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The Book of Esther

• Author–Unknown

• Purpose–History behind the the Jewish feast

of Purim–So they will remember and

celebrate the holiday

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Unique in the Canon

• One of only two books named after a women.

• Only writing we have concerning the Jews that did not return to the promise land.

• Lacks any spiritual or religious language.

• God is not mentioned in the book at all.

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Main Theme

The Providence of God

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Place in History

• 586 BC - Babylonians conquer Jerusalem & Temple Burned

• 538 BC - Babylon defeated by Cyrus "the Great" king of Persia

• 537 BC - Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return to their homeland and Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest lead back a small remnant.

• Esther takes place during chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra.

• Ahasuerus (or Xerxes) king of Persia reigns from 485 to 464 BC.

• Artaxerxes his son allows both Ezra and Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem.

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Susa - Capital of the Persian Empire

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Ahasuerus

• Powerful• Rash and quick

tempered• Proud• Self-centered• Wicked

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Mordecai

• Esther’s cousin• Raising Esther• Continually

demonstrates courage, faith and a desire to do what is right no matter the cost.

• God fearing Jew8

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Haman

• The antagonist• Second in

command• Incredibly prideful• Cowardly • Manipulative

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Esther

• Young Jewish orphan

• Jewish name is Hadassah, which means myrtle

• Courageous • Faith• Wise

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“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for

such a time as this?”

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