The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids

The Girl Who Moved to a Palace (Part 1)
by Rosemarie Ann Haas

The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids

Text Version | Afrikaans | Italian

Did your father ever tell you that you HAD to go somewhere and it was really the LAST place on earth you'd ever want to go? And did you finally realize you had NO other choice but to GO? Did you obey cheerfully or did you try to make life miserable for your dad?

Sometimes God asks us to go someplace we'd really rather NOT. Don't you think it's best to obey Him CHEERFULLY and just go DO what He wants?

The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids    The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids    The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids   

“But I don't WANT to!” Esther exclaimed loudly.

A royal proclamation was made throughout the kingdom of Persia calling for all suitable young women to apply for the position of queen “You MUST, Esther. It is required of every girl over fourteen in the kingdom to enter,“ her cousin Mordecai explained. Esther's parents had died when she was young and he had taken her for his own daughter.

Esther crossed her arms and said, “I don't want to be a queen. I'm happy right where I am. There are tons of other girls entering the beauty contest anyways. I won't matter.“

“You HAVE to enter, Esther, and THAT is FINAL. Besides, you don't know that you will be picked. There are many other girls entering. You are one among many. You MUST go,” Mordecai said. “It is the King's orders.”

Esther stomped across the room and began clearing the table. “I'll go, but I WON'T like it.”

When Modecai heard the king was looking for a new queen he suggested that Esther appy and she agreed to try Mordecai sighed. “Esther, you must not act like that. You have to be cheerful. I want you to do your best. If not for the King, for me. Please?”

The girl smiled over at the man. “All right, Mordecai. I will go, and I will go cheerfully.”

Mordecai smiled gratefully. “Thank you. Now get to bed. You have to leave in the morning, and you need rest.”

Esther gave her cousin a hug. “Good night.”

He hugged her back and said, “Good night, Esther.”

As Esther began to leave the room, Mordecai called to her and said, “Esther, wait. There is one thing more.”

The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids    The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids    The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids   

Esther paused and said, “Yes?”

“You must not let ANYONE know that you are a Jew. Do you understand?”

She nodded in response. “Yes, I understand. Good night.”

“Good night,” he said, as she left.

When Esther was in bed under the blankets, she began to think about what was to happen. It seemed a little scary that she would spend an entire year in the palace, just getting ready to see the King. Yet, in a way, it was exciting. But what if she was chosen to be the King's new queen? Esther shivered. That wouldn't happen, WOULD IT?

When the next day came, Esther woke up extra early and packed her things quickly. She wasn't too scared of leaving home. After all, her cousin would visit her every day for he worked at the palace as a minor official.

After breakfast, Esther walked outside and sat under a willow tree nearby, waiting for Mordecai to come. The sun shone brightly down around the long branches and Esther could smell blossoms in the air.

Soon Mordecai came out of the house and joined her under the tree. “You have been thinking hard, Esther,” he said smiling at her. “I can see it in your face.”

Esther went to the palace and joined the other beautiful women Esther nodded. “I hope I'm not chosen to be the Queen.”

“Oh, Esther! I know you are scared of such a big job. You must not pray for what YOU want, but for what GOD wants of you.” Esther looked confused. Mordecai sighed.

“What I mean is,” he began slowly, “you can't ask for what you want all the time, because it might not be what God wants. So you must ask for what GOD wants.”

“But I don't KNOW what God wants,” Esther said, standing to her feet.

“So,” Mordecai said, “you pray, ‘God, I want whatever you want.’ Do you understand?”

“I think…does that mean, instead of saying, ‘God, please don't let the King choose me for his queen,’ I am to say, ‘God, if you want me to be Queen, then I will be happy with your decision’?” Esther asked timidly.

Mordecai sat against the tree. “Yes, I think you understand.” He stood and said, “Come! Let us go to the King's palace now.”

The year seemed to go by very, very slowly for Esther. She, of course, was always on her best behavior but didn't like all the beauty treatments she and the other girls were given.

A whole year passed as the women were given beauty treatments and perfumes in preparation Esther had been placed in the care of a man called Hegai, who was to give the girls the things they needed during the year. Esther became friends with him, and he favored her, bringing special things for her and her seven servants. Hegai also placed Esther and her servants in the best room in the palace.

As the days and months passed, Mordecai did as he promised and visited Esther every day to see how she was doing. The long process of purifications, oils, perfumes, and other things, was beginning to bore her, but Esther kept her promise as well and acted cheerfully in everything she did.

Twelve months passed and it was time for Esther to go see the King. As Hegai led the beautiful girl through the gardens to the King's palace, servants stopped to stare at her beauty. It was quite the same inside the King's palace as well, and everyone seemed to like Esther.

As soon as the king saw Esther he fell in love with her for he liked Esther more than all the other young women hoping to become queen “Esther, do not be afraid of the King,” Hegai said to her as they continued down a decorated hallway. “He may be the most powerful man in all of Persia, but he does not bite,” he chuckled.

Esther smiled at the comment and pulled at the long red gown she was wearing. “Do I look all right?” she asked timidly.

Hegai smiled and said, “Just fine.”

When they had reached the throne room, Esther took a deep breath and shut her eyes. This was scarier than she had imagined it to be. She walked to the end of the room where King Xerxes sat and knelt before him.

“Dear God,” she prayed silently, “let your will be done. If I am to be this man's Queen, so be it.”

(Continued in Part 2)

The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids    The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids    The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids   

THINK!

1. Who was Mordecai?
2. Would Mordecai let Esther go to a place
where she would be unsafe?
3. Did Mordecai make sure Esther was okay? How?
4. Who was Hegai?
5. Did Hegai treat Esther well?
6. What was the King's name?


REMEMBER

God has a very important plan for your life.


A VERSE TO LEARN

“Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God”
(Deuteronomy 27:10a).


ALTERNATIVE VERSES TO LEARN

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for
this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).

“Children, obey your parents in all things: for
this is well pleasing unto the Lord” (Colossians
3:20).


PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Think of a time when your mom or dad asked you to
go somewhere you HATED to go. How did you act? Did
you really give your mom and dad a terrible
hassle? Was it worth it? Did you have to go
ANYWAY?

[After Discussion:] Isn't it best to obey
CHEERFULLY and go where you're told? Does it honor
God when we disobey?



LET'S PRAY

Dog and boy praying

****************************************************
Dear God, help me to obey cheerfully.
Teach me to trust You.
Help me understand that You know what's best for me.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
****************************************************


CAN YOU FIND THIS STORY IN THE BIBLE?
Esther 2:1-16


BIBLE STORY ARCHIVE
http://childrenschapel.org/bibstory2.html


The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids

crayons

Esther Given the Best Room (online)
Bible verse coloring page (online)
Pages to Color (online)
Esther and Mordecai coloring page (online)
Pictures of Queen Esther (online)
Queen Esther coloring pages (online)
Queen Esther kneeling (online)
God Calls His People (online)
Bible Heroes: Esther Coloring Book

Action Bible Coloring Book
Coloring Through the Bible (online)
Beginner's Bible Super-Duper Mighty Jumbo Coloring Book
Bible Stories Kids Love Coloring Book (ages 2 to 4)
Big Book of Bible Story Coloring Pages for Elementary Kids

God Loves You Coloring Book:
A Read-aloud Coloring Book About God's Plan for Salvation


Jesus Loves Me, This I Know, Coloring Book
My Bible Coloring Book
My Gospel Story by Colors--Activity Book
The Awesome Coloring Book of Bible Comics
The Super-Sized Book of Bible Coloring & Art
The Super-Sized Book of Bible Verse Coloring Pages
Children's Bible Coloring Books



birds singing

Esther Song (online)
Esther Was a She-Ro (online)
Let the Lord Have His Way (online)
100 Bible Stories/100 Bible Songs--Book and CDs (includes Queen Esther)
Queen Esther [Music Download]
What More Could a King Want? (watch online)
What's in the Bible: Esther's Song (watch online)
What Would I Give? (watch online)

100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs
Action Bible Songs
Bible Songs on CD
Bible Songs on DVD
150 All-Time Favorite Veggietunes
100 Singalong Bible Songs For Kids

Platinum Bible Collection of Classic Christian Songs on DVD
The Bible in a Minute (online)

25 Favorite Sunday School Songs
Children's Music



child reading a book

Adventure Bible: Brave Queen Esther
Alone with God: I Can Study Esther
A Queen Named Esther

A Reason for Guided Reading: Intermediate Readers Set -
Women of the Bible (7 Books)


Esther (online)
Esther Saves Her People
Esther The Beautiful Girl Who Became Queen (online)


God Has Big Plans for You, Esther -
Discover 4 Yourself Bible study series for Kids eBook


Heroes of Faith: Esther comic (online)
Little Bible Heroes: David / Esther Flip-Over Book
Queen Esther (online)

Queen Esther Comic Book (online)
Queen Esther Visits the King Arch Book
The Beginner's Bible: A Queen Named Esther
The Story of Esther (Kids Korner) (online)
The Story of Esther (online)
The Story of Esther - PDF Download [Download]
The Story of Queen Esther

365 Read-Aloud Bedtime Bible Stories

365 Activities For Kids:
A Bible Story And Activity For Each Day Of The Year


100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs w/2 CD
Beginner's Bible
Beginner's Bible for Little Ones
Bible in Pictures For Toddlers
Bible stories
Early Reader's Bible
Little Pilgrim's Progress
The Comic Book Bible
The Preschooler's Bible
Toddler's Bible
Children's Books
Spanish Children's Books
The Picture Bible (also in Spanish)



activities

Jigsaw Puzzle (online)
Word Search (online)
Book of Esther Online Activity (online)

Footsteps of Faith, Queen Esther:
Movable Paper Figures to Cut, Color, and Assemble


Esther Becomes Queen (online)
Mordecai and Haman (online)
Esther Pleads For Her People (online)
Haman's Anger At Mordecai (online)
Mordecai Is Honored (online)
Haman's Evil Is Repaid (online)
Esther Saves Her People (online)
The Jews Rejoice and Declare A Feast (online)
The Story of Esther drama (online)

Best Book of Bible Activities
Bible Puzzles: Word Search
Big Book Of Bible Puzzles
Big Book Of Bible Story Activity Pages V1
Bingo (online)
Children's Activity Books
Children's Puzzles
Christian and educational toys
Crossword Books
Encyclopedia Of Bible Games For Children's Ministry
Games
Jumbo Bible Activity Book 4
Memory Verse Games for Kids
Sticker Books
The Super Sized Book of Bible Puzzles



crafts

Crown and Scepter Craft (online)
Draw Esther Art Project
King's Gate Craft (online)
Lace Crowns (online)
Paper Crown Craft (online)
Princess Crown Craft
Purim Crafts (online)

Bible Crafts
Bible Craft Videos (online)
Crafting the Word of God (online)

Easy-to-Make Bible Crafts PDF for Kids
& Digital Album Download [PDF Download]


Encyclopedia Of Bible Crafts For Preschoolers
Hot Crafts for Cool Kids pdf download
Maker-ific WOWS! (ages 8-12): 54 Surprising Bible Crafts
Puppet Crafts For Kids (online)

The Big Picture Bible Crafts:
101 Simple and Amazing Crafts to Help Teach Children the Bible



CDs and Videos

Bible on the Go Vol. 24: The Story of Queen Esther
(Esther 1-5, 7-9) - Unabridged Audiobook [Download]

Pureflix Esther DVD
The Bible Comes Alive, Your Story Hour Volume 4,
Audiobook on CD includes Esther Saves her People


Esther: For Such a Time as This by Superbook (watch online)
Esther: For Such a Time As This Superbook DVD
Esther the Brave Queen (watch online)
Esther: The Girl Who Became Queen, Classic VeggieTales DVD

Heroes of the Bible: David & Goliath, Esther,
and Daniel in the Lions' Den, VeggieTales DVD


One Night with the King (online)
The Bible Collection: Esther (watch online)
The Greatest Adventure: Queen Esther (watch online)
VeggieTales: Sweetpea Beauty
The Story of Esther (listen online)
The Book of Esther, PureFlix DVD

All the Shows, Volume 1: 1993-1999
Do You Wonder Why? (online)
God's Story from Creation to Eternity (online)
Read and Share Toddler Bible with DVD
The Jesus Storybook Bible Curriculum Kit
Bible story DVDs
Children's DVDs



RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Be Committed Commentary on Ruth and Esther by Warren Wiersbe
Esther Becomes Queen (online)
Esther Pleads For Her People (online)
Esther Saves Her People (online)
Esther The Queen Bible Activities (online)
Esther The Queen lesson (online)
Haman's Anger At Mordecai (online)
Haman's Evil Is Repaid (online)
Mordecai and Haman (online)
Mordecai Is Honored (online)
Ruth & Esther, LifeChange Bible Study NavPress
The Jews Rejoice and Declare A Feast (online)
The Story of Esther drama (online)
You Were Made for This Moment by Max Lucado

Free Bible story images (online)
801 Questions Kids Ask About God
Absentee Postcards
African American Resources
Almost Every Answer for Practically Any Teacher
Bible for Children in 232 languages (online)
Children's Ministry
Bible Memory Match Game
Big Book of Bible Games
Bulletin Board helps
Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul
Children's Sermon (online)
Church Supplies
Closing Prayer (online)

FREE materials to Bible schools, Bible colleges, seminaries,
churches, missionaries & individuals worldwide
(online)

52 Games That Teach The Bible
Free educational videos (online)
God's Servants Teach Me

God's Wisdom for Little Boys:
Character-Building Fun from Proverbs


Help! I'm a Sunday School Teacher
How To Lead a Child To Christ
How to Make Bible Characters from Milk Cartons (online)
KidMin ToolBox: Boxed Book Set
King James Version Gift & Award Bibles

Leading Little Ones to God:
A Child's Book of Bible Teachings


Lord Teach Me To Pray For Kids
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours
Memory Verse Activities (online)
Memory Verse Resources
Object Talks
Opening Prayer (online)
Parenting Resources
Puppet Scripts
Review Activities for Bible Lessons (online)
Seven Laws of the Learner
Spanish Resources
Sunday school resources
Sunday School Songs: Lyrics and Tunes (online)
Talking to God
Teachers' Reproducible Classroom Pages
Teaching Children Memory Verses Ages 4-5
Teaching Children To Pray Ages 4-5
Teaching to Change Lives
The Beginner's Bible Curriculum Kit
The Jesus Storybook Bible Curriculum Kit

The Humongous Book of Bible Skits
for Children's Ministry


Vacation Bible School
What Every Sunday School Teacher Should Know

Children's resources (online)

The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids    The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids    The Children\'s Chapel award-winning site featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors excellent Christian resources for children and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids   

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