Not So Common

Persian King Xerxes banishes Queen Vashti after she refuses to come to his drunken party. Xerxes looks for a new wife and Esther becomes queen.

Moredecai and Haman

Evil Haman becomes powerful but is furious when Mordecai doesn't bow. He plots to kill every Jew in a single day. The King ordains it.

Esther's Purpose

Mordecai asks for Esther's help. She can only speak with Xerxes if he summons her, or she dies. Esther prays and enters for her people.

Haman Humiliated

Esther invites Xerxes and Haman to two banquets. Xerxes honors Mordecai and humiliates Haman. Esther exposes Haman's plot to Xerxes, and he executes Haman – victory.

The Jews' Victory

Esther and Mordecai reverse Haman's evil plan. Xerxes' decree is irreversible, but he issues a new one allowing Jews to defend themselves. Purim is established.

►Esther / chapters 1-10

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

Esther 4:14

 
OT/NT: Old Testament (1)
 
SECTION: Historical Books (2) (12 of 12)
 
TRADITIONAL AUTHOR: Unknown (multiple possibilities)
 
KEY FIGURES: Bigthan and Teresh (3), Queen Esther (4), Haman (5), Mordecai (6), Queen Vashti (7); Xerxes I (8), King of Persia (9).
 
TIMELINE: The Book of Esther covers the period of 483 BC - 472 BC. See our Bible Timeline (10) for references.
 
FAST BIBLE FACT: Although God (11) is clearly at work in the backdrop of the Esther narrative, He is not mentioned one time throughout the entire book. The complete absence of the mentioning of prayer, religious sacrifices or divine presence is indisputably remarkable.
 
PURPOSE (a): This book consists of 10 chapters and includes three main sections. The first section includes the narrative of Queen Vashti's fall from her position (Esther 1) and Esther's promotion to queen in Vashti's place (Esther 2:1-18).
 
The second section focuses on Mordecai's struggle with wicked Haman (Esther 2:19-7:10). Mordecai's loyalty is noted (Esther 2:19-23), in contrast to Haman's actions (Esther 3). In Esther 4-5, Esther fasts and prepares to intervene on behalf of the Jewish people, whom Haman had conspired against to destroy. In a providential event, the king has his historical records read to him and is reminded of Mordecai's loyalty to save his life. The king rewards Mordecai in a way that shames Haman, and Haman is ultimately hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 6-7).
 
The third section then emphasizes Israel's efforts to overcome Haman's attempt at genocide (Esther 8-10). Esther and Mordecai manage to provide a means for the Jews to defend themselves (Esther 8). The king's scribes are summoned to write an edict allowing the Jews the right to self-defense against their enemies. This leads to the victory of the Jews against those who would wipe them out (Esther 9:1-19).
 
As a result, Purim (12) is instituted, as an ongoing feast of celebration and remembrance (Esther 9:20-23). The book concludes with a brief note on Mordecai's fame (Esther 10). Mordecai is described as second in rank to the King, as "great" among the Jews, and one who sought the welfare of the people, speaking peace to them (Esther 10:1-3).
 
IMPLANTING ESTHER INTO MY EVERY DAY LIFE (b): The Book of Esther shows the choice we make between seeing the hand of God in our circumstances in life and seeing things as merely coincidence. God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe and we can be assured that His plans will not be moved 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’s 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 (13). Esther’s humility (14) was markedly different from those around her, and this caused her to be elevated into the position of queen. She shows us that remaining respectful and humble, even in difficult if not humanly impossible circumstances, often sets us up to be the vessel of untold blessing for both ourselves and others. We would do well to emulate her godly attitudes in all areas of life, but especially in trials (15). Not once is there a complaint or bad attitude exposed in the writing.
 
Many times, we read Esther 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 put us in such a position, for just such a time as this?
 
COMING UP: Next up is the Books of Poetry (16) section!

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The narrative (a) (b) offered herein has been published with permission (c) and no monetary gain is being sought. Footnotes within the narrative have been inserted by The Marion County Manna Project and re-direct to our webpages (unless otherwise noted) for additional spiritual insight and reflection.
 

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If you're seeking additional info about Christianity on a more personal level, consider visiting a Christian Church here in Marion County (17). Introduce yourself to members and ask to speak with someone to learn more about Jesus. Surrendering your life to Christ (18) (f) is the most rewarding, everlasting decision you'll ever make, and it's comforting to have someone guide you as you begin your new life as a child of the Most High! May God shower you with great favor in this endeavor!
 

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Footnotes, Page Credits and External Resources appear below. Consider printing and sharing the offered PDF narrative and other listed resources with family, friends and strangers alike for use in Bible Studies (19), Home/Church Faith Sharing Groups (20), Discipleship Encounters (21) and/or Personal Faith Enrichment!
 
Modifications are welcome at goodnews@marionmannaproject.com.
 

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FOOTNOTES:
  (1) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/old-testament
  (2) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/historical-books
  (3) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bigthan-and-teresh
  (4) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/esther-1
  (5) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/haman
  (6) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/mordecai
  (7) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/vashti
  (8) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/xerxes-i
  (9) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/kings-of-persia
(10) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bible-timeline
(11) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/God-of-the-bible
(12) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/purim
(13) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/obedience
(14) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/humility
(15) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/trials-tribulations
(16) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/poetry-books
(17) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/listing-by-city
(18) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-gracious-visitor
(19) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bible-studies
(20) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/christian-education
(21) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/discipleship
 
PAGE CREDITS:
(a) Survey of Esther, Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 10, 2021,
https://www.bibleref.com/Esther/survey-of-Esther.html
 
(b) Summary of the Book of Esther, Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 10, 2021, https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Esther.html
 
(c) Copyright Policy, Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 11, 2020,
https://www.gotquestions.org/about.html
 
(d) Videos, Milestones, Blogs & Poster, BibleProject, accessed September 29, 2020,
https://www.bibleproject.com/terms/#use
 
(e) Bible Gateway, New International Version (NIV) Bible, accessed September 18, 2020, https://www.biblegateway.com/
 
EXTERNAL RESOURCES:
(f)  How Do I Convert to Christianity?, Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 12, 2020, https://www.gotquestions.org/convert-to-Christianity.html