Author

Unknown. Some scholars suggest Ezra, as there is a similarity in writing style.

Date

The book of Esther was probably written in the later part of the fifth century B.C., around the same time the book’s events occurred.

Audience and Purpose

The story of Esther fits somewhere between the events of Ezra chapter 6 and 7, and tells us how God’s people were sustained, even in the exile, by God’s supernatural hand.

Major Themes

• God’s Sovereignty, Protection, and Faithfulness. Despite the fact that “God” is not mentioned in the book of Esther, His hand can clearly be seen guiding Esther and others, in His sovereign plan to protect His people and remain faithful to His covenant promise.
• Partnering with God in His Work.
• Deliverance.

Key Scriptures

• Esther 4:13-14 — “Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’”

Outline

• Esther 1:1-2:23 — Introduction
• Esther 3:1-9:19 — Main Story
• Esther 9:20-10:3 — Conclusion

Gospel Summary

Esther is a young Jewish girl, chosen by Persian King Ahasuerus (aka Xerxes I) to become Queen. Through her appointment to this office and her willingness to be a voice for her people, even if it costs her life, she foils a plot by the King’s right-hand man, Haman to exterminate the Jews. The Jewish holiday of Purim is a celebration of God’s deliverance through Queen Esther.

Esther not only protected God’s people from extermination, ensuring the continuation of Abraham’s line leading to the Messiah, but she also becomes a picture of Christ who would place Himself in harm’s way in order to save God’s people from death and extinction. (See John 17:12.)

© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

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