Introduction to the Book of Esther
The book of Esther tells the account of how a
beautiful Jewish orphan named Esther became queen of
The book is only ten chapters long and easy to follow. The first two chapters tell how Esther becomes queen after Vashti is dethroned. Not long in her position, her cousin Mordecai uncovers an assassination plot and tells Esther, who then passes along the information, saving King Xerxes.
The next seven chapters reveal that Mordecai’s role in foiling the plot is forgotten. In addition, he offends Haman, who makes the destruction of the Jews his personal vendetta. Through a cunning plan, Esther reveals his actions, resulting in Haman’s death on the gallows he built for Mordecai. The decree to kill the Jews could not be repealed, but the Jews are allowed to defend themselves and are saved. To commemorate their deliverance, Esther establishes the Festival of Purim. Finally, in chapter 10, Mordecai is honoured and promoted to second in the kingdom.
Chapters 1-2 Esther becomes queen
Chapter 1 Queen Vashti dethroned
Chapter 2 Esther becomes queen and foils assassination plot
Chapters 3-9 The Origins of Purim
Chapter 3 Haman plots to annihilate the Jews
Chapters 4-7 Esther exposes Haman’s plot
Chapters 8-9:15 The Jews defend themselves
Chapters 9:16-32 Festival of Purim established
Chapter 10 Mordecai honoured
While the book explains the origins of Purim, it is also the story of God’s providence. God is never mentioned by name, but he is directing events to raise up Esther as Queen. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, understands this as he convinces her to take advantage of her position to protect the Jews. “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (4:14) God is clearly directing the course of history.
The characters of Esther are firmly fixed in
history. The first character we see is King Ahasuerus. This is the Hebrew name
for Xerxes, who reigned over
The book of Esther has been criticised for what some see as moral problems. Esther hid her identity in order to become queen, and was encouraged by Mordecai to do so. She did not appear concerned about marrying a Gentile. She showed no mercy on Haman or his sons when the tables were turned. In addition, she and Mordecai wrote the decree authorizing their people to slaughter and plunder. We should note, however, that the book makes no comment about their actions, nor are we told to emulate them. They are simply reported as they happened.
Some suggest that Mordecai could not have risen to such a high position. We should remember, however, that foreigners often did rise to power in the ancient world. Joseph is a notable example. In addition, Xerxes followed the policy of tolerance started by Cyrus, and the kingdom was made up of a great many nationalities. Finally, the name Morduka (Mordecai) was discovered on a cuneiform tablet from Borsippa. He is identified as a high official in the royal court of Susa during the early part of Xerxes’s reign. At the very least, this illustrates that someone like Mordecai could have risen to a position of power.
Some doubt the book because we do not have a Persian record of Esther as Xerxes’ queen. There are many gaps in our knowledge, however, and it is possible that Esther was one queen among many. In an attempt to harmonize the historical records, some have tried to equate Esther with Xerxes’ known wife, Amestris, but this does not match what it known about either woman.
Finally, some wonder why God is not mentioned by name. We should note, however, that God’s providence is assumed in the book. We have already seen that Mordecai recognized God’s action in bringing Esther to power (4:14). Esther’s faith in God is assumed in her call to fast (4:16). It would be hard to imagine that prayer is not a part of this. And she would not call her people to fast unless she believed God was powerful and able to turn the course of events. God is not onstage, but he is certainly in the wings, following the play and arranging the actors and props for a resolution.
The book of Esther is valuable for its history, but more importantly, for what it reminds us about God. God sometimes seems far away and unconcerned. But he is very near, and more involved than we realize or acknowledge. He often brings deliverance in ways we would never think, and from people we would never imagine.
Finally, Mordecai’s words remind us that we also have a part to play in God’s plan: “Who knows but that you have come to [your] position for such a time as this?”
2009 Rev. Troy Dennis is a pastor and a writer. For more articles and encouraging letters, check www.onfireletter.com.