Topical Encyclopedia The Book of Esther is a unique and captivating narrative found in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is named after its central figure, Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and plays a pivotal role in the deliverance of her people from a genocidal plot. The book is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I, who ruled from 486 to 465 BC) and provides a historical account of the Jewish community living in exile in Persia.Authorship and Date The authorship of the Book of Esther is traditionally ascribed to Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, although the text itself does not specify an author. The book is believed to have been written in the late 5th century BC, shortly after the events it describes. Its inclusion in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament underscores its significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. Historical and Cultural Context The narrative unfolds in the Persian Empire, a vast and powerful realm that extended from India to Ethiopia. The Jewish people, having been exiled from their homeland, were dispersed throughout the empire. The book provides insight into the life and challenges faced by the Jewish diaspora during this period. Structure and Content The Book of Esther is composed of ten chapters and can be divided into several key sections: 1. Introduction and Esther's Rise to Queenship (Chapters 1-2): The account begins with a lavish banquet hosted by King Ahasuerus, during which Queen Vashti is deposed for her refusal to appear before the king. A search for a new queen leads to Esther, a young Jewish woman, being chosen for her beauty and grace. 2. Haman's Plot and Mordecai's Response (Chapters 3-4): Haman, an Agagite and high-ranking official, becomes enraged when Mordecai refuses to bow to him. In retaliation, Haman devises a plan to annihilate all Jews in the empire. Mordecai learns of the plot and urges Esther to intercede with the king. 3. Esther's Intervention and the King's Favor (Chapters 5-7): Esther courageously approaches the king, risking her life, and invites him and Haman to a banquet. During a second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot, leading to Haman's downfall and execution. 4. The Jews' Deliverance and the Institution of Purim (Chapters 8-10): King Ahasuerus issues a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. The Jews triumph over their adversaries, and the festival of Purim is established to commemorate their deliverance. Theological Themes The Book of Esther is notable for its absence of any direct mention of God, prayer, or religious practices, which has led to various interpretations of its theological message. However, the book implicitly highlights themes of divine providence, the reversal of fortunes, and the faithfulness of God to His covenant people. Esther's bravery and Mordecai's wisdom are seen as instruments through which God orchestrates the salvation of the Jewish people. Significance in Jewish and Christian Traditions For the Jewish community, the Book of Esther is central to the celebration of Purim, a joyous festival marked by feasting, the giving of gifts, and the reading of the Megillah (the scroll of Esther). In Christian tradition, Esther is often celebrated as a model of courage, faith, and divine purpose, demonstrating how God can use individuals to fulfill His plans. Key Verses · Esther 4:14 : "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" · Esther 9:22 : "as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. These were to be days of feasting, joy, and sending of gifts to one another and to the poor." The Book of Esther remains a powerful testament to the resilience and faith of the Jewish people and serves as an enduring reminder of God's sovereignty and care for His people throughout history. ATS Bible Dictionary the Book Of EstherHas always been esteemed canonical, both by Jews and Christians, though certain additions to it, found in some versions and manuscripts, are apocryphal. Who was its writer is not certainly known. It has been ascribed to Ezra, to a high-priest name Jehoiakim, and to Mordecai. This last opinion is supported by the internal evidence; the book having been written in Persia, by an eye-witness of the scenes it describes, B. C. 509. It presents a graphic picture of the Persian court and customs, and is intensely Jewish in its spirit. The chief value of the book is to illustrate the wonder- working providence of God, his control of human passions, his righteous judgment of sinners, and his care for his covenant people- whom, even when captives in a strange land, he can exalt above all their foes. Library Esther Book 11 Footnotes Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land. The Restoration. The Net Broken Esther's Venture Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Mordecai and Esther Expositions of Holy Scripture The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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