The Book of Esther
Author	Unknown.
Date Written	Between 485 and 435 BC
Time Span	About 10 years.
Title	From the book's chief character: Esther.
Background	The story of Esther takes place during that period of time between the separate returns to Jerusalem led by Zerubbabel and Ezra (between chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra). After 70 years of captivity, about 50,000 Israelites return to their homeland of Jerusalem, but the vast majority determine to remain in Persia. Esther's story takes place against this background while in the king's palace in Shushan (Susa), which is the Persian capital. Ruth and Esther are the only books of the Bible named after women. Esther is a Jewish woman who marries a Gentile; Ruth, a Gentile woman who marries a Jew.
Where Written	Unknown (probably Persia).
To Whom	To the Jews who remain in Persia instead of returning to Jerusalem.
Content	Esther, whose Jewish heritage has been kept secret, is chosen queen to King Ahasuerus of Persia after Vashti is demoted from the same position. Haman, an evil advisor to the king, plans to exterminate the Jewish people. But Esther has the faith and courage to carry out the plan of her wise cousin, Mordecai, and risks her very life, which results in the deliverance of the Jewish people. The Feast of Purim is instituted to remind the people of God's deliverance. Even to this day there is public reading of the book of Esther during this celebration.
Themes	God may have bigger plans for our lives than we have for ourselves. God may put us into positions of leadership or influence so we can more thoroughly accomplish for His purposes. God answers prayer and fasting by enabling us to overcome our human obstacles. God providentially provides for His own. God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for Him. God at times may have to discipline us . . . but He will never abandon us.
Key Words	"Beauty" "Providence." God has blessed Esther with much outward physical "beauty,' but it is the "beauty" of her heart that sets her apart for the "providence" of God to be shown. It is not by chance that this Jewish girl rises from total obscurity to become the queen of the most powerful empire of the world. The name of God does not appear once in the book of Esther, but God's providential care and leading are not to be denied.
Outline	1:1-2:20  Esther becomes queen of Persia. 2:21-5:14  Haman plots to destroy the Jews. 6:1-8:2  Mordecai is honored at Haman's expense. 8: 3-10:3  The Jews triumph.
More	Audio of the Book of Esther

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