Page 58 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook- short

Ezra and Nehemiah

ESTHER

The book of Esther is the last book of the historical books. The author
and the date are not accurately known. However, most speculations
seem to date the events in Persia (485-465 B.C). Themes include: Hidden
Providence and Human Initiative Message: God is working to preserve
His promises, using both hidden providence in the Persian court and
human initiative among His own people!

Esther chapter’s 1-2 focuses on Esther’s exaltation. At end of 6-mo. display of riches and royal majesty,
Xerxes throws a lavish party for all of the capital! He summons his queen, but she refuses to be eye-
candy! (1) Worried about example, an enraged Xerxes deposes Vashti. King’s servants seek lovely virgin
who pleases king! Lovely Esther race, relationship, radiance, taken pleases officials. 1-year cosmetics, 1-
night with king, Esther- more love, grace, favor of all, crowned queen! [Mordecai hears plot, saves king,
foreshadow] (2) Jews Endangered (3) when Xerxes elevates Haman, orders homage and Mordecai
refuses to bow Jew, Haman is filled with fury. Conflict leads to racial hatred and a plot for genocide.
With cunning, Haman depersonalizes Jews, deceives king- different and disobedient. With the royal seal,
Haman writes an edict to destroy, kill, annihilate Jews in all of Persian empire- promise inside palace;
Haman and king celebrate, while outside, Susa is in confusion! Mordecai’s Appeal (4) Mordecai and all
Jews respond with mourning. Mordecai informs Esther, instructs her to go to the king. When Esther is
reticent, since appearing w/o request risks one’s life- no scepter=death, Mordecai urges her to use her
position- for such a time as this, to save her people from certain death. Accepting her responsibility- if I
perish, I perish; Esther agrees to go the king, asking Jews of Susa to fast for 3 days- prayer not
mentioned? Esther’s 1st Banquet (5) As Esther approaches Xerxes, she wins favor scepter. When he
offers to grant nearly any request, Esther invites king and Haman to a banquet. At banquet, king repeats
his offer, and Esther invites them to a 2nd banquet the next day.

Chapter’s 5-6 focuses on Haman’s fall and Mordecai’s rise. Between banquets, Haman’s downfall is
directly contrasted with Mordecai’s rise. (1) As Haman recounts his glory, fixated on Mordecai’s shame,

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