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