Esther 1-5

Alcohal changes the course of human history again.   Zerxes is partying away and gets tipsy and calls for Queen Vashti to come out and be displayed.  She refuses the King and is banished in a fit of his anger.   God is orchestrating this whole thing, because how else could a Jewish orphan be raised to the status of Queen?  Mordecai is a wise uncle who cares for her.  He tells Esther not to reveal her heritage at this point in time.

Esther is a kindly girl and is very wise to listen to the "managing eunnach"   Only Eunachs can manage the king's harem, because they are not able to violate the girls in any way. Esther's advice proves fruitful and she becomes Queen.

Meanwhile, Mordecai hears of a plot at the city gate.  Mordecai works at the city gate, so he was some type of official.  The two conspiring officials are hanged.  Note that there is no public credit given to Mordecai at this time.

Haman comes onto the scene and he is power hungry and vain.  He is also prejudiced against the Jews.  He plots and conives to get Xerxes to pass a royal order to annihilate them.   Esther intercedes for the Jews.  This is big, because the King had not even "visited" Esther in 30 days and she doesn't think she has a hold over him .  She instructs the people to pray and fast, and then she goes to see the king.    She is not allowed to do this without an appointment.  If he doesn't raise the golden scepter, Esther dies.   Luckily, Xerxes appears to be in a good mood and doesn't kill Esther and grants her whatever she wishes.   She invites Haman and the King to a banquet....what??????   Why is she biding her time?????  Get Haman!!!!    

Haman is flattered to be in attendance, but on the way home sees that Mordecai is not bowing to Haman.    He is full of rage and his wife tells him to build a gallows to hang Mordecai.