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The Book of Esther 2013 Full Movie

HD 6.1 90 min

The Book of Esther: A Tale of Intrigue and Triumph

In Shushan, the capital of the Persian Empire, in the year 482 BC, a Jew named Mordecai tells his young cousin, Hadassah, about a strange dream he had. He tells her that she can no longer reveal to anyone that she is a Jew, and he tells her that her new name will be Esther. He also says that their being related must also be kept a secret, because his dream foretold of terrible things to come.

The Transformation of Esther

Approximately 20 years later, we see Esther as an adult in the Persian capital. There is an air of great excitement, as King Xerxes is passing through the marketplace, en route to the feast he is hosting in his palace. Esther goes to speak with Mordecai, who is also getting ready for the feast. She tells him that she’s envious of Xerxes, not because he’s rich and powerful, but because he’s married. Mordecai assures her that her time will come, when God decides it the appropriate time. While at the feast, Haman, one of the king’s advisers, displays anger that Mordecai is there, saying that it would give him great pleasure to see all the Jews eradicated.

The Decree of Queen Vashti

During the feast, the attendees notice that Queen Vashti is not present. Xerxes’ commander, Sardar, reports this to him, and he has Vashti summoned. However, she refuses to come, saying that she is too busy to come and dance for him, and tells Sardar that his army can dance for the king. She says that even if the king himself would summon her, she would not come. Xerxes does not allow this impertinence to stand, and has Vashti banished from the palace, and nullifies his marriage with her.

Judith, a friend of Esther, relates the news to her. Esther replies that if she were summoned to dance, she wouldn’t come either. Haman, seeing an opportunity to become closer with the king, devises a plot in which his eunuch, Gasparif, will speak up at the king’s meeting, and suggest his daughter, Zara, to be the next queen.

The Rise of Esther as Queen

Later that night, Mordecai tells Esther that she has been suggested as a possible future bride for Xerxes. Esther is initially hesitant, but Mordecai warns her that if Haman’s daughter were to become queen, it would be a travesty for the Jewish people. Esther beseeches God for answers, and the voice of God guides her through the challenging times ahead.

The next day at the palace, the candidates are presented to the king. Xerxes has Esther and Zara sent to his private chamber, to await his decision. Esther’s wisdom and grace win the favor of the king, and she is chosen as the new queen.

The Plots Unravel

Haman, filled with rage and jealousy, plots against Mordecai and the Jewish people. He manipulates the king into decreeing the slaughter of all the Jews in the kingdom. Esther, aware of the danger, risks her own life to plead with the king and expose Haman’s treachery.

Thanks to Esther’s courage and Mordecai’s loyalty, the Jews are saved from destruction. Haman meets his deserved fate, and Mordecai is appointed as the new prime minister. A great feast is held to celebrate the victory and freedom of the Jewish people.