Introduction:
Esther is a central figure in the Old Testament book that bears her name. Her account is set during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia and is celebrated annually in the Jewish festival of Purim. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, becomes queen and plays a pivotal role in saving her people from annihilation.

Historical Context:
The events of the Book of Esther occur during the Persian Empire, specifically during the reign of King Xerxes I, who ruled from 486 to 465 BC. The narrative unfolds in the royal city of Susa, one of the empire's capitals. The Jewish people, exiled from their homeland, are living throughout the Persian Empire, facing various challenges to their identity and survival.

Key Characters:
· Esther (Hadassah): A Jewish orphan who becomes queen of Persia. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah, means "myrtle," while Esther is derived from the Persian word for "star." Her beauty and grace win the favor of King Xerxes, but it is her courage and faith that define her legacy.
· Mordecai: Esther's cousin and guardian, who raises her after the death of her parents. Mordecai is a devout Jew who refuses to bow to Haman, leading to the central conflict of the account.
· King Xerxes (Ahasuerus): The Persian king who chooses Esther as his queen. His decisions are often influenced by his advisors, particularly Haman.
· Haman: The antagonist of the account, Haman is an Amalekite and a high-ranking official in the Persian court. His hatred for Mordecai and the Jewish people leads him to plot their destruction.

Plot Summary:
The Book of Esther begins with a lavish banquet hosted by King Xerxes, during which Queen Vashti is deposed for her refusal to appear before the king. A search for a new queen leads to Esther's selection. Meanwhile, Mordecai uncovers a plot to assassinate the king, earning his favor.

Haman, promoted to a position of power, becomes enraged when Mordecai refuses to bow to him. In retaliation, Haman devises a plan to annihilate all Jews in the empire, casting lots (purim) to determine the date of their destruction. Mordecai urges Esther to intervene, famously stating, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).

Esther courageously approaches the king, risking her life, and invites him and Haman to a banquet. During a second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot. The king, enraged, orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Mordecai is promoted, and a new decree is issued, allowing the Jews to defend themselves.

Theological Themes:
· Divine Providence: Although God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His providential care is evident throughout the narrative. The seemingly coincidental events underscore God's sovereignty and His ability to work through human actions to fulfill His purposes.
· Courage and Faith: Esther's bravery in approaching the king and her faith in God's deliverance are central themes. Her willingness to risk her life for her people exemplifies selfless devotion and trust in God's plan.
· Identity and Loyalty: The account highlights the importance of maintaining one's identity and faith in a foreign culture. Mordecai and Esther's loyalty to their heritage and God serves as an example of steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Legacy and Celebration:
The deliverance of the Jewish people is commemorated annually in the festival of Purim. This joyous celebration involves reading the Book of Esther, giving gifts, and charitable acts. Esther's account continues to inspire faith and courage, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and the power of standing firm in one's convictions.1919. Hadassah -- "myrtle," Esther's Jewish name
... 1918, 1919. Hadassah. 1920 . "myrtle," Esther's Jewish name. Transliteration:
Hadassah Phonetic Spelling: (had-as-saw') Short Definition: Hadassah. ...
/hebrew/1919.htm - 6k

635. Ester -- "star," Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Isr.
... Transliteration: Ester Phonetic Spelling: (es-tare') Short Definition:
Esther. ... NASB Word Usage Esther (52), Esther's (3). Esther. ...
/hebrew/635.htm - 6k

Esther's Venture
... THE BOOK OF ESTHER ESTHER'S VENTURE. 'Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him
commandment unto Mordecai: 11. ... And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.13. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/esthers venture.htm

Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... THE OLD TESTAMENT QUEEN ESTHER'S LOVE FOR HER PEOPLE. ... He had adopted Esther,
his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm

The Net Broken
... THE BOOK OF ESTHER THE NET BROKEN. 'And Esther spake yet again before the
king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the net broken.htm

Esther, the Queen.
... THE OLD TESTAMENT CHAPTER XXXIV. ESTHER, THE QUEEN. ... He had an adopted daughter named
Hadassah. This was her true name, although the Persians called her Esther. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

The Children's Bible
... THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL. DANIEL IN THE LIONS' DEN. QUEEN ESTHER'S LOVE FOR HER
PEOPLE. REBUILDING THE TEMPLE. NEHEMIAH'S ANSWER TO A CALL FOR HELP. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... THE JOY OF THE LORD. SABBATH OBSERVANCE. THE BOOK OF ESTHER. THE NET SPREAD. ESTHER'S
VENTURE. MORDECAI AND ESTHER. THE NET BROKEN. THE BOOK OF JOB. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/

At this Time, Mardoch??us was among those Nearest to the King...
... Esther's attention was attracted by the voice of lamentation, and she learned
how the case really stood. But she was then at a loss ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiii at this time.htm

God by his Wonderful Power Works in Our Hearts Good Dispositions ...
... Now I want him to tell us whether that king of Assyria, [1846] whose holy wife Esther
"abhorred his bed," [1847] whilst sitting upon the throne of his kingdom ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 25 xxiv god by his.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... This makes people uncertain whether the king who is called Ahasuerus in the Book
of Esther be the same with him whom the Greeks call Xerxes, or with Artaxerxes ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.
... Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Chapter XI. ... (1) The book of Esther, which relates to this
time and should be read between chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xi ezra nehemiah and.htm

Esther's (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Esther's (4 Occurrences). ...Esther 4:4 Esther's maidens and
her eunuchs came and told her this, and the queen was exceedingly grieved. ...
/e/esther's.htm - 7k

Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
...Esther 2:5 There was a certain Jew in Shushan the castle, whose name was Mordecai
the son of Jair the son of Shimei the son of Kish, a Benjamite, (See RSV). ...
/m/mor'decai.htm - 20k

Purim (5 Occurrences)
... A lot, lots, a festival instituted by the Jews (Esther 9:24-32) in ironical
commemoration of Haman's consultation of the Pur (a Persian word), for the purpose ...
/p/purim.htm - 16k

Pur (3 Occurrences)
... A lot, lots, a festival instituted by the Jews (Esther 9:24-32) in ironical
commemoration of Haman's consultation of the Pur (a Persian word), for the purpose ...
/p/pur.htm - 15k

Estimate (6 Occurrences)

/e/estimate.htm - 9k

Mordecai (52 Occurrences)
... Ahasuerus (Xerxes). But the words of Esther do not necessarily lead to this
conclusion. It was probably Kish of whom it is said (ver. 6 ...
/m/mordecai.htm - 28k

Jair (14 Occurrences)
... (3.) A Benjamite, the father of Mordecai, Esther's uncle (Esther 2:5). (4.) The
father of Elhanan, who slew Lahmi, the brother of Goliath (1 Chronicles 20:5). ...
/j/jair.htm - 14k

Liberality (7 Occurrences)
...Esther 1:7 They gave them drinks in golden vessels of various kinds, including royal
wine in abundance, according to the bounty of the king. (See NIV). ...
/l/liberality.htm - 10k

Writhed (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Writhed (4 Occurrences). Esther 4:4 Esther's maidens and
her eunuchs came and told her this, and the queen was exceedingly grieved. ...
/w/writhed.htm - 7k

Replace (11 Occurrences)
... house. (See NIV). Esther 4:4 Esther's maidens and her eunuchs came and
told her this, and the queen was exceedingly grieved. She ...
/r/replace.htm - 10k

Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

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