The Book of Esther is the 17th book of the Bible. Its authorship is traditionally ascribed to Mordecai, a Jewish man and Esther’s uncle who raised her after the death of her parents and eventually served in the Persian court of King Xerxes (also known as King Ahasuerus). The book is named after Esther, its main character, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and thwarts a plan to commit genocide against her people. It is traditionally believed to have been written between 460 and 350 BC. Notable figures in the book include Esther, Mordecai, King Xerxes (or Ahasuerus), and Haman, the villainous adviser to the king.
Background of Esther
The Book of Esther is unique among the books of the Bible in that it is the only book that does not mention God directly. Its themes include courage, faithfulness, and God’s unseen providence. The cultural context is the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes, and the story itself is set in the capital city of Susa. It was likely written as both a historical account and as a book of encouragement for the dispersed Jews in the Persian Empire who were facing persecution.
Outline of Esther
- Esther Becomes Queen (1:1-2:23): Vashti, the queen, falls out of favor with King Xerxes, and Esther, a beautiful Jewish girl, is chosen to be the new queen. Mordecai uncovers a plot against the king.
- Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews (3:1-4:17): Haman, an adviser to the king, plots to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom after Mordecai refuses to bow to him. Esther learns of the plot and decides to intervene, even at the risk of her own life.
- Esther’s Petition and Haman’s Fall (5:1-7:10): Esther invites the king and Haman to a banquet, where she reveals her Jewish identity and Haman’s plot. The king orders Haman to be hanged.
- Victory for the Jews (8:1-10:3): The Jews defend themselves against their enemies and establish the celebration of Purim to commemorate their deliverance.
Biblical Timeline
- 486-465 BC: Reign of Xerxes (Ahasuerus), during which the events in the Book of Esther are set.
- 479 BC: Proposed date for the events of Purim, as described in the Book of Esther.
Practical Lessons from Esther
- The Importance of Wise Counsel (Esther 2:20): Esther consistently listened to Mordecai’s wisdom and advice throughout the narrative. This highlights the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel.
- Hidden Actions Will be Revealed (Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-3): Mordecai’s act of loyalty in saving King Xerxes from a plot went unnoticed initially but was later revealed, leading to his honor. It shows that hidden actions, both good and bad, will eventually come to light.
- Standing Against Injustice (Esther 3:2-5): Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, standing against an unjust order despite the risks. This teaches the importance of standing against injustice, no matter the cost.
- Courage in the Face of Danger (Esther 4:16): Esther’s decision to risk her life to save her people teaches the lesson of courage and self-sacrifice.
- The Importance of Identity (Esther 4:14): Esther’s embrace of her Jewish identity, despite the potential costs, teaches the importance of staying true to oneself and one’s roots.
- The Power of Patience (Esther 5:4-8): Esther didn’t reveal her request to the king at their first banquet but waited for the right moment at a second banquet. This shows the power of strategic patience and timing in achieving important objectives.
- Justice Will Prevail (Esther 7:10): Haman’s fall and the eventual victory of the Jews demonstrate that justice will eventually prevail.
- Celebrating Deliverance (Esther 9:20-32): The institution of the festival of Purim by Mordecai serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating and remembering times of deliverance and victory.
Additional notes
Extrabiblical Support for Esther
The existence of a feast called Purim among the Jewish people, celebrating their deliverance as described in the Book of Esther, is well-documented. Also, several historical records of the Persian Empire during the reign of Xerxes do indicate the presence of a vizier who could be identified as Haman, although no documents explicitly support his plot against the Jews. Sadly, no direct archaeological evidence has been found to validate the historical events of the Book of Esther.
The Festival of Purim
Purim is the Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. The festival holds a significant place in the narrative and is directly established as a result of the events described in the book. In recognition of this deliverance, Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, instructing them to annually observe the 14th and 15th days of the Jewish month of Adar as days of feasting and joy, sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor. This celebration became known as Purim, named after the pur (the lot) cast by Haman in deciding the day for the planned destruction of the Jews. Esther 9:27-28 states:
The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; 28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.
Today, the festival of Purim is celebrated among Jewish communities around the world. The holiday is marked with a public recitation of the Book of Esther, feasting, and charity to the poor, and often includes masquerades and costumes in remembrance of Esther’s initial concealment of her Jewish identity. It serves as a joyous reminder of the deliverance and survival of the Jewish people in the face of potential destruction.