These influential women of the Bible impacted not only the nation of Israel but also eternal history. Some were saints; some were scoundrels. A few were queens, but most were commoners. All played a key role in the spectacular Bible story. Each woman brought her unique character to bear on her situation, and for this, we still remember her centuries later.
Esther: Influential Persian Queen
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Esther-GettyImages-173339675-570fb08d3df78c3fa2238131.jpg?resize=680%2C412&ssl=1)
Esther saved the Jewish people from destruction, protecting the line of the future Savior, Jesus Christ. She was selected in a beauty pageant to become queen to the Persian King Xerxes. However, a wicked court official, Haman, plotted to have all the Jews murdered.
Esther’s uncle Mordecai convinced her to approach the king and tell him the truth. The tables quickly turned when Haman was hanged on the gallows meant for Mordecai. The royal order was overridden, and Mordecai won Haman’s job. Esther stepped out in courage, proving God can save his people even when the odds seem impossible.
