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Books of the Bible |
The actual author of Esther is unknown, but the popular opinion attributes it to Mordecai. While this is certainly possible there is no actual evidence to support such a theory.
The book cannot have been written any earlier than 465 B.C. and is most likely no later than 300 B.C. Because the Persian king is identified as Ahasuerus, rather than Xerxes, which would have been expected as the Greek influence increased after 300 B.C., an earlier date is indicated. Likewise, since it refers to the reign of Ahasuerus in the past tense, a date prior to 465 B.C. when his reign ended is unlikely.
One rather practical purpose for the book is to explain the origin of the Jewish feast of Purim. On a more theological level it illustrates God's providential care for his people.
Vashti is dethroned as queen and Esther is selected (1-2:18)
Mordecai discovers a plot against the King (2:16-23)
Haman schemes against the Jew (3)
Mordecai reminds Esther of her responsibility to her people (4)
Esther's banquets and their results (5-7)
The Jews delivered and the feast of Purim (8-9)
Mordecai is elevated (10)
The events of Esther cover roughly 10 years of the period between the two returns of exiles to Israel. It is set mostly in Shushan (or Susa), which was one of the principle palace cities of the Persian kings.
Queen Vashti is demoted; Esther becomes Queen; Mordecai exposes a plot against the king; Haman conspires against the Jews; Esther is called upon to help her people; Haman becomes angry with Mordecai and builds a gallows to hang him on; Mordecai is honored by the king; Haman is hanged; the Jews are given permission to fight back against their persecutors.
King Ahasuerus; Queen Vashti; Esther; Mordecai; Haman
The primary theological significance of Esther is in revealing some of God's character and how He deals with his people. God was not limited by the fact that the Jews were in a foreign land and surrounded by people who hated them, he was still able to protect them. His far reaching planning and influence on human events is revealed when he will not allow the King to sleep so that Mordecai's forgotten good deed might be used to help protect the people.