Esther's courage saves the Jewish people from genocide in ancient Persia. Through dramatic retelling, the podcast brings to life Esther's pivotal confrontation with King Xerxes, the downfall of Haman, and the subsequent emergence of the Jewish festival of Purim. The episode emphasizes themes of providence, faith, and courageous action in the face of overwhelming odds.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Esther Reveals Her Identity and Haman's Plot

• (00:03–00:53) The episode opens amid high tension: Queen Esther discloses her Jewish ancestry to King Xerxes and exposes Haman's genocidal scheme.
  • Quote (Esther): "My people are the Jews of Israel... The man who authored the edict in the king's authority is here. The adversary and enemy of my people is this evil Haman." (00:16)
  • Quote (Mordecai): "The very man who saved your life." (00:53)
  • Haman is immediately condemned and executed on the very gallows he built for Mordecai.

2. Aftermath and Emotional Repercussions

• (04:05–06:39) Esther, though relieved by Haman's downfall, remains anxious as the genocidal edict persists.
  • Narrator: "Her heart still raced and her hands trembled in her lap. The weight of what she had done pressed on her chest, but there was also a strange lightness." (04:05)
• King Xerxes rewards Esther with Haman's estate, and Esther reveals Mordecai's familial relationship and their shared heritage.
  • Quote (Esther): "Mordecai, the judge who uncovered the conspiracy... is my adopted father. He is my cousin and raised me as his own child." (05:48)

3. Mordecai’s Rise and New Authority

• (09:19–10:25) Mordecai is called to the palace, receives Haman's signet ring, and is entrusted with overseeing Haman's estate.
  • Quote (King Xerxes): "With this ring, Mordecai, I give you authority and I give you trust." (09:35)
  • Quote (Mordecai): "My king, I have no words. You honor me." (09:54)

4. The Unrevokable Edict and a New Plan

• (11:33–14:58) Mordecai and Esther are reunited and grateful, but acknowledge that the edict against the Jews still stands.
  • Quote (Mordecai): "The edict authorized the citizens of Persia to not only destroy us, but also to seize our property and possessions for themselves. Isn't it ironic that the very man who would steal from our people has had all his riches given to one of us?" (13:52)
  • They decide that only a new decree—one permitting the Jews to defend themselves—can save their people.

5. Plea Before the King and the Second Edict

• (15:35–17:41) Esther once again risks her life to plead with King Xerxes.
  • Quote (Esther): "If it pleases the king... let a royal edict be written. Let it revoke the documents the scheming Haman... wrote to destroy the Jews." (16:17)
  • Quote (King Xerxes): "You know I cannot undo what has been sealed with my ring, but in my name, Write whatever pleases you concerning the Jews and seal it with the royal signet ring." (17:17)

6. The Jews Prepare For Battle

• (18:09–19:14) A new decree allows the Jews to defend themselves. Esther and Mordecai act quickly to spread the word across the empire.
  • Quote (Mordecai): "For generations, they will know this was not chance. The God of our people watches and delivers." (18:09)
  • Mordecai and Esther's steadfast faith and swift action transform fear into unity and readiness.

7. Day of Reckoning and Victory

• (19:14–21:07) On the appointed day, the Jews successfully defend themselves, shifting a day of doom into one of triumph. Haman's sons are killed, and their bodies displayed as a warning.
  • Narrator: "The Jews defended themselves with precision, striking only those who rose against them." (19:14)
  • Quote (Esther): "If it pleases the king, let the Jews in Susa defend themselves for one more day. And let the bodies of Haman's sons be displayed on the gallows, a warning to any who would rise against us." (20:47)

8. Establishment of Purim

• (21:07–23:19) The deliverance is commemorated as the festival of Purim, representing divine reversal and the enduring faithfulness of God.
  • Narrator: "What had been a day marked for destruction became a day of triumph, feasting, and thanksgiving. Mordecai and Esther decreed that every generation would remember these days..." (21:18)

9. Reflections on Providence and Courage

• (22:42–23:19) The episode closes with Mordecai and Esther in reflection, emphasizing the non-coincidental nature of their deliverance, and the unseen hand of God guiding their fate.
  • Quote (Mordecai): "First, who would have thought the chances of you being selected all those years ago?... And the chances of you finding such courage favor with the king?" (22:42)
  • Quote (Esther): "It was never chance." (23:06)
  • Quote (Mordecai): "Our God has shown himself faithful even here, far from home." (23:10)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "My people are the Jews of Israel. And we have been marked for extermination..." — Queen Esther (00:16)
• "Hang Haman or needs." — King Xerxes (00:56)
• "With this ring, Mordecai, I give you authority and I give you trust." — King Xerxes (09:35)
• "But our people are still in grave danger... The question that remains is this. How will we use it?" — Esther (13:01)
• "For generations, they will know this was not chance. The God of our people watches and delivers." — Mordecai (18:09)
• "It was never chance." — Esther (23:06)
• "Our God has shown himself faithful even here, far from home." — Mordecai (23:10)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03 – Esther reveals her identity and Haman's plot
• 00:56 – King Xerxes sentences Haman
• 04:05 – Aftermath: Esther’s mixed feelings
• 05:48 – Esther reveals Mordecai is her adopted father
• 09:35 – Mordecai receives the royal signet ring
• 13:52 – Reflection on the irony of Haman's fate
• 16:17 – Esther’s plea for a new edict
• 17:17 – King Xerxes empowers Esther and Mordecai
• 18:09 – The new decree and preparations
• 19:14 – Jews defend themselves successfully
• 21:18 – Introduction of the festival of Purim
• 22:42 – Mordecai and Esther reflect on providence
• 23:19 – The story’s spiritual message and legacy

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Themes & Takeaways

• Providence Over Chance: The episode masterfully shows that what appears to be coincidence is actually divine providence.
• Courage in the Face of Fear: Esther’s willingness to risk her life and Mordecai’s steadfastness highlight the power and necessity of courageous faith.
• The Ripple of Righteous Action: The choices of a few standing for justice can change the fate of many.
• Enduring Legacy: The origins and meaning of Purim are depicted as a lasting celebration of God’s faithfulness and the reversal of suffering into joy.

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Tone and Style

The episode blends dramatic storytelling with emotionally resonant narration, maintaining reverence for the source material while highlighting the human emotions and profound spiritual truths at its core. Esther and Mordecai are portrayed as deeply faithful and courageous, while the dangers they face feel vivid and urgent.

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This immersive retelling of Esther’s story is both enriching for those familiar with the account and accessible for new listeners, offering insights into faith, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between God and His people.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Previously on the Chosen People.

[King Xerxes]

My queen, I can no longer wait. What is your petition? Whatever you desire. Up to half my kingdom, it shall be given.

[Queen Esther]

My people are the Jews of Israel. And we have been marked for extermination by royal edict on the 13th day of Adar in the 12th month of the year. But the man who authored the edict in the king's authority is here. The adversary and enemy of my people is this evil Haman.

[King Xerxes]

Haman ensnared me in one of his political schemes.

[Mordecai]

My King. A gallows stands at Haman's estate. 70ft high. It was built just last night.

[Narrator]

Was built in replica.

[Mordecai]

The very man who saved your life.

[King Xerxes]

Hang Haman or needs.

[Narrator]

Moments later, across town, the gallows outside Heyman's home held its builder.

[Queen Esther]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

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[Yael Eckstein]

Shalom, my friends. From here in the holy land of Israel, I'm Yael Eckstein with International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. And welcome to the Chosen People. Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love and the meaning of life. Through Israel's story, we will find this truth that we are all chosen for something great. So take a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if you left us a review. I read every single one of them. And if you're interested in hearing more about the prophetic life saving work of the fellowship, you can visit ifcj.org let's begin.

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[Narrator]

The banquet hall was still and silent now, the echoes of fury and dark revelation lingering in the gold plated columns. Hester sat back on her seat, relieved but still trembling at the violence and treachery that had taken place around her. Her heart still raced and her hands trembled in her lap. The weight of what she had done pressed on her chest, but there was also a strange lightness. The secret was out. She no longer had to conceal who she was and their enemy had fallen. But the danger was not yet gone. The courtiers and attendants were still abuzz, but the king's anger had subsided somewhat as justice had been enacted and Haman had been put to death. At his order, he approached, his steps heavy but his eyes surprisingly soft as he looked upon her. He knelt beside her couch, gently taking her trembling hands.

[King Xerxes]

My queen, you have shown courage beyond measure. You have revealed a snake in the grass. For uncovering his conspiracy, you should be rewarded. You should have Haman's estate. It is the finest in all of Susa.

[Narrator]

The crowd hushed at the king's proclamation and then cheered, Esther. She gave them all a weak smile in gratitude that she tugged on her husband's hand to get his attention again. When she spoke, her breath was still shaky.

[Queen Esther]

My king, you are so generous. I thank you. But you deserve to know the whole truth. Mordecai, the judge who uncovered the conspiracy against you all those years ago is my adopted father. He is my cousin and raised me as his own child. It was at his urging that I kept my heritage hidden for my safety. And as you can see, his fears were not unfounded. Haman's plot has made them real. But my people, your subjects, are still in danger.

[Narrator]

Xerxes brow furrowed as he processed this news. He nodded solemnly.

[King Xerxes]

Rest tonight, my queen. Tomorrow I will summon Mordecai.

[Narrator]

Esther nodded as the king rose. He turned and signaled to Hettarch, waiting at the edge of the hall. Esther had not even seen him come in in all the commotion, but she could have wept in relief to see a familiar face after her ordeal. The loyal eunuch moved quickly to her side. Come, my queen. Let me help you. Esther allowed herself to be led from the banquet hall. Behind her, the heavy doors closed with a thundering finality, and at once murmurs again rippled among the nobles in attendance. But she knew the danger was not yet gone. The king's edict still hung over her people like an executioner holding a sword suspended over a doomed prisoner. But for now, for this moment, she allowed herself the quiet satisfaction of having unmasked Haemon's treachery. Tomorrow she would need all her strength. Tomorrow she would plead for her people's lives. At dawn, Mordecai was summoned to the palace. He had heard whispers, wild, unbelievable rumours of what had unfolded in the banquet hall. But the sight that met him on the road to the palace erased all doubt. Haemond's mangled body hanging lifeless from the towering gallows outside his own estate. The gallows that had been meant for him. Mordecai's stomach turned as the truth settled in. He was still reeling from the extravagance of the king's parade in his honour just the day before. But now he needed only to recall the image of Haman's wide, unseeing eyes and twisted body swaying in the morning breeze, already food for carrion, to understand how quickly favour could turn to death. And so he walked with measured steps, heart pounding, unsure of what awaited him in the audience chamber with the king. Guards opened the grand doors and he stepped into the throne room. King Xerxes sat tall, regal, but with a smile that eased Mordecai's fear. He extended his golden sceptre and Mordecai stumbled forward to stand before his king.

[King Xerxes]

You have been forgotten too long, Mordecai. No more.

[Narrator]

He removed the signet ring, the very one stripped from Haman's hand only hours before, and placed it into Mordecai's palm.

[King Xerxes]

With this ring, Mordecai, I give you authority and I give you trust.

[Narrator]

Astonished and honored beyond belief, Mordecai bowed low. His heart swelled with awe and gratitude.

[Mordecai]

My king, I have no words. You honor me. Thank you. I hope I serve you well.

[Narrator]

But more was yet to come. The king smiled and continued.

[King Xerxes]

I have given the traitor Haman's estate to my queen. And Queen Esther has revealed that you are her cousin, her adopted father.

[Mordecai]

I am, my king.

[King Xerxes]

Queen Esther has placed the estate under your charge.

[Narrator]

Mordecai was stunned yet again at this overwhelming generosity and sudden assent. He was then whisked from the king's presence and driven to the estate on the other side of the city, where Queen Esther would meet him. As the carriage drove up to the towering gate, he ignored the horrific sight of Haman's corpse still hanging on the gallows, a cautionary tale of cruelty, hate, and pride. Inside, Mordecai wept the imperial instant he saw Esther standing in the grand entryway. They embraced. For a long while, they were overcome with emotion and did not speak. But when they did speak, they shared every moment, every heartache, every triumph that had taken place in the year since they had seen one another. Esther introduced Mordecai to Hettarch and her loyal handmaidens as well, and Mordecai was overwhelmed with emotion at the family she had found within the cold, dangerous walls of the palace.

[Mordecai]

Lord Hatach, all of you, I cannot express my gratitude for your support of my daughter or of our people. May our God, the God of Israel, bless you for all your faithfulness.

[Narrator]

And Hettar bowed deeply to Mordecai and answered on all of their behalf. It is your adopted daughter, Queen Esther Hadassah, who has inspired us all.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Her courage and faith in your God is what has prevailed.

[Narrator]

Mordecai's eyes widened at the sound of her Hebrew name. Esther met his gaze and nodded.

[Queen Esther]

Our God has blessed me with true friends. I could not have gone before the king and unmasked Haman without them.

[Narrator]

Even as her heart swelled with gratitude, the weight of unfinished business pressed in. But that did not change the fact that Haman's edict was still in place. It could not be overturned, for the king's word, once spoken, was law. It was as if Haman's hatred haunted them from beyond the grave and intent on their destruction. They would need to be clever to come up with a solution to get around it. It would not be easy. Her eyes drifted to Mordecai's right hand and the ring upon his finger, the symbolic source of the power of the king.

[Queen Esther]

But our people are still in grave danger. On your hand, dear cousin, is the ring that was used to mark the edict, set to destroy us. It now rests on your hand. The question that remains is this. How will we use it?

[Narrator]

Mordecai nodded, but said nothing. Brow furrowed, she could tell that he was weighing their options and considering all that he knew of the law. The others remained in the entryway while Mordecai and Esther surveyed the rest of Haman's estate state, now eerily silent. The opulence felt cold, touched by the shadow of evil. Once more in the grand hall, Mordecai lifted his eyes to the vast tapestries.

[Mordecai]

The edict authorized the citizens of Persia to not only destroy us, but also to seize our property and possessions for themselves. Isn't it ironic that the very man who would steal from our people has had all his riches given to one of us? The Lord's hand is, if anything, not subtle.

[Narrator]

They shared a moment of wonder, and then determination.

[Queen Esther]

The danger remains. The decree still stands.

[Mordecai]

Then we must act. Hadassah. I fear the only way forward is to prepare our people to defend themselves. We cannot reverse the law, Haman wrote. We can authorize our people to stand against any who would attack them. Our God has granted us time. Time to spread word to every province, every Jewish household, so they may rise and fight when the day comes.

[Narrator]

Esther nodded solemnly. Violence was not her desire, but if survival required it, so be it.

[Mordecai]

Ah, but my dear Hadassah, I will not act in secret as Haemon did. Though the king has given me his ring and authority, I must act with his knowledge and blessing. You must go before your husband once more, plead for our people's lives, and gain his favor so that we may stand.

[Narrator]

And so Esther gathered her courage once more. Clothed in her most regal garments, the crisp whites and deep blues of Persian royalty, her royal crown upon her head, she approached the throne room once again unbidden. Her heart pounded in her chest, but when the great doors opened, King Xerxes lifted his gaze and extended the golden scepter without hesitation.

[King Xerxes]

My queen, what is your request?

[Narrator]

Esther lowered herself to her knees, no easy feat in her heavy finery, and begged before the king.

[Queen Esther]

If it pleases the king, and I have found favor with him, if the matter seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let a royal edict be written. Let it revoke the documents the scheming Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king's provinces. For how could I bear to see the disaster that would come on my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my relatives?

[Narrator]

The king's expression darkened, and he shook his head. Esther's heart pounded as she prayed. Not only that he would see the truth, but that he would come to it himself. She dared not push him, lest he feel manipulated as Haman had once deceived him. For if this moment was ordained, it must be by his hand, not by her persuasion. She dared not press. She could only trust.

[King Xerxes]

You know I cannot undo what has been sealed with my ring, but in my name, Write whatever pleases you concerning the Jews and seal it with the royal signet ring. For as you know, a document written in the king's name and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.

[Narrator]

Esther could have wept in relief and joy, but she knew the hardest part was still to come. She and Mordecai would need to prepare their people for the danger to come. Within the hour of gaining the king's permission, Mordecai and Esther sat together in the royal scribe's chamber. Scrolls stretched before them, wax and seals ready. Mordecai dipped the quill, his hand steady.

[Mordecai]

For generations, they will know this was not chance. The God of our people watches and delivers.

[Narrator]

Esther nodded as she recalled all her story's strange twists and turns that led them to this very moment. The scribes worked quickly. The new edict spread across the empire. The Jews could defend themselves. They were permitted to rise against those who sought their destruction. Months later, Esther stood at the window in the royal palace, watching the city awaken. The weight of millions pressed on her heart. Mordecai entered, his robes flowing with regal weight, the city signet ring glinting on his finger.

[Mordecai]

The day approaches too quickly.

[Narrator]

He stood beside her, the silence full of shared resolve.

[Mordecai]

We've given them the right to defend themselves. Now we pray they will have courage to do so.

[Narrator]

The day finally arrived, the 13th day of the 12th month, the month of Adar, the day Haman marked for death. Now a fighting chance across the empire, from the gates of Susa to the farthest provinces, the Jews had gathered and fortified against all who sought to destroy them. Because of Esther's courage and Mordecai's cleverness, they were no longer a people hiding in fear. They stood shoulder to shoulder and were armed with cock, courage and unity. Those who had once plotted their destruction now trembled before them. In Susa palace, balconies overflowed with spectators. The city held its breath, but the chaos many feared did not come. The Jews defended themselves with precision, striking only those who rose against them. In the citadel of Susa alone, 500 men fell that day, along with Haman's 10 sons. The next morning, a breathless messenger arrived in the palace court. My king, the jews have prevailed. 500 have fallen in Susa and Haman's 10 sons among them. The king turned to Queen Esther, who was waiting beside him.

[King Xerxes]

What is your request?

[Narrator]

Her voice was steady and determined. It had come to violence between the Jews and their enemies after all. But let justice be complete.

[Queen Esther]

If it pleases the king, let the Jews in Susa defend themselves for one more day. And let the bodies of Haman's sons be displayed on the gallows, a warning to any who would rise against us.

[Narrator]

The king nodded.

[King Xerxes]

It shall be done.

[Narrator]

And so, on the 14th day of Adar, the Jews of Susa defended themselves once more. 75,000 fell across the provinces of Persia, but they did not lay hands on the plunder. Justice was delivered, not greed. In the days that followed, joy swept through the empire. From the grandest courts to the humblest villages, the Jewish people celebrated. What had been a day marked for destruction became a day of triumph, feasting, and thanksgiving. Mordecai and Esther decreed that every generation would remember these days a celebration of deliverance, divine reversal, and God's faithfulness. They called it Purim, after the poor, the lot Haman had cast in secret when he first devised his genocidal skill, believing he could control the fate of a people. But the God of Israel had cast his own lot, and it had fallen in their favor. Esther and Mordecai sat side by side in the quiet courtyard of Haman's former estate. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the air was filled with the laughter of all their friends and trusted attendants, the scent of sweet wine and roasted meats drifting from the still celebrating streets beyond. Mordecai broke the comfortable silence between them.

[Mordecai]

First, who would have thought the chances of you being selected all those years ago? The chances of me uncovering that plot? And the chances of you finding such courage favor with the king?

[Narrator]

Esther smiled and laughed softly, her eyes bright with gratitude.

[Queen Esther]

It was never chance.

[Mordecai]

Yes, I suppose not. Our God has shown himself faithful even here, far from home.

[Narrator]

In the years that followed, Mordecai's name became known throughout the empire. Clothed in royal robes of blue and white, he rose to second in command. His wisdom and justice brought peace and prosperity not only to the Jews, but to all the king's subjects. But those who knew the story best understood. It was not Mordecai's brilliance, nor the might of armies, nor the wealth of Persia that saved them. It was the unseen hand of their God, weaving through palace corridors and city streets, through whispered plots and royal decrees, through sleepless nights and scribal records guiding every detail. And at the center of it all was one young woman hidden in plain sight. An orphan girl who became crowned queen. A young woman who stepped forward in trembling courage and faith, trusting that the moment she feared most was the very reason she had been placed where she stood for such a time as this. So the story of Esther Hadassah became more than history. It became a mighty testimony of providence, courage and the God who watches over his people in every generation, the God who still holds the power to reverse every fate.

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[Yael Eckstein]

If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left a review. We read them and me personally, I cherish, cherish them. As you venture forth boldly and faithfully, I leave you with the biblical Blessing from Numbers 6. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace.

[Narrator]

Amen.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

You can listen to the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the pray.com app today. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avila Narrated by Paul Coltofianu Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Etten, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller and Rabbi Edward Abramson and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.

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[Queen Esther]

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