Book of Esther

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[edit] General

• The book is named after the character Esther.
• Author unstated/unknown
  • Possible author: Mordecai
    • Josephus, some rabbinic circles claim Mordecaic authorship
    • Author seems to have been a resident of Persia (not Palestine)
  • Possible author: Nehemiah
    • Nehemiah would have known about Purim, as proclaimed in Esther.
    • Nehemiah was literate, had access to royal archives.

• Dated 464-415 B.C.

[edit] Themes

• Providing the historical background for the feast of Purim
• Emphasis on the significance of the Jewish people
• Encouragement for Babylonian/Persian Jews of God's providential ability

[edit] Outline

• I. The Feasts of Xerxes (1:1 - 2:18)
  • A. Queen Vashti Deposed (ch. 1)
  • B. Esther Becomes Queen (2:1-18)
• II. The Feasts of Esther (2:19-7:10)
  • A. Mordecai Uncovers Plot Against the King (2:19-23)
  • B. Haman Plans Jewish Genocide (ch. 3)
  • C. Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help (ch. 4)
  • D. Esther's Request to the King: The First Banquet (5:1-8)
  • E. A Sleepless Night - Mordecai Honored, Haman Humiliated (5:9-6:14)
  • F. The Second Banquet: Haman Hanged (ch. 7)
• III. The Feasts of Purim (chh. 8-10)
  • A. The King's Edict in Behalf of The Jews (ch. 8)
  • B. The Institution of Purim (ch. 9)
  • C. Mordecai Gets Promoted (ch. 10)

[edit] Chapters

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

[edit] External Links and References

Bible.org : An Introduction to the Book of Esther

NIV Study Bible :: Introduction to Esther