Esther

Purpose
The book of Esther demonstrates how God is constantly working behind the scenes to care for His people, even during exile and captivity.

Authorship & Genre

Esther recounts events that took place during the later part of Israels captivity during the reign of Xerxes, after the first wave of Jews had returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple. Its actual author and date of writing are anonymous. Moredecai and Ezra have been suggested as possibilities, but it may not have been written until later. The book consists of narrative stories and also historiography such as letters and official court records.

Key Verse
Esther 4:14: For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your fathers house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this? (NASB)

Structure
1 Introduction 2-3 Xerxes First Decree: Death to the Jews 4-5 Haman clashes with Mordecai 6:1 On that night the king could not sleep 6-7 Mordecai Triumphs over Haman 8-9 Xerxes Second Decree: Salvation for the Jews 10

A B C D C B A J.B. Baldwin, Esther: An Introduction and Commentary (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1984).

Theological Themes

Gods Plan and Will: Had Esther not acted, God would still have saved His people through someone else. Gods perfect plan will come to pass, regardless of whether or not we act within His will. Purim: Esther records the initiation of the Feast of Purim, which commemorates Gods rescue of His people during their captivity. Gods Omnipresence: God is never mentioned in the book of Esther, but His hand is seen throughout. The absence of Gods name emphasizes the fact that He is always there, working behind the scenes, even when He seems very far away.

Epilogue