The Book of Esther

Author
Unknown, but there are 2 possible candidates: Mordecai and Nehemiah with certain
evidences:
1. Babylonian Talmud attributes the writing to the men of the Great Synagogue.
2. Josephus (a Romano-Jewish scholar) and some Rabbinic circles affirmed that
Mordecai was the author.
3. The mention and benevolence of Mordecai in Esther 10:3 may argue against
Mordecai's authorship.
4. The author seems to be very familiar with Persian customs and layout of Susa
and royal palaces. This implies that he might have been resident of Persia
instead of Palestine.
5. Possible Candidate: Nehemiah
The literary style of this book is same with the book of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah stayed in royal palace as a cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes.
He may have heard of or known Mordecai.
He may have written this book to reassure Jews in Palestine of God's
protection and provision.
Written Date
Most likely written between 460 B.C. and 331 B.C., after the reign of Xerxes I but
before Alexander the Great rising to power (parallel with the Warring States Period in
China)
Purpose
To provide the historical origin of the feast of Purim (celebrated by Jews annually on
14th and 15th of month of Adar).
To record the providence of God in preserving His people against their enemies.
Some Interesting Facts
The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9 which has 43 words in Hebrew.
All letters of Hebrew can be found in Esther 3:13.
The word "banquet" (Mishteh in Hebrew) occurs 20 times, which is the total of ALL
the other times this word is found elsewhere.
What's Special?
One of the only two books in the Bible named for women.
God is never mentioned, either by name (Yahweh), title (Adonai) or being (El).
Neither is prayer (except for the mentioning of fast and prayer by Esther once before
she appeared before the king unbidden).

Historical Background
King Ahasuerus is probably a reference to Xerxes I (486-465 B.C.) or possibly
Artaxerxes I or II (465-358 B.C.), but most commonly identified as Artaxerxes II who
ruled between 404-358 BC.
The language used, factual discrepancies and the writing style indicate that the book
was written between 400-150 B.C.

Biblical/Historical Context
The events take place in Susa (Iran in modern day) in the court of a Persian king.
King of Persia, Cyrus II the Great conquered Babylonian empire and liberated the
Jews who had been exiled for 47 years. He issued decree to allow and aid the Jews to
return to Jerusalem and rebuilding their city and temple.
Most of the Jews did not return and chose to stay in Babylon, and Esther's family
were among them.
Overall Outline
Esther is chosen to replace the deposed Queen Vashti. - 1:1-2:18
Mordecai foils the plot of assassinating King Ahasuerus. - 2:19-23
Haman plots of Jews genocide. - 3:1-3:15
Mordecai takes action. - 4:1-17
Esther takes action. - 5:1-8
Haman sets up impaling pole. - 5:9-14
Mordecai is honoured, Haman is impaled. - 6:1-7:10
Jewish people are delivered. - 8:1-9:19
Establishment of Purim (Feast of Lots). - 9:20-32
Mordecai in power. - 10:13
Reflects

Chapter 1
o
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10