Grace Institute: The Writings : Esther Part 1

Esther

Survey of the Old Testament: The Writings

Fall 2006

Introduction

Name & Location

The book is titled Esther in both the Hebrew and the English/Greek bibles. In the English edition, Esther is considered one of the historical books and is located after Nehemiah as would be proper chronologically.

In the Hebrew bible, Esther is the final book of the Megilloth (or the Scrolls). Each of the books in this section is read at a different Jewish festival. Esther is read during the festival of Purim.

The Festival of Purim

Reversals of Fortune in Esther

A queen deposed while a Jewish orphan becomes queen.
A prime minister is hung on gallows intended for his enemy
A minor court official (Mordecai) is supposed to be hung but is made prime minister
The Jews are about to be slaughtered and end up slaughtering thousands

Purim is one of only two Jewish holidays which was not established in the Torah (Hanukkah being the other). Purim has a carnival like atmosphere, with much drinking and carousing. While Esther is read in the synagogue, it is traditionally accompanied by boisterous reactions by the congregants as they “boo” whenever the name of Haman is read. Purim is a “feast of reversals,” as Esther is filled with abrupt reversals of fortune. As a result, people dress in masquerade, including cross-dressing, to emphasize the role reversals found in Esther. The wearing of costumes also reminds us that Esther hid her heritage.

Date & Author

The author is anonymous. There are two primary dates given to the writing of Esther. One shortly after the events (4^th century BC) and one much later (2^nd century BC). There is about equal evidence for both datings.

The events of Esther takes place during the exile of the Jews in Persia under the reign Xerxes (called Ahasuerus in scripture). This is nearly 50 years after King Cyrus’s proclamation allowing the Jews to return to their homeland.

Purpose

To explain the historical background to the feast of Purim (Esther 9:20-32).
To assure the Jews that God was still involved in their protection even while in exile.
To teach God’s providential care for the Jews even if they ignored him.

Structure

The Queen Deposed	Esther Becomes Queen	Haman’s Plot Against the Jews	Esther Learns of the Plot	Esther Throws a Banquet	Haman Forced to Honor Mordecai	Esther Reveals Haman’s Plot	Mordecai Promoted. Proclamiation Issued	Jews Defend Themselves	Mordecai Praised by the King
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