Esther and Ahasuerus

These illustrations of Esther and Ahasuerus from the Book of Esther, show Esther risking her life to make her appeal to the King. Haman, the chief minister of the king, had obtained from the king the monstrous edict which would allow all the Jews in Persia to be killed. Esther knew that she had to speak to the king to dissuade him from his decree which had been sent out to all the provinces, telling the governors, the rulers, and the people of Persia, that on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, they should destroy the Jews in every city, and take way whatever belonged to them.

But Esther was afraid. All the king's servants, and all the people of Persia knew that whosoever went before the king without being called, whether it be man or woman, must be put to death unless the king held out his golden scepter and gave permission to speak. So Esther asked Mordecai and all the Jews in the city to fast and pray for her for three days. Then she would go and speak to the king, even if she might be put to death.

After three day, Esther came to the king, though he had not called for her. She fell down at his feet and wept there. The the king held out the golden scepter toward her, indicating that she was free to speak. She arose and stood before him and begged that the decree of Haman be changed.

Although the decree could not be withdrawn, the king allowed Esther and Mordecai to make another decree concerning the Jews which said that the Jews had permission on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, to gather themselves together in every city, and to slay and destroy all who should try to harm them.

The decree was sent out throughout the land, and even through there was fighting and many died, many more were saved because of Esther's courage.

The drawings which show Esther and Ahasuerus are from a number of Bible story books. Feel free to use these pictures of Esther and Ahasuerus in your art work. Click on the illustrations below to see more details about saving a free image of Esther and Ahasuerus or about purchasing one at a higher resolution.