Page "Book of Esther" Paragraph 3

Ahasuerus, ruler of a massive Persian empire, holds a lavish party, initially for his court and dignitaries and afterwards for all inhabitants of the capital city Shushan.

Ahasuerus orders the queen Vashti to display her beauty before the guests.

She refuses.

Worried all women will learn from this, Ahasuerus removes her as queen and has a royal decree sent across the empire that men should be the ruler of their households and should speak their own native tongue.

Ahasuerus then orders all beautiful young girls to be presented to him, so he can choose a new queen to replace Vashti.

One of these is the orphan Esther, whose Jewish name is Hadassah.

After the death of her parents, she is being fostered by her cousin Mordecai.

She finds favor in the king's eyes, and is made his new queen.

Esther does not reveal that she is Jewish.

Shortly afterwards, Mordechai discovers a plot by courtiers Bigthan and Teresh to assassinate Ahasuerus.

The conspirators are apprehended and hanged, and Mordechai's service to the king is recorded.