The Book of Esther

 Esther    

Title: Esther – from Persian sitareh – star. Her Hebrew/Jewish name was Hadassah – myrtle (with a star-like flower). Most likely, she is not an author; she is the protagonist of the book.    

Date of writing: Right after the events of the narrative. There are at least three letters going out within the plot of the book. At the end of the book the commemorating feast is established – Purim. Therefore, in the culture of writings, there is no reason to think that the recording of the events took decades or even centuries, unless one believes it is not a historical book but a fairytale. 

Date of Narrative:  There are some chronological studies done in relation to dating the book. I agree with Dr. James B. Jordan (https://biblicalhorizons.com/biblical-chronology/8_08/)

At least two things to consider:

1. Both Ezra 2:1-2 and Neh. 7:6-7 say that Mordecai was one of the men of Israel who returned to Jerusalem and Israel after the exile. Which makes him quite advanced in years.

2. Neh. 2:6 mentioned the queen – most likely Esther. 20^th year of the king means 8 years after the events of the book of Esther (cp. 3:7).

Therefore, it couldn’t happen/written around 400 BC. The date should be closer to 510s BC.

Structure:

There are basically two stories which are somewhat parallel to each other. In the middle of each story the king remembers something important, and it turns the course of history. NB: “to remember” in the Bible is not simply to bring to memory, it is to notice and act upon it. 

Part 1 (1:1 – 2:18)

A. The Great Feast (1:1-9)

  B. Vashti’s disobedience (1:10-12)

    C. Advice of the wise men (1:13-22)

      D. The king needs a queen (2:1) – the king remembers

    C’. Advice of the wise men (2:2-4)

  B’. Esther’s submissiveness (2:5-17)

A’. Esther’s Accession Feast (2:18)

 

Part 2 (2:19 – 10:3)

A. Mordecai (2:19-23)

  B. The Attack on God’s People (chapters 3-4)

    C. Esther’s First Feast with Haman (5:1-8) – Haman is well fed

      D. At the King’s Gate (5:9-14)

        E. The king has a sleepless night (6:1) – the king remembers

      D’ At the King’s Gate (6:1-14)

    C’ Esther’s Second Feast with Haman (7:1-10) – Haman dies

  B’ The Deliverance of God’s People (chapters 8-9)

A’ Mordecai:

 

Main themes:

* Godly witness

* Supremacy of the king

* God works through people

Main Characters:

Ahasuerus, Vashti, Memucan, Mordecai, Hadassah/Esther, Haman

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: There is a chronological parallel between the Greater Chronicles (esp. Ezra and Nehemiah) and the Book of Esther. The spoil from the defense (9:10, 15, 16) goes to the completion of Temple-Jerusalem project back in Judea. 

Also, notice the parallels between the king Ahasuerus and God. His word is strong (should not be disobeyed and cannot be changed) and nobody can come to his presence unless being called. His throne room resembles the Holy of holies.

Relevancy of the Book: We are saved not by our schemes or even conspiracies, but by the faithful God who single handedly may overturn the schemes and evil plans of those who want to harm the Bride of Christ – the Church.     

Memory verses:  3:15-16 – Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”