The Rise of Esther

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on The Chosen People. 00:00:02 Speaker 2: I'm married. And a queen at that. A king's wife. 00:00:08 Speaker 1: And yet, with every passing day, the title felt more like a role to perform than a life to live. Haman bit back a wicked smile at how the king was falling flawlessly into his trap. 00:00:23 Speaker 3: It is the Jews, my king. Their laws are different from everyone else's, and They don't obey the king's laws. It is not in the king's best interest to tolerate them. If the king approves, let an order be drawn up authorizing their destruction, and I will pay 375 tons of silver to the officials for deposit in the royal treasury. Let it be as you say, and take whatever you need to be rid of them. 00:00:54 Speaker 1: So the king removed his signet ring from his hand, and gave it to Haman, son of Hamadata the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. Haman, with the signet ring, the authority of the king, had the scribes draw up the edicts, seal them in wax and clay, and distribute them throughout the entire kingdom. There were whispers of dread, whispers of evil, and soon, Whispers would rise into walls that clothed the streets in sackcloth and sorrow, as if the earth itself tore its garments in grief beneath the weight of reckless hate. The city of Susa stirred with whispers, but at the city gate, whispers had turned to wails. Mordecai stood in sackcloth and ashes, his robes torn, his cries echoing down the streets. He who once sat with dignity and authority at the gate now sat in mourning, broken. The royal edict had shattered every rule of decorum. He no longer cared who saw. His heart was heavy, not only with fear, but also with regret. 00:02:19 Speaker 4: Was it my defiance of Haman that condemned us all? Did my boldness doom countless lives? After years of hiding my heritage, did my stubbornness give a madman the excuse he craved? Or would he have sought blood regardless? 00:02:38 Speaker 1: All around him, others wept. He was not alone in his terror. Across Susa and throughout the Empire, every minority group trembled. Persia had long been a conqueror, yes, but a tolerant one. The conquered were permitted their customs, their gods, so long as they bent the knee to Persian rule and obeyed the laws of the king. But if the Jews could be singled out, who among them was safe? Mordecai's public lament became the talk of the gate, and those who had not known his heritage now surely did. And soon... Word reached the palace. Esther, safe behind gilded walls and silken veils, was told of her cousin's disgraceful display, but remained ignorant as to the reason why. The edict of extermination was, apparently, not news the nobles saw as worthy of informing the queen and her handmaidens. So instead, Esther was alarmed, confused, and desperate to preserve Mordecai's dignity. She sent fresh garments to him, but word came back. The garments were refused. She called for Hettarch. 00:03:56 Speaker 2: Go to Mordecai. Find out what has happened. 00:04:00 Speaker 1: Hettarch kept his emotions unreadable, but bowed and then departed. Hours later, he returned with a scroll and a message from Mordecai. Hettarch first handed her the king's edict. 00:04:14 Speaker 5: This edict carries the authority of the king. But its author was the nobleman Haman, my queen. 00:04:23 Speaker 1: Esther read it once, twice, her hand trembling, her breath caught, her people condemned. 00:04:33 Speaker 2: Why didn't this news reach the harem? Why wasn't I told? 00:04:38 Speaker 1: Hettark watched her carefully. Esther knew the eunuch well enough by now that he was testing her yet again. The riddles and games of Susa never ceased. 00:04:49 Speaker 5: Why would the edict be a concern to the queen? To the kings otherwise? What concern would the fate of the Jews be to the girl with a Persian name? 00:05:00 Speaker 1: Esther felt frustration rising over her fear. 00:05:04 Speaker 6: Stop testing me, Hathak! Surely you know my character by now, and you have been to see my cousin Mordecai. You have learned the truth of our heritage. You know what this means for our people. 00:05:18 Speaker 2: For us. 00:05:20 Speaker 1: Hetak nodded in quiet approval. For a moment, Esther caught a flicker of admiration in his eyes. His loyalty had grown, not just to the queen, but to the woman who carried herself with quiet strength these last five years. The wall of mistrust between them had finally begun to fall. And in these dark days, Esther prayed it would be the last. She could not afford to stand alone. 00:05:48 Speaker 2: But I know you have more to tell me. What else did he say? 00:05:52 Speaker 5: He bids you go to the king. To plead for your people. 00:06:02 Speaker 1: Esther closed her eyes. Fear clawed at her throat. 00:06:07 Speaker 2: What is he asking me to do? You know the law. Anyone who approaches the king without being summoned. 00:06:15 Speaker 5: Unless he extends the golden scepter. 00:06:18 Speaker 1: She nodded. She could be granted access. But it had been thirty days. Thirty days had passed since she had been called before the king. She had no reason to think she had fallen out of favor. Another wife could be occupying his time. Or he could be distracted with matters of state. She just didn't know. The fact of the matter was... Her husband was not a man she knew very well at all. She didn't know his mind, just that he could be severe and easily provoke to anger, and she had risked going before him unsummoned once before, but then it had been to spare his life. Now that the tables were turned, would he do the same for her? The edict was sent in the king's authority. If the king were to discover that she was a Jew... Just how far would the king's favor extend? She could feel Hedark watching, silently tracking each twist and turn of her spiraling thoughts. 00:07:21 Speaker 5: You are right to be afraid, my queen. Your cousin, with his understanding of the laws, has drawn the same conclusions that surely plague your mind right now. You know the king. To go back on his word, even if it was guided and influenced by another, would be a terrible humiliation. One that his pride will not suffer. If he were to spare you, it undercuts his authority. 00:07:53 Speaker 2: Then what should I do? If I stay silent, I may save my own life. But what of my cousin? What of my people? 00:08:03 Speaker 6: Could I truly live with myself if I don't try to go before my husband and beg him to change his mind? 00:08:12 Speaker 1: Hettark searched Esther's eyes for a long moment. Again, Esther sensed that he was weighing options, assessing his own mind. Hettark now saw something more than the quiet, gentle spirit who entered the palace when he looked upon his queen. He now saw what the fear had heightened in her as it flooded her body, resolve waiting to rise. If only she had the right guide to shape it. 00:08:40 Speaker 5: I am not familiar with the God of your people, this God of Israel, but I must admit I was surprised by the desperate faith that rose in your cousin when he pleaded his message before me to relate to you. He said that even if you keep silent Deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place. But he knelt before me and begged that I beseech you to go and advocate for your people before the king. Despite the danger, he thinks you possess the courage to do it. He thinks there is a strength in you to do the unthinkable. 00:09:25 Speaker 1: Esther's head shook in disbelief. She was not so sure she possessed courage like that at all. 00:09:32 Speaker 5: But do you know what I think? 00:09:34 Speaker 1: Hettark waited patiently for Esther's eyes to rise to his. 00:09:38 Speaker 5: I think he is right. I remember the cowering, wide-eyed innocent I was charged to serve five years ago. But I have also seen a young woman refuse to be shaped by the schemers and sycophants around her. I have seen a young woman remain true to her character, despite the allure and prestige of the position she was granted. And if it was all because of your God, well, perhaps now I understand why. 00:10:14 Speaker 1: Esther was stunned to hear Hedark's true assessment of her. She had been so unaware, protected even, from the dangers around her. To her, she had simply remained true to who she was and how she was raised. But now she saw it for what it was. Esther had been set apart. 00:10:35 Speaker 5: Esther, my queen, I agree with what your cousin Mortica told me. Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. 00:10:48 Speaker 1: The weight of destiny hung over the two of them as Esther's mind raced. What had always seemed like chance, being in the marketplace that day, being chosen out of thousands, Mordecai overhearing the plot, being assigned to Hetak's care, it all seemed like divine guidance now. Esther's body felt numb and tingly at the revelation, but the fear still fought wildly within her. 00:11:16 Speaker 2: But what if he will not hear me? 00:11:18 Speaker 1: Hettog hesitated. Then, carefully, he spoke. 00:11:22 Speaker 5: He may not, but then, what is your faith worth? If you will not try, then who else will? 00:11:31 Speaker 1: Esther's breath trembled. The words cut deep, but they settled in her heart like a seed. She looked at Hettog, truly looked at him, and marveled at his belief in her. 00:11:44 Speaker 2: You have stood by me. 00:11:45 Speaker 5: Yes, Esther. 00:11:47 Speaker 1: Hetarg bowed his head. He was honest but true. He had nothing to gain by helping her and also nothing to lose should she fail. Yet still, he chose to believe in her. To believe in the hope of her god. 00:12:03 Speaker 5: Hadassah. What? 00:12:04 Speaker 2: My name. My true name is Hadassah. 00:12:08 Speaker 1: Hetarg lifted his head, eyes wide. My queen. 00:12:14 Speaker 2: That is my name. 00:12:15 Speaker 6: I am a daughter of the people who made a covenant with the God of Israel long ago. My God rescued my ancestors from slavery, performed wonders in the wilderness, gave us a land promised. 00:12:29 Speaker 2: Long ago, and though we wander again, He will never forsake us or abandon us. 00:12:35 Speaker 1: Inspired by the words and knowledge of her people that sprang from her lips, She called for her handmaidens to join her and Hetak, and when they were all before her, she told them the truth of her heritage and of her plans to go before the king. She then rallied them to support her, begging them to support her in her hour of need. 00:12:58 Speaker 6: Fast with me, and I will send word for my people to do the same. For three days we will neither eat nor drink. 00:13:07 Speaker 2: And then I will go to the king. Though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. 00:13:17 Speaker 1: Her handmaidens nodded, tears springing to their eyes. Hedark knelt. 00:13:22 Speaker 5: We are with you, Hadassah. 00:13:27 Speaker 1: Three days passed. The palace, usually echoing with laughter, music, and the clinking of goblets, felt hushed, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath. In her private chambers, Esther rose slowly. Her attendants draped her in layers of silk, sapphire blues and deep purples embroidered with gold thread. Jewels glittered at her wrists and throat, but beneath them beat the heart of Hadassah, the orphan girl, the daughter of exile. Not only the chosen one, but the one who answered the call. She took one last glance at her reflection. Not vanity, but remembrance. 00:14:13 Speaker 2: You were placed here, for such a time as this. 00:14:17 Speaker 1: Her sandals whispered on polished stone, each step heavier than the last. The massive doors loomed, guarded by stone-faced men. Her pulse thundered in her ears, but her steps did not falter. The doors creaked open, ancient hinges groaning, echoing in the vast chamber. Silence fell. Courtiers turned, whispers dying on their tongues. Her husband was draped on his golden throne, and his second-in-command, the author of her people's demise, Haman, was sitting straight-backed and sour-faced beside him. Esther fought back the bile that burned at the back of her throat at the sight of him. The king looked up. Surprise flickered in his eyes. His brow furrowed and then softened. Slowly, deliberately, the golden scepter extended. Esther released a sigh of relief. She had not realized she was holding her breath. 00:15:23 Speaker 3: Master, my lovely queen, what a delight to see you before me. 00:15:29 Speaker 1: Tell me, what do you desire? 00:15:32 Speaker 3: Whatever it is, you shall have it. Even if it is up to half my kingdom, it will be yours. 00:15:38 Speaker 5: Tell me, what is it you wish? 00:15:41 Speaker 1: Esther's breath trembled in her chest. She felt the weight of nations on her shoulders. So far, so good. But she remembered Hedark's instructions and warning not to be lulled too quickly when presenting her request before the king. The nobles of Persia delighted in their games of intrigue, and any request made without preamble would be perceived as unimportant. No, she must show the king that her request was a serious matter, and draw him in with intrigue and formality. She inhaled slowly, lifting her chin with grace and resolve. 00:16:21 Speaker 2: If it pleases the king. Let the king and the esteemed. 00:16:25 Speaker 6: Lord Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared. 00:16:29 Speaker 1: A flicker of intrigue crossed the king's face. He smiled. His curiosity peaked. 00:16:36 Speaker 2: We will come. 00:16:39 Speaker 1: Relief flooded her, but she fought to keep her smile indifferent. She bowed deeply to her husband and turned to leave the hall. That afternoon, the banquet hall sparkled. Hetark had outdone himself in preparations. Silk draperies billowed gently from gilded pillars. The air was rich with the scent of roasted lamb, honeyed dates and fragrant wine. Gold goblets gleamed on the table. Haman arrived first and sat with the smug satisfaction of a man certain of his place in the world. He reveled in the honour, basking in attention, stealing glances at the queen with thinly veiled arrogance. Esther learned in her time at the palace that invitations from the wives of the king were very rare indeed, the queen even more so. Persian kings were famously protective of their wives, so it played to Haman's vanity to include him in this invitation. As much as Esther was disgusted to include Haman in her scheme, Hettarch insisted that it would be clever to ensnare him in this intrigue as well. He would be so enraptured by the thrill of being included in the banquets that he would have no reason to suspect Esther's true intentions until it was too late. When the king arrived, he and Haman ate heartily, drinking deeply, but both their eyes often drifted to Esther. They watched her with curiosity, wondering what her request might be. And they were not the only ones. Behind the king's gilded chair, a young cupbearer stood, carefully refilling the king's goblet. His eyes flicked between Esther and her guests, silent and respectful, but keenly aware that this was no ordinary feast. For a moment, his dark eyes met hers, steady and knowing. A familiarity passed between them. The young man was a Hebrew, just like her, in the palace. He must have realized it as well, as he inclined his head ever so slightly before returning to his post behind the king. A silent reminder, she was not alone. When the plates were cleared and the last notes of harp music faded, King Xerxes leaned forward, unable to contain his curiosity any longer. Now, my queen, what is your request? Remember, even up to half my kingdom? Her heart fluttered like a trapped bird. She heard Hetarg's voice in her mind. Not yet. Wait for the moment. 00:19:25 Speaker 6: Come tomorrow, my king. You and Lord Haman. To another banquet I will prepare. There, I will make my request. 00:19:35 Speaker 1: The king nodded. his curiosity deepening. Hettark had been right. This scheme of delay only drew the king in further, making him lean toward her in expectation. Haman left the palace that night with his head high and his heart swollen with pride blind to the noose tightening around him but in the quiet of her chambers esther sat alone by flickering candlelight her hands trembled in her lap yet she held fast to the courage she had found at. 00:20:08 Speaker 2: Last For such a time as this. 00:20:11 Speaker 1: The board was set. The pieces were in motion. All that remained was to trust, not in herself, but in the God of Israel, who had rescued before and would rescue again. Steve Gatina, Max Bard, Zach Schelleberger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr., Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Lashinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely and Chris Baig. 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