Summary of the Book of Esther

Author:
The Book of Esther does not specifically name its author. The most popular traditions are Mordecai (a major character in the Book of Esther), Ezra, and Nehemiah (who would have been familiar with Persian customs). Full article: Who wrote the book of Esther? Who was the author of Esther?

Date of Writing:
The Book of Esther was likely written between 460 and 350 B.C.

Purpose of Writing:
The purpose of the Book of Esther is to display the providence of God, especially concerning His chosen people, Israel. The Book of Esther records the establishment of the Feast of Purim and the requirement of its perpetual observance. The Book of Esther was recited at the Feast of Purim to commemorate the significant deliverance of the Jewish nation orchestrated by God through Esther. Jews today still recite Esther during Purim.

Key Verses:

Esther 2:15 – Now when the time came for Esther to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested.

Esther 4:14 – For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the royal position for such a time as this.

Esther 6:13 – Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him – you will surely come to ruin!

Esther 7:3 – If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life – this is my petition, and the life of my people – this is my request.

Brief Summary:
The Book of Esther can be divided into three main sections. Chapters 1:1-2:18 – Esther replaces Vashti; 2:19-7:10 – Mordecai overcomes Haman; 8:1-10:3 – Israel survives Haman’s plot to annihilate them. The nNoble Esther risked her own life as she realized what was at stake. She willingly made a daring move and confronted Haman, the second-in-command of her husband’s kingdom. She proved to be a wise and formidable opponent, all the while maintaining humility and respect for her husband, the king.

Esther’s narrative resembles Joseph’s story in Genesis 41. Both tales feature foreign rulers who hold the fate of the Jewish people in their hands. They highlight the heroism of Israelites who play a crucial role in saving their nation. The hand of God is evident, showing that seemingly dire situations are ultimately under the control of the Almighty, who has the best interests of the people at heart. At the core of this narrative is the longstanding conflict between the Jews and the Amalekites, dating back to the Book of Exodus. Haman’s objective is the final attempt in the Old Testament era to annihilate the Jews completely. However, his schemes lead to his own downfall, the promotion of his adversary Mordecai, and the deliverance of the Jewish people.

Feasting is a prominent motif in this book: seven banquets are recorded (Esther 1:3,9;2:18;5:4-5;7:1-2;8:17; and 9:17-22), where many significant events unfold. Although God’s name is not mentioned, it is evident that the Jews in Susa sought His help when they fasted for three days: “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16).Despite the law allowing their destruction being written according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, making it unchangeable, a way was paved for their prayers to be answered. Esther risked her life by going not once uninvited before the king but twice (Esther 5:1-2;8:3). She was not satisfied with the destruction of Haman; she was determined to save her people. The establishment of the Feast of Purim is documented and preserved for all to see and is still celebrated today. God’s chosen people, without any direct mention of His name, were granted a reprieve through the wisdom and humility of Esther.

Foreshadowings:
In Esther, we are provided with a behind-the-scenes view of the ongoing struggle of Satan against the purposes of God and particularly against His promised Messiah. The arrival of Christ into the human race was dependent on the existence of the Jewish race. Just as Haman conspired against the Jews to annihilate them, so has Satan positioned himself against Christ and God’s people. Just as Haman is defeated on the gallows he constructed for Mordecai, so does Christ utilize the very weapon that his adversary devised to annihilate Him and His spiritual descendants. For the cross, through which Satan planned to annihilate the Messiah, was the very instrument through which Christ “having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:14-15). Just as Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai, so the devil was defeated by the cross he erected to destroy Christ.

Practical Application:
The Book of Esther illustrates the choice we face between recognizing the hand of God in our life circumstances and viewing things as mere coincidences.

God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe, and we can be assured that His plans will not be thwarted by the actions of mere evil men. Although His name is not mentioned in the book, His providential care for His people, both individuals and the nation, is evident throughout. For instance, we cannot fail to see the Almighty exerting influence over King Xerxes’ timely insomnia. Through the example of Mordecai and Esther, the silent love language our Father often uses to communicate directly to our spirits is shown in this book.

Esther proved to have a godly and teachable spirit that also showed great strength and willing obedience. Esther’s humility was markedly different from the attitude of those around her, and this caused her to be elevated to the position of queen. She shows us that remaining respectful and humble, even in difficult, if not humanly impossible circumstances, often positions us to be the vessel of untold blessings for both ourselves and others. We would do well to emulate her godly attitudes in all areas of life, but especially in trials. Not once is there a complaint or bad attitude exposed in the writing. Many times we read she won the “favor” of those around her. Such favor is what ultimately saved her people. We can be granted such favor as we accept even unfair persecution and follow Esther’s example of maintaining a positive attitude, coupled with humility and the determination to lean on God. Who knows but that God has put us in such a position, for just such a time as this?