Writer:
The author of the Book of Esther is unknown. While Jewish tradition sometimes attributes the writing to Mordecai (one of the main characters), the book itself does not name its writer. Scholars suggest it may have been written by a Jew living in Persia due to the detailed knowledge of Persian customs and government. It is considered part of the Megillot (five scrolls) in the Hebrew Bible.
Date of Writing:
The Book of Esther was likely written between the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C., after the events described took place. The setting of the book is during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), who ruled Persia from 486–465 B.C., making the events of Esther occur around the mid-5th century B.C. during the Persian Empire.
Important Events:
Queen Vashti’s Removal (Esther 1):
- King Ahasuerus hosts a lavish feast and demands Queen Vashti appear to display her beauty before his guests. She refuses, and the king, advised by his counselors, deposes her to set an example of obedience to husbands in the empire.
Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2):
- A beauty contest is held to find a new queen. Esther, a young Jewish woman living in exile, is chosen to become the queen of Persia, but she keeps her Jewish identity secret on the advice of her cousin and guardian, Mordecai.
Mordecai Uncovers a Plot (Esther 2:21-23):
- Mordecai discovers a plot to assassinate King Ahasuerus and informs Esther, who tells the king, giving Mordecai credit. The conspirators are executed, but Mordecai’s deed is recorded without immediate reward.
Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews (Esther 3):
- Haman, the king’s chief advisor, becomes enraged when Mordecai refuses to bow to him. In revenge, Haman convinces the king to issue an edict ordering the extermination of all Jews in the Persian Empire. A date is set for their destruction, and Haman casts lots (purim) to determine the day.
Esther’s Courageous Intervention (Esther 4–7):
- Mordecai urges Esther to intercede for the Jews. Though approaching the king without being summoned could result in death, Esther risks her life to plead for her people. She invites the king and Haman to two banquets, where she reveals her Jewish identity and exposes Haman’s plot.
The Downfall of Haman (Esther 7):
- At the second banquet, Esther accuses Haman of plotting against her people. Enraged, the king orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai.
The Jews Are Saved (Esther 8–9):
- The king cannot revoke the original edict but allows the Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, the Jews defeat their enemies throughout the empire. The festival of Purim is established to commemorate their deliverance.
Mordecai’s Rise to Power (Esther 10):
- Mordecai is promoted to a high position in the Persian government, second only to the king, and continues to work for the welfare of the Jewish people.
Key Characters:
Esther (Hadassah):
- The Jewish heroine of the story who becomes queen of Persia. Her courage and wisdom in risking her life to save her people make her one of the most celebrated figures in Jewish history.
Mordecai:
- Esther’s cousin and guardian, a loyal Jew who refuses to bow to Haman and plays a key role in uncovering the assassination plot and organizing the defense of the Jewish people.
King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I):
- The ruler of Persia, portrayed as a somewhat capricious but powerful monarch. He is swayed by the advice of his counselors but ultimately grants Esther’s plea to save the Jews.
Haman:
- The antagonist of the story, a high-ranking official in the Persian court who plots to destroy the Jewish people because of his personal vendetta against Mordecai. His downfall is a key element of the narrative.
Vashti:
- The former queen of Persia who is deposed for refusing to obey the king’s command. Her removal sets the stage for Esther’s rise to the throne.
Key Doctrines and Themes:
God’s Providence:
- Although the Book of Esther does not explicitly mention God, His providence is evident throughout the story. The seemingly coincidental events, such as Esther becoming queen and Mordecai overhearing the plot against the king, highlight how God works behind the scenes to protect His people.
Deliverance and Salvation:
- The central theme of Esther is the deliverance of the Jewish people from extermination. The story is a powerful reminder that God is always working to save His people, even in situations where His presence is not obvious.
Courage and Responsibility:
- Esther’s courage in risking her life to save her people demonstrates the importance of taking action in difficult situations. Mordecai’s famous words to Esther, “For such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), underscore the idea that individuals are placed in specific roles or positions by divine purpose and must act when called.
Justice and Reversal of Fortune:
- The story of Esther is marked by a series of dramatic reversals: Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews leads to his own death, and Mordecai, once a target of Haman’s wrath, rises to a position of power. These reversals underscore the biblical theme of God’s justice, where the wicked are punished and the righteous vindicated.
The Power of Fasting and Prayer:
- While God is not mentioned by name, the spiritual practice of fasting is central to the Jews’ deliverance. Esther asks the Jewish community to fast on her behalf (Esther 4:16), reflecting the importance of seeking divine intervention through humility and prayer.
Identity and Preservation of the Jewish People:
- Esther’s initial concealment of her Jewish identity and her later revelation of it at the crucial moment speak to the theme of identity in a foreign land. The preservation of the Jewish people, despite the threat of genocide, emphasizes God’s covenantal faithfulness to Israel.
Establishment of Purim:
- The Book of Esther provides the origin story for the Jewish festival of Purim, a joyous celebration of the Jews’ deliverance from Haman’s plot. Purim highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s deliverance throughout generations.
Conclusion:
The Book of Esther is a dramatic narrative of God’s providential care for His people, even when He appears absent. It highlights the themes of deliverance, justice, and the courage to act when faced with great challenges. Esther’s faith and bravery, along with the reversal of fortune for Haman and Mordecai, showcase the enduring hope that God will preserve His people and bring about His righteous purposes. The festival of Purim serves as an ongoing reminder of this deliverance and the need to commemorate God’s intervention in history.
