Esther at a glance

Esther

 

The 17^th book in the Bible whose author is unknown, though there is speculation that it could have been Morecai (9:29). Some scholars have suggested that it may have been either Ezra or Nehemiah due to the similarity in writing style. Tradition tells us that it was written around 470 BC (Esther became queen in 479 BC).  This book records events from the 5 year period of 480-475 BC.

 

The Purpose of writing this book was to demonstrate God’s sovereignty and loving care for His people.

 

The Setting of the book: “Although Esther follows Nehemiah in the Bible, its events are about 30 years prior to those recorded in Nehemiah. The story is set in the Persian Empire, and most of the action takes place in the king’s palace in Susa, the Persian capital.” ^[1]

Interesting Fact: Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn’t mention the name of God, yet the story of Esther is quite godly. _{(see footnote at bottom)}

 

Stories told ...

 

1) The book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish woman who became queen in a foreign land and as a result of her position was able to stop a genocide meant to kill all Jews in the land of Persia.

 

Important Points found in this book:

 

1) Esther takes in Susa, east of the Tigris River, which is now part of Iraq. It’s the only Bible story to take place east of what is thought to be the Garden of Eden.

 

2) In Chapter 1 & 2, Esther becomes queen of Susa. A man named Mordecai had adopted Esther after she was orphaned and before she became queen. Chapter 4 features Mordecai discovering a plot to have all Jewish people in the kingdom executed. The evil plot was started by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite.

 

3)Esther was able to talk her husband, a very strong king, out of the genocide thru a combination of wits and humility, plus support from Mordecai.

 

4) The evil Haman ended up being killed on the very devices he had designed to kill the Jewish people in Chapter 7.

 

5) King Xerxes, Esther’s husband, cancelled the plot and, in the closing chapter, (10) Mordecai was promoted to second in command.

 

Next time we will look at the book of Job, but until then walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018); The Life Application Study Bible.

Note: I took my information from this lengthy compilation of bible book information for all 66 books of the Holy Bible & the margin notes from the study bible.

 

[1] https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/who-was-nehemiah-why-is-he-important-in-the-bible.html

 

Note: “Here are some reasons why God’s name may not have been referenced in Esther: first, one emphasis of Esther appears to be how God works behind the scenes. The book of Esther records no miracles and no direct intervention of God at all. In Esther’s story, the Lord redeems His people through the faith and courage of one strategically placed woman and her cousin. All the while, things are happening behind the scenes to bring about the final result.

 

Also, it is possible God is not mentioned directly in Esther because of the circumstances of its writing. Jewish tradition claims authorship by Mordecai. If Mordecai is the author, he wrote the book in Persia while serving under King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes). Instead of directly crediting God for the victory of the Jewish people, Mordecai may have written the book to better fit the polytheistic context of Susa. This would have kept him protected from harm by the king or other enemies while still communicating the account of God’s work through Queen Esther.”

[ www.gotquestions.com)