Esther - Introduction

The book of Esther comes in the middle (historically) of the book of Ezra between chapters 6 and 7. It was during that 57 year period the Jews faced opposition and annihilation through the plots of Haman, who hated the Jews. God, however raised up a Jewish girl named Hadassah who later was known as Esther. She became the wife and Queen to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus in Persian). Though God is not named in the book, 'His finger prints' are all over the events and give us insight into the ways God works 'behind the scenes' (His Providence). It also communicates the truth that God will preserve His people even when their enemies actively pursue their destruction and death. It likewise gives us the background to the Jewish feast of Purim (or Lots) that is still observed by Jewish people today.

Key Verse  4:14; 10:3

Key Words: Jews, feast

Themes: God's Sovereign Protection of His People

Outline:

i.    The Setting 1-2
ii.   The Plot 3
iii.  The Deliverance 4-9:16
iv.  The Celebration & Exaltation  9:17-10:3
      (Jensen's OT Survey)