BOOK OF ESTHER - OVERVIEW
AUTHOR
Although Esther is one of the book's main characters, she is not mentioned as the author. Authorship is not explicitly stated within the book.
Even though God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, Esther's name is mentioned in almost every chapter (except Chapter 1 and Chapter 10) for a total of at least 46 times. She is introduced to the reader in Chapter 2, Verse 7. She is last mentioned in Chapter 9, Verse 32.
Even though the Book of Esther stands alone in the Bible, the placement of the actions comes between the Book of Ezra, Chapters 6 and 7.
Summary of the Book of Esther
Esther is one of two books of the Bible named after women. The other book is the Book of Ruth, also in the Old Testament.
The Book of Esther tells the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and exposes a plot to kill the Jewish people.
Main Messages
The story's main message is to trust in God's providence, even when it seems like He's not working. The Book of Esther asks us to trust in God's providence even when we can't see it working. God's providence is illustrated through Esther and Mordecai individually and collectively.
God's judgment is illustrated through Haman who hated Mordecai.
Period Covered
The time in Babylon with the exiles who did not return home. The story is set over 100 years after the Babylonian exile of the Israelites from their land. While some Jews did return to Jerusalem (see Ezra-Nehemiah), many did not. The Book of Esther is about a Jewish community living in Susa, the capital city of the ancient Persian empire.
Focus
Escape of the Jews from extermination
Three Locations
1. Babylon
2. Susa
3. Persia
Major People
1. Esther - Queen after Vashti, who refused to obey the King's order and dethroned her (It is unclear if she was killed or just exiled)
2. King Ahasuerus/King Xerxes - King of Persia
3. Haman - Persian official, the cunning villain.
4. Mordecai - Esther's uncle, a type of Christ hated by Haman
Key Words
1. "Providence"
2. "Deliverance"
Key Verses
4:14 "... for such a time as this."
4:18 "... And if I perish, I perish!"
Key Chapter
Chapter 8 focuses on the salvation of the Jews accomplished through the revised decree of the king.
Outline of 3 Feasts
I. The Feast of Ahasuerus
Chapter 1: Rejection of Vashti
Chapter 2: Selection of Esther
II. The Feast of Esther
Chapters 3-4: Haman's Plot
Chapter 5: Esther's Courage
Chapter 6-8: Israel's Escape
III. The Feast of Purim
Chapter 9: Vengeance of the King
Chapter 9: Annual Feast Instituted
Chapter 10: Mordecai Exalted
Structure
Esther is divided into four parts.
Chapters 1-2 describe Esther’s coronation.
Chapters 3-6 detail Haman’s plot and Mordecai’s rise to power.
Chapters 7-8 record Haman’s demise and the Jewish people’s deliverance.
Chapters 9-10 conclude with liberation and celebration.
Reverses
1. Esther from Gentile to Jewish queen
2. Haman's plan was to have Mordecai hanged, but he himself was hanged.
3. Haman’s humiliation and Mordecai’s exaltation (Chapter 6).
Remember that King Ahasuerus is the same as King Xerxes in some Bibles.
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