Another Look at the Book of Esther Quiz

Answer: Memucam

"He spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king-Karshena, Shethar, Adematha, Tarshish, Meres, Marlena, and Memucan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom" (1:13-14)

Unlike some of these other men, the text records Memucan's discussion with Ahasereus. The discussion includes Memucan's somewhat critical opinion of Vashti. Memucan's indicates that Vashti's actions towards Ahasereus could lead to more general disrespect of women for their husbands.

Answer: Hadassah

The text identifies Esther and Hadassah as being two names for the same woman (2:7). She is cousin to Mordecai and probably several years younger than him. Esther is also an orphan whose parents are described as deceased. Her interactions with Ahasereus are the main theme of the Book of Esther.

Answer: Hathach

Hathach is one of the chamberlains of the king. In Chapter 4, Esther (Hadassah) sends him to deliver a package to her cousin Mordecai. He then relates to Esther a conversation he had with Mordecai. The chamberlain is a senior official in a royal household.

Answer: Mordecai

Mordecai was the cousin of Queen Esther. His full description is "Mordecai the son of Jair the son of Shimei the son of Kish a Benjamite." (2:5). There is no clear description of the relative ages of Mordecai and Esther. However, I believe he was probably several years older than her since the general tone of the book has him acting like a father figure for her.

Answer: Zeresh

Zeresh is the wife of Haman. He discusses Mordecai's disrespect with her. Her response is to have a large gallows built which can be used to hang Mordecai. When the tide had turned against Haman, these same gallows would be used to hang him.

Answer: Vashti

Vashti is described as the queen of Persia in the first two chapters. She is described as holding a banquet for women at the same time that Ahasuerus is holding one for men. The presentation of her is mixed. On one hand, she is described as having quite a bit of power and authority. On the other hand, she seemed to be under the authority of her husband, the king.

Answer: Abihail

Abihail is the father of Esther (Hadassah). Little is known about him or his wife since both died in Esther's youth. She would later be raised by her cousin Mordecai. It is unclear whether Mordecai is a blood relation of Abihail or his wife.

Answer: Ahasuerus

Ahasereus (sometimes described as Xerxes) was a king of Persia described as reigning over 127 provinces-that is from "Honduras to Cush" (1:1). There are also references "from Persia to Media". There are also references to fine linen, purple (an imperial color), gold, and silver. The general description is of great luxury and wealth.

Answer: Benjamin

In Chapter 2, Mordecai is named as a "Benjamite". How many generations later Mordecai lived than Benjamin is unclear, but it must have been many since he lived over 1,000 years later. There is no clear indication if Esther also descends from Benjamin, but I would not be surprised if she did, given the family connection Esther and Mordecai shared.

Answer: Haman

Haman was an advisor to King Ahasereus who was granted a high rank by the king. All others in the kingdom other than the king were supposed to kneel before Haman in respect. Mordecai would later find himself in trouble for not kneeling. Haman would have more than one discussion with his wife about this situation.