Esther 8 · Grade 4
From Sorrow to Joy
Read and Think
On that day the king gave Esther the house of Haman, the Jews' enemy. Esther told the king how Mordecai was related to her. The king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
Yet the danger was not over. Haman's decree still stood. Esther fell at the king's feet and begged him with tears. She asked him to put away the evil plan of Haman against the Jews. The king held out the golden scepter. He explained that a law sealed with the king's ring could not be reversed. So he told Esther and Mordecai to write a new decree in his name.
The new letters allowed the Jews in every city to gather and stand for their lives. Couriers rode swift horses to all 127 provinces. Mordecai went out in royal blue and white, with a great crown of gold. The city of Susa shouted and was glad. The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor. Many from other peoples became Jews. Sorrow had turned to joy.
Show What You Know
Who received the house of Haman?
Who was set over Haman's house?
Why could the king not simply cancel Haman's decree?
What did the new letters allow?
How did the city of Susa respond?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- The king took off his , which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai.
- The new allowed the Jews in every city to gather and stand for their lives.
- Mordecai went out in royal blue and white, with a great of gold.
- The Jews had , gladness, joy, and honor.
- Sorrow had turned to .
Think About It
Esther pleaded with tears for her people. Who can you pray for with that kind of love?
God turned sorrow into joy for His people. How have you seen God bring joy after a hard time?
Memory Verse
“The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor.”
Esther 8:16 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for turning sadness into joy. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can we see God turning sorrow into joy in Esther's story?
- Why was a new decree needed?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.