Overview study sheets

III. Why Was Esther Written?
Esther was written to explain the origin of the “Feast The Introduction

Chapters 1—2
of Purim,” a feast still celebrated every February/March with Queen Vashti Is Out
the book of Esther being read in its entirety, and to ensure that it would be celebrated by all future Jewish generations. Even Mordecai Stops an Assassination Chapter 2:19—23 more signiϔicant is that the book displays God’s providence for the protection and deliverance of His people. Interestingly, the The Plot



Chapters 3—9:19
book never mentions God directly. This has caused Jews and Haman’s Plan/Esther’s Intervention Chapters 3—5
Christians to question its inclusion in the Bible. Nevertheless, Mordecai Honored/Haman Destroyed Chapters 6—7 Esther has been recognized as Scripture by ancient Jewish scholars since around 100 BC, and therefore would have been The Conclusion


Chapters 9:20—10
considered as Scripture in the period of Jesus’ earthly life. Es- ther was also widely accepted by the early church. IV. The Feast of Purim
I. What Is Esther?
“Purim” is derived from the Persian word for “lot” and Esther is the name of the central ϔigure of the book. It recalls how Haman cast lots to determine the best day to carry tells the story of a Jewish girl who became queen of Persia out his plan of Jewish genocide. It is a festival of joy as opposed and, with the help of her cousin, Mordecai, saved her people to many other Jewish feasts which recall difϔicult moments in from extermination. Following this deliverance experienced Jewish history. Modern celebrations generally occur on one day by the Jewish people, the Feast of Purim was established and is (preceded by a day of fasting). On this day, the book of Esther is read in its entirety and people exchange gifts, give to the poor, II. Who Wrote Esther?
performing plays and carnivals. The Feast of Purim is by nature a more nationalistic holiday (like Hanukkah) than religious like The author of Esther is anonymous. However, because the festivals prescribed in the Torah (Passover, Pentecost, etc.). it was written by someone with an interest in Jewish affairs as well as a knowledge of Persian customs and court records, there are many who believe the author was Mordecai. Also, Key Themes & Theology in Esther since it reϔlects the writing of the time of the events, it was The Sovereignty and Providence of God
probably written during the reign of Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I (486-465 B.C.) or soon thereafter. At this time, God Can Use Anyone For His Great Plans
some Jews had already returned to Jerusalem, but others were Man’s Responsibility to Ensure the Welfare of Others
Those Who Oppose God Will See Utter Destruction

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