Introduction to Esther

Name

The title “Esther” is based on Esther, the central character of the book. Esther and Ruth are the only books of the Bible named for women. Ruth was a Gentile who married a Jew and saved the nation. Esther was a Jewess who married a Gentile and saved the nation. Oddly, Esther’s book is the only book of the Bible that never mentions God, though the hand of God is clearly revealed throughout the book.

Author

The authorship of Esther is unknown. The book itself makes no mention of authorship. Many early Jewish and Christian scholars suggested Mordecai as the author because the narrative includes information from someone very familiar with the royal court.

Genre

History

Literary Form

Historical Narrative

Time Frame

Esther’s book covers about ten years, between the third and twelfth year of King Xerxes, who ruled Persia from 486-465 B.C.

Emphasis

The book of Esther emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His desire to protect His people. Specifically,

1. To record the rise of Esther to power in the Persian kingdom.
2. To document the reign of the Persian king Xerxes.
3. To record Haman’s attempt to exterminate the Jews.
4. To record the deliverance of the Jews by God.
5. To document the institution of the feast of Purim.
6. To record Mordecai’’s rise to prominence.

 Outline

1. The replacement of Queen Vashti 1:1-2:20
2. The threat of extermination of the Jews 2:21-3:15
3. Queen Esther’s intervention on behalf of her people 4:1-5:14
4. A reversal of fortune: Mordecai is lifted up, and Haman is executed 6:1-10:3