The Courage of Esther

THE COURAGE OF ESTHER.

Based on Esther 1-10

Cast 5+

. Esther

. Mordechai

. Haman

. Xerxes

. Vashti

. Guards (as many as you want)

. Women (as many as you want)

Ages 8-13

Props

King's scepter

Swords or shields

Any other fun props you think would come in handy.

narrator -  once upon a time there was a king. This king's name was Xerxes,

(Xerxès enter with Queen Vashti plus Gourds)

narrator - Xerxes wife Vashti would not obey the wishes of her husband Xerxes, and so Xerxes banished her.

(Vashti leaves with Guards.)

narrator - Xerxes was without a Queen, and in those day, that was a big deal. So, he sent out to all his kingdom asking all the unmarried women in his kingdom to come to the castle so he could pick a wife.

(Ether and other “women” enter the stage)

Narrator - one of these young woman's name was Esther, and Esther loved God.

(Esther bows as in prayer)

narrator - Xerxes found favor in Ether and took her as his Queen.

(if “Xerxes” and “Esther” are ok with it have them hold hands, if not have them just stand next to each other. “Women” leave stage)  

narrator - Esther had a cousin named Mordecai who was older than her, and because her parents had died he was her guardian.

(everyone leave stage. Mordechai and Haman enter)

narrator - Mordechai, like Esther, loved god. And worked at the palace

(Mordechai bows as in prayer)

narrator - There was a man named Haman who was the right-hand man of the king, and he did not love God.

(Haman crosses arms in defiance)

narrator - Haman wanted Mordechai to bow down to him.

Haman - Bow down to me

Mordechai - no. I will only bow to God or my King. you are not either.

(Haman gets mad, and storms off. Mordechai leaves stage. And the king+Guards reenters)

narrator - Haman was so mad at Mordechai that he decided to come up with an evil plan kill not only Mordechai but also Mordechai whole family.

(Haman reenters)

Haman - Xerxes, oh great and wonderful king. I have heard news of an evil group of people who hate you and are trying to kill you.

Xerxes - oh no how can this be we must stop this at once.

Haman - yes oh king I have devised a plan that will keep them from ever harming you.

Xerxes - What is your plan

Haman - We shall kill them all

Xerxes - Let it be so

(Xerxes and Haman leave the stage. Mordechai and Esther enter the stage)

Mordechai - Esther, Esther, they are trying to kill us

Esther- Who are cousin Mordechai?

Mordechai - Haman he has tricked the King into signing our deaths. You must go to the king and tell him of Haman's evilness. only you can save our people.

Esther- I can't I'm too scared.

Mordechai - Esther God will be with you must pray and have peace and courage.

(Mordecai leaves stage)

Esther- (In prayer) Oh God please help me to have courage to save my people.

Narrator- So Esther invited Xerxes and Haman to her palace for a feast, and prayed that God would give her strength and courage to tell Xerxes of Haman’s evil plan.

(Xerxes and Haman enter)

Narrator- But Esther was too afraid to tell Xerxes. what is he didn't believe her what if he decided to kill her. and so, she did not tell him that night.

(Xerxes and Haman leave)

Narrator- Esther prayed again and again invited Xerxes and Haman for dinner

(Xerxes and Haman enter)

Narrator- And again Esther was too afraid.

(Xerxes and Haman leave)

Narrator- but did Esther give up even though she was very scared? no she did not she prayed once more end again invited Xerxes and Haman to dinner. this time she knew she would tell him of Haman's evil plan

(Xerxes and Haman enter, this back and forth is supposed to be funny.)  

Esther - Xerxes I must tell you of something.

Xerxes- What is it my dear.

Esther - My people, they are in trouble, somebody is trying to kill them

Xerxes- What? who would do such a thing?

Narrator- Esther prayed really hard for God to give her courage and then said.

Esther - It is Haman he is trying to kill the Jews my people. he has tricked you saying that they are trying to kill you but that is not true.

(Xerxes looks shocked. Haman trembles in fear)

Narrator- Windsor sees her this he became very angry at Hayman.

Xerxes- You would trick me into killing my own Queen. for this you shall die. Guards.

(Guards enter and take Haman away)

Narrator-End this is how Esther’s faith and courage in God saved the Jewish people.