ESTHER, BOOK OF

What Is the Book of Esther?
During the period between the first and second Jewish returns from Babylonian captivity (536 and 457 B.C.), many Hebrews remained in Persia. At that time, a dreadful plot to exterminate the Jews was instigated by a Persian official named Haman. 

Esther, a beautiful Jewess, was raised up by God to be instrumental in the deliverance of her people (Esth. 4:14). She became the queen and, through her influence, Haman was destroyed, and the Hebrews were spared. 

The book also explains the origin of the Jewish feast of Purim, a commemoration of the Jews' deliverance from Haman (9-10). An underlying theme is the preservation of the Hebrews in view of the coming Messiah.

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Esther 9:26 – Purim

The Jewish feast of Purim has its origin in the book of Esther.

Esther 4:14 & 6:1 – Esther and Divine Providence

Though the age of miracles has passed, God is not silent in the activities of mankind, but orchestrates his will on earth—through providence. The Old Testament account of Esther provides a thrilling view of how God works in this way.

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Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson