ESTHER BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY: THE ISRAELITE EXILES IN PERSIA
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah record the Israelite exiles being freed from captivity by King Cyrus of Persia. While many Israelites returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, many remained in Susa, the capital city of Persia.
The story of Esther took place about one hundred years after the end of the Israelite captivity during the reign of King Xerxes. Esther, an Israelite woman, found herself in the unique position of becoming queen of Persia. With the help of her cousin named Mordecai, Esther was able to reverse the awful schemes plotted against the Israelites by Haman, a corrupt leader in Persia.
God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, but His divine intervention and provision for the Israelites is woven throughout the entire narrative. The many ironic turns of events in this story show how God was moving behind the scenes despite appearing absent from the story.
MAIN IDEAS: ESTHER‘S BRAVERY + FAITHFULNESS
Esther hid her Jewish identify and was elevated to the position of queen of Persia. (Esther 1:17)
Mordecai believed that Esther became queen at the perfect time to save the Israelites. (Esther 4:14)
Esther advocated for the Jewish people, protecting them from genocide. (Esther 7:3)
Influenced by Esther, the king wrote a decree allowing the Israelites to defend themselves. (Esther 8:8)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: SOVEREIGN OVER CIRCUMSTANCE
There are many circumstances throughout Esther that appear sinful or immoral. It is important to note that God does not condone all of the actions mentioned in Esther. Many aspects of this book are descriptive (telling the reader what happened), not prescriptive (telling the reader how to live); for example, King Xerxes’ sexually abusive method of choosing a wife is descriptive rather than prescriptive. God was not endorsing the king’s actions, but He still used this situation to position Esther in a way that would save the Jewish people.
Heavy drinking and drunkenness occur throughout the book of Esther. Similarly, God does not encourage this behavior, but He was able to establish His purposes and plans despite sinful people and difficult circumstances. God never encourages or justifies sinfulness, but He still works all things together for good despite humanity’s sinfulness.
Many elements of Esther’s story seem random or left to chance. Esther was chosen to be the queen out of hundreds of young women. Mordecai happened to overhear the plot to kill the king. The dates of the Jewish execution were left to the roll of the dice. Although the book never mentions God, His protection and provision were subtly moving throughout the details of Esther’s story.
JESUS IN ESTHER: SELF-SACRIFICE FOR THE SALVATION OF MANY
Esther bravely approached the king, revealed her Jewish identity, and fought for the protection of the Jewish people. In her boldness, she risked her life for the chance of saving God’s chosen people. When approached by Mordecai with this task, Esther assessed the risk and courageously proclaimed, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
Jesus was the long-awaited Savior promised to the Jewish people. Jesus died for the sins of those who believed in Him, both Jewish and non-Jewish people. Like Esther, Jesus was willing to give His life for the salvation of many. Through His death, Jesus restored believers to a right relationship with God and welcomed all believers into God’s family.
