The book of Esther
The Book of Esther
What is the book of Esther about?
Esther rises into prominence by winning a nationwide beauty contest. As a matter of fact, Esther became queen. She won King Xerxes favor but did not reveal her nationality as a Jew at the advice of her cousin, Mordecai.
Haman, a high ranking official, plots to kill all of Mordecai’s people (the Jews) after feeling disrespected. Haman convinces the king to approve an order to kill all the Jews but does not actually reveal it is the Jews specifically that are to be slaughtered. Esther eventually reveals to the king (in front of Haman!) that it was Haman who plotted to kill all the Jews.
Engraged, the king impales Haman on a pole that Haman originally meant for Mordecai. King Xerxes also decrees that nobody mess with the Jews and that the Jews be allowed to defend themselves against their enemies.
Who wrote the book of Esther?
Unknown but evidence points to a Jewish author due to the emphasis on Jewish nationalism and knowledge of origin of Purim.
Who is the audience?
The Jewish people.
Timeframe Esther was written:
Written sometime after 460 B.C.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
Esther thwarts the plan of Haman, a high ranking official, to kill every Jew in the country.
Fun facts about Esther/Did you know?
Before Esther became queen, there was the beautiful Queen Vashti who was married to King Xerxes. On the last day of a seven day banquet, King Xerxes summoned Queen Vashti in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles.
She refused to come and it is a mystery as to why. As a result, she was never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also, Esther was actually Mordecai’s cousin and her Hebrew name was Hadassah.
