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Quizzes > Books & Literature

Esther Chapter 2 Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Quick, free quiz with Esther Bible study questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Anjali VishwanathUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration showing scroll crown quill chalice open book Esther chapter two Bible quiz golden yellow background

This Esther Chapter 2 quiz helps you check your grasp of the story and spot what you might have missed. Answer quick, scored questions on Esther's rise, Hegai's guidance, the months of preparation, and Mordecai's warning. For more practice around this chapter, try our Esther chapter 1 quiz, continue with a quiz on Esther chapter 3, or move ahead to the Esther chapter 4 quiz.

Who was the Jewish orphan living with her cousin Mordecai?
Esther
Ruth
Sarah
Naomi
Esther, originally named Hadassah, was the Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai after her parents died. The account of Esther's background is central in Esther 2. Her identity and relationship to Mordecai set the stage for her role in the story.
Which Persian king ordered a search for a new queen in Esther Chapter 2?
Ahasuerus
Artaxerxes
Darius
Xerxes
King Ahasuerus, often identified with Xerxes I, reigned over Persia and initiated the search for a new queen after Queen Vashti was deposed. His decree led to the gathering of many young women to the king's palace. This pivotal decision is recorded at the beginning of Esther chapter 2.
What was the name of the palace official who was in charge of the women?
Teresh
Zeresh
Hegai
Bigthan
Hegai was the custodian of the king's harem and was responsible for overseeing the young women brought to court. He provided Esther special treatment by giving her the best cosmetics and living quarters. His favor toward Esther contrasted with his treatment of others and is described in Esther 2:8 - 9.
In which city's citadel were the young women housed for the king's selection?
Susa
Shushan
Ecbatana
Babylon
Shushan, also called Susa in some translations, served as one of the royal capitals of Persia. Esther 2:3 notes that all the virgins were brought to the harem at the citadel in Shushan. This city is the primary setting for the events of the Book of Esther.
What original Hebrew name did Esther bear before she was called by her Persian name?
Zipporah
Hadassah
Deborah
Miriam
Esther's Hebrew name was Hadassah, meaning 'myrtle.' When she entered the king's palace, Mordecai gave her the Persian name Esther, which some interpret as 'star.' This dual naming is found in Esther 2:7.
How did Mordecai first learn of the assassination plot against King Ahasuerus?
He overheard the guards Bigthan and Teresh
Hegai informed him
He read it in a letter
Esther told him in a dream
Mordecai overheard two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, plotting to assassinate King Ahasuerus. He reported this to Queen Esther, who in turn informed the king, crediting Mordecai. This incident is described in Esther 2:21 - 23.
What instruction did Mordecai give Esther regarding her heritage?
Not to reveal that she was Jewish
To visit the temple daily
To consult the prophets
To eat only kosher food
Mordecai instructed Esther to keep her Jewish heritage a secret, likely for her protection in the foreign court. Esther followed his guidance, and her identity remained concealed throughout the selection process until later in the narrative. This directive is recorded in Esther 2:10.
What gift did Hegai give Esther that helped her stand out among the other women?
A silk robe
Extra beauty ointments
Seven choice maidservants
A golden crown
Hegai assigned Esther seven choice maidservants from the king's palace to attend her and provided her with special oil of myrrh for her beauty preparations. These gifts distinguished her from the other candidates. The details are found in Esther 2:9.
How long did the beauty treatments last for each young woman before she could see the king?
Six months
Twelve months
One month
Three months
Each young woman underwent a year-long beauty regimen before an audience with the king - six months of oil of myrrh and six months of perfumes and cosmetics. This extensive preparation highlights the luxury of the Persian court. See Esther 2:12 for details.
Which eunuch was responsible for the entry of virgins into the king's harem?
Bigthan
Teresh
Shaashgaz
Hegai
Shaashgaz was the eunuch in charge of the king's concubines and oversaw the arrival of the new virgins into the harem. Hegai focused on their care and preparation, while Shaashgaz handled their entry. This division of duties is noted in Esther 2:14.
What special favor did Hegai show Esther compared to the other young women?
He provided her the best treatments and living quarters
He wrote poems in her honor
He taught her Persian history
He arranged her marriage
Hegai arranged for Esther to receive the best beauty treatments and personal quarters and assigned her a favorable position in the harem. His preferential treatment was instrumental in preparing her for her royal appearance. Esther 2:9 mentions these special provisions.
Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman in later chapters, foreshadowed by his conduct in chapter 2?
Because of his Jewish convictions
He never bowed to anyone
He was too proud
He disliked Haman personally
Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman stemmed from his adherence to Jewish monotheistic worship and his conviction that he could not worship an individual. His strong faith is consistent with his earlier boldness in Esther 2 when he did not rush to obey every Persian custom. While this question draws inference, it reflects Mordecai's character as introduced.
After Esther won the king's favor, what was granted to her that marked her official status as queen?
A decree of land
A golden scepter
The royal crown
An army escort
After Esther was chosen, King Ahasuerus placed his royal crown on her head, officially proclaiming her queen. This crowning moment concluded the selection process in Esther 2:17. It symbolized her new authority and status in the Persian court.
Which two eunuchs plotted to assassinate King Ahasuerus?
Shaashgaz and Hegai
Memucan and Zeresh
Bigthan and Teresh
Zeresh and Bigthan
Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, conspired to kill King Ahasuerus. Mordecai discovered the plot and reported it, an act that later led to his honor. The plot is revealed in Esther 2:21 - 22.
What was Mordecai's reward when the plot against the king was uncovered?
He was granted land
He was recorded in the royal chronicles
He was made a prince
He received a royal banquet
When the assassination plot was foiled, Mordecai's name was entered into the royal records, ensuring his deed would not be forgotten. This undocumented honor set the stage for his later recognition. This is noted in Esther 2:23.
What does the name Hegai mean in Hebrew, and how might it reflect his role?
Helper; advisor to the king
Circle; caretaker of the harem
Watchman; overseer of gates
Servant; guardian of treasures
Hegai is thought to derive from a Hebrew root meaning "circle" or "compass," possibly indicating his encompassing role in caring for the women of the harem. His administrative duties surrounded and supported these candidates. While etymology is debated, the name aligns with his protective position.
In Esther 2, why might the chronicling of Mordecai's act have been delayed until later recognition?
Administrative backlog in the court
Political concerns over loyalty records
Lack of official witnesses
Hegai's preference for Esther's story
The delay reflects the cautious handling of sensitive security matters in the Persian court. Recording such an offense required careful verification and may have awaited a public moment to honor Mordecai. Later, this act was used to exalt him publicly. Historical context supports court political protocols.
Which poetic device is employed in the narrative description of Esther's selection process?
Alliteration
Hyperbole
Metaphor
Chiasm
The author arranges themes in a chiastic structure, emphasizing Esther's ascent and divine providence. For example, the parallelism in preparations and outcomes frames Esther's journey. Scholars note these chiastic patterns throughout Esther's narrative.
How does the original Hebrew term for 'secretly' in Esther 2:10 inform our understanding of Mordecai's directive to Esther?
It implies careful concealment to ensure safety
It means forgetfulness by default
It denotes public proclamation later
It suggests casual withholding of information
The Hebrew word s?nâ (?????) used for 'secretly' indicates deliberate concealment, often for protection. Mordecai's injunction to Esther reflects strategic caution in a foreign court. Understanding this term underscores the peril Esther faced.
What role does the theme of providence play in chapter 2 of Esther?
It highlights divine orchestration behind events
It criticizes royal extravagance
It explains the legal framework of Persia
It focuses on temple rituals
Although God is not mentioned, providence is implied through Mordecai's discovery of the plot and Esther's elevation. These events foreshadow later salvation of the Jewish people. Chapter 2 sets up how seemingly unrelated incidents are interconnected by unseen providence.
How does Esther 2's depiction of Persian court life reflect ancient Near Eastern customs?
Through nomadic tribal councils
By detailed descriptions of temple worship
Via multiple public trials
Through royal harem practices and beauty regimens
The Persian harem system, extended beautification periods, and court eunuchs align with known Achaemenid royal customs. Archaeological records and classical authors corroborate these practices. Esther's narrative provides valuable historical insights.
Why is Esther's feast significant after her selection, and what does it symbolize in the narrative?
It begins the Jewish festival traditions
It signals her acceptance and public announcement
It fulfills a vow to the temple
It marks the end of Persian winter
Esther's banquet with the king and Haman establishes her position and initiates her influence at court. It is both a celebration of her new role and a strategic occasion later used to reveal Haman's plot. The feast is described in Esther 5 - 6 as building on chapter 2's groundwork.
Analyze the significance of Esther's name meaning 'star' in contrast to her Hebrew name Hadassah in the context of chapter 2.
It shows a translation error in later manuscripts
It proves she was of royal Persian blood
It indicates a direct prophecy about her future
It reflects her rise from obscurity to prominence in Persian court
Esther's Persian name means 'star,' symbolizing her emerging influence, while Hadassah conveys her Jewish identity, like the humble myrtle. The dual names in chapter 2 underscore the tension between concealment and revelation that drives the plot. Her transformation aligns with themes of hidden purpose becoming apparent.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Events -

    By completing the esther bible study questions and answers, readers will accurately recall the sequence of events and main plot points in Esther Chapter 2.

  2. Identify Major Characters -

    Participants will be able to name and describe the roles of Esther, Mordecai, Hegai, and other figures featured in the book of esther quiz.

  3. Analyze Motivations -

    Readers will analyze the intentions and actions of key characters, using esther chapter 2 quiz questions to explore underlying motivations and narrative dynamics.

  4. Interpret Theological Themes -

    Through bible quiz esther answers, users will interpret themes such as providence, identity, and faith as presented in Chapter 2 of Esther.

  5. Apply Insights to Discussion -

    After finishing the quiz on esther chapter 2, individuals can apply their understanding to group study, personal reflection, or teaching settings.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The Year-long Beauty Selection -

    King Ahasuerus's year-long search for a new queen illustrates the political and cultural context you'll meet in esther chapter 2 quiz questions. Scholars at the Vatican Library highlight how these preparations reflect 5th-century Persian court customs. Use the mnemonic "HEM" (Hegai - Esther - Mordecai) to track the primary figures through the quiz on Esther Chapter 2.

  2. Mordecai's Guardian Strategy -

    Mordecai's guardianship is recorded in Esther 2:7, clandestinely guiding Esther's integration into the palace harem. University of Notre Dame's biblical studies department notes that his decision to conceal her Jewish heritage was a strategic survival tactic in diaspora communities. For bible quiz esther answers, remember that Esther's hidden identity is central to her unfolding role.

  3. Hegai's Strategic Preparation -

    Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the harem, provides Esther with special treatment to ensure she stands out (Esther 2:9). The Jewish Study Bible (Oxford) emphasizes his strategic selection of cosmetics and wardrobe as a form of patronage. Associate Hegai with "Home's Good Advice" (HGA) to recall his advisory function in esther chapter 2 quiz questions.

  4. Divine Providence in Esther's Rise -

    Esther's rise to royal favor in verses 15 - 17 underscores a pattern of divine providence guiding events behind the scenes. A paper from Fuller Theological Seminary frames this as an example of God's sovereignty within political systems. Highlight these verses when tackling book of esther quiz answers to see how providence is woven into the narrative.

  5. Mordecai's Loyalty and the Uncovered Conspiracy -

    In Esther 2:21 - 23, Mordecai uncovers a conspiracy against King Ahasuerus, demonstrating his loyalty. The Jewish Virtual Library regards this episode as pivotal in establishing his credibility at court. Remember this alert in any quiz on Esther Chapter 2, as it foreshadows Mordecai's key role later.

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