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- Old Testament
Book of Esther
Pronunciation:
Authorship and Origin:
The author of the book of Esther is unknown, but it may have been her cousin Mordecai (see
below), as it contains many technical Persian governmental terms. Persian records do not
contain references to Esther or Mordecai, but the detailed descriptions of practices and
customs in the book are archeologically and historically accurate. The action in the book
would have taken place aroung 483-471 B.C..
Overview and Significant sections
The book of Esther has been called the book of 'Providential Care', and is named after it's
principle character. The story told takes place during the era of the Persian Empire when most
Jews are scattered outside the promised land. Most live in various urban population centers
like Babylon. Esther is an orphaned Jewish girl who lives with her uncle Mordecai, who is a
local official in the Persian court of Xerxes. Eventually Esther becomes a queen and helps
save the Jewish people from being wiped out.
Significant sections:
- The deposing of queen Vashti
1:1-1:22
- The selection of a new queen; Esther, Mordecai, and Haman appear.
2:1-3:6
- An extermination edict, the Jews are in danger
3:7-5:14
- A complete turn around - Mordecai glorified, Haman executed.
6:1-8:2
- The revenge of the Jews
8:3-9:19
- The festival of Purim
9:20-10:3
For more detailed study:
Read Chapter 1. (the entire book is available starting here.)
The Concise Matthew Henry Commentary on this book.
bible.org introduction of this book.
the World Wide Study Bible has Dictionary, Commentary, Scripture and sermons available
on this book.
