this book was written by Mordecai, but the author is still unknown (Malick, 2012).

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1 Historical Background Isaac Murrell Box #4665 Although the authorship of the book of Esther is unknown, it is clear that they would have been very well versed in persian customs and also be a Jew. We can see this by the information given on edicts and how often they are mentioned within the book. Also, many believe and claim this book was written by Mordecai, but the author is still unknown (Malick, 2012). Historically, the Book of Esther takes place in Susa, the capitol city of the Medo-Persian Empire, under the reign of King Xerxes, or Ahasuerus, between B.C.. The Medo-Persian Empire was located northeast of Israel and consisted of over 100 provinces that ranged from Egypt to India. The Medo-Persia Empire was formed after Cyrus conquered the Babylonian Empire in 538 B.C.. After Cyrus came to power, the Jews had been in exile for over forty years since the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. Cyrus would eventually issue a decree that would allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem, if they chose to, in 538 B.C.. With this, Esther is in-between the first and second journeys back to Jerusalem and chose to stay in Susa along with her uncle Mordecai. The second Journey back to Jerusalem takes place around 458 B.C. with the leadership of Ezra (Pratte, pg. 3, 2009). Theologically, God's sovereignty and faithfulness is displayed through the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. As the Israelites went into exile and Jerusalem was destroyed, they most likely had thoughts of abandonment because of their sin and rebellion. God's sovereignty and faithfulness are seen through the decree of Cyrus, which allowed them to return to Jerusalem. The promise land wasn't taken from them. Also, the threat from Haman to kill the Jews was not successful and God delivered Esther, Mordecai, and the Jewish people, which fulfilled the Abrahamic covenant as well. It is also interesting to see Mordecai's faith and assurance in God's

2 deliverance, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place "(Esther 4:14). In reference to the Deuteronomic covenant, God's clearly blesses people for obedience and curses people for disobedience. However, there seems to be a deviation from this in Esther because God's deliverance is shown to be unconditional. Even though the Israelites rebelled and were disciplined by exile, God still kept his promise and restored them to their land. This can be attached to the Abrahamic covenant and also affirmed by Mordecai's statement as mentioned earlier.

3 Providential Happenings 1. Queen Vashti was disobedient which opened up the opportunity for Esther to take her spot as queen, which would give her the platform to influence Xerxes (1:12). 2. The fact that Esther was beautiful was providential in that she pleased Xerxes and won his favor. This correlates to the influence she would have on him through her beauty and obedience (2:9). 3. The fact that Xerxes was attracted to Esther is providential because it takes two to tango. If he wasn't attracted or pleased with her, then she wouldn't have been queen. Being attracted to her leads him to put a crown on Esther and appoint her queen in Vashti's place (2:12). 4. Mordecai hears the assassination plot: this allows him to be able to protect and save the king's life. This would also help him in tipping the scale to his favor in the sight of King Xerxes (2:21-22). 5. After hearing about the assassination conspiracy and being saved by Mordecai, the two men are hanged from the gallows and this event is recorded in the book of chronicles. This allows the opportunity for Mordecai's name to resurface and be remembered by Xerxes later on (2:23). 6. Xerxes happens to see Esther through the doorway and holds out his golden scepter to her. This shows that he is pleased with her and that she shall not be put to death. She now has permission to speak to the King and has the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Jewish people (5:2). 7. Xerxes isn't able to sleep and is having insomnia. He then requests for the Book of the Chronicles to be read to him. As a result, he remembers Mordecai as the account of the assassination is being re-read. This leads him to question if anything has been done for this man because he saved the his life (6:1). 8. Xerxes ends up giving Mordecai his signet ring and allows Mordecai to issue a decree to the Jewish people throughout every province within the Empire. Mordecai gets to play an active role in the relief and deliverance of the Jews (8:7-8). 9. The King enters back into his palace when Haman is falling on the couch where Esther is reclining and is even more enraged because it looks like Haman was trying to molest Esther and further disgrace King Xerxes. This happens at the perfect moment in order to seal Haman's fate to the gallows (7:8) 10. Many people of other nationalities throughout the Persian Empire became Jews because of their fear of them. The number of Jews was being added to in light of exile, conflict, and oppression (8:17).

4 Ironic Twists 1. Because Haman only thinks of himself and is arrogant, he thinks that King Xerxes wants to honor him. This leads Haman to spout off many things that he would like done to him in order to exalt himself, but it ends up all going to Mordecai. Haman had to give everything to Mordecai, himself, and this enraged Haman because he hated Mordecai (6:10-11). 2. Esther is a Jew and is made queen of the Persian Empire in place of Vashti. In other words, an individual who's nation lives in exile becomes really powerful within the empire in which exiled (2:12). 3. After Haman is hung on the gallows, Esther is given Haman's estate, who was the enemy of the Jews, from Xerxes (8:1). 4. Xerxes gives his signet ring to Mordecai, which was once given to Haman who used it to issue a decree to annihilate the Jews within the Persian Empire. Esther then appoints Mordecai over Haman's estate (8:2). 5. Haman is hung upon his own gallows which he constructed for Mordecai and potentially other Jewish people. The table was turned on him because of his anger and oppression of the Jewish people. The Abrahamic Covenant seems to come into play here (7:9). 6. After receiving the signet ring from Xerxes, Mordecai later leaves his presence wearing royal garment, a golden crown, and a purple robe of fine linen which was given to him by the king. This is a transformation or a contrast from when we seem him in sackcloth, near the King's Gate, weeping and mourning for the Jews because of Haman's decree (8:15). 7. The Jews end up having permission from Xerxes, through Mordecai's decree, to defend themselves against any nation or people that threaten to harm them or their families. This is a huge contrast from when they were defenseless and almost doomed to perish (8:11). 8. Even though still returning from exile, the nation of Israel wasn't necessarily feared by anyone because they had been conquered, yet people knew that they were different. Once they received permission to defend themselves against anyone who tried to harm them, they annihilated and destroyed any opposition. They became feared by surrounding peoples yet still were coming out of exile and lived in a foreign land (9:2). 9. As Haman formed a hatred for Mordecai and wanted to not only kill him but the Jewish people as a whole, it seems ironic that Esther would end up sentencing Haman's descendants to the gallows. This is a twist in that the descendants of Israel were sentenced be annihilated because of Haman's decree, but in return, Haman's descendants perished as a result (9:13).

5 Characteristics of Characters King Xerxes- Esther- Mordecai- To Emulate: 1. King Xerxes is generous in throwing banquets and allowing people liberty to drink in his own way (1:7). 2. He shows thankfulness to Mordecai and honors him in front of many (6:3). Not To Emulate: 1. He is proud and loves to show off his splendor (1:4). 2. He is forgetful and doesn't remember Mordecai until later (6:3). 3. He is a Hot-Head and responds in anger (2:1). To Emulate: 1. She is obedient and listens to her overseers and to Mordecai (2:20) and she doesn't reveal her nationality (2:15). 2. She is Beautiful both inwardly and outwardly. She doesn't have just outward appearance but wins favor from others and is well liked (2:15). 3. She actively loves the Jewish people by fasting for them (4:15). 4. She shows courage in the midst of frightful circumstances (5:1-3). Not To Emulate: N/A To Emulate: 1. Seems to be devoted to God by not kneeling to Haman (3:2). 2. He takes action by telling the king of the assassination plot (2:21). 3. He has faith that God will bring about relief and deliverance whether it is through Esther or not (4:14). 4. He uses wisdom in various situations (2:10; 2:22; 8:9-10). 5. Exudes confidence in not being fearful of Haman (5:9). 6. Still showing love and care to Esther throughout the time she is queen. Not To Emulate: 1. In a state of panic and distress with the decree of Haman (4:1). 2. Trying to take matters into his own hand rather than praying often.

6 Haman- To Emulate: 1. He is driven to get the job done and isn't lazy (3:8-9). 2. He knows how to persuade and influence the King (chapter 3) 3. Exudes self-control in front of Mordecai (5:10). Not To Emulate: 1. Haman is arrogant and thinks that he is the one that Xerxes wants to honor (6:6). 2. Haman is angry and has hatred towards Mordecai and the Jews (3:5-6). 3. Seeks power and glory (3:1-4).

7 Annotated Outline I. Queen Swap (1:1-2:18) This first chunk of the book outlines the year in which the story of Esther takes place in the Persian Empire and gives some back story as to how Esther ends up queen in place of Vashti. The second chapter gives more detail and information on Esther and introduces her uncle Mordecai. God's sovereign hand and faithfulness a re clear, even within these first two chapters, as well as also throughout the story. A. Queen Vashti Takes A Hike (1:10-12) This book starts out with Xerxes and his beautiful queen Vashti. Vashti is basically exiled from her position because she is rebellious and disobedient to Xerxes commands. This is seen as God's hand in providing an opportunity for Esther to claim her position. 1. The Banquets (1:9-12) After throwing a banquet of her own, Vashti is called on by Xerxes, who has had too much wine at his banquet, in order for her to be shown and displayed to others. She was very beautiful and lovely to look at. Vashti, I imagine, was hurt and angered by this and wouldn't let this happen. She wasn't submissive to the king and refused to appear. She was disobedient to Xerxes and greatly angered him. 2. Memucan's Murmur (1:16-20) While Xerxes was furious about the disobedience of Vashti, he called a counsel in order to decide what to do about the situation. Vashti had done wrong to both Xerxes and the people within the provinces of Persia. Memucan then spoke and suggested that Queen Vashti be banished from the presence of Xerxes and that a search should be held to replace her. B. Esther made Queen (2:1-18) The first parts of this section introduce the search party as well as introduce Esther and Mordecai and give some background knowledge which aids in character development. In all, Esther ends up winning Xerxes favor and is established as queen in Vashti's place. God ultimately uses Esther for his purposes in relation to his people Israel. 1. Search Begins (2:1-5) The search for beautiful women was underway and many virgins were brought to the harem. Beauty treatments were given to the women in order to further please Xerxes. 2. Esther and Uncle Mordecai (2:5-14) Mordecai was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin who lived in Susa and brought up Esther because her father and mother had died. Esther was very

8 beautiful and was brought to the harem of Xerxes. She began beauty treatment and awaited a call from Xerxes. 3. Esther Given The Crown (2:15-18) After Esther went and met Xerxes, he was attracted to her more than any other virgin. He was pleased with her, gave her a crown, and made her queen instead of Vashti. II. A Call To Faith and Action (2:19-4:17) As Esther was made queen, new challenges would arise. Within this section, another character will be introduced, which will stir things up a bit and complicate things. When it looks like things are going well, life takes a sudden turn for the worse. This provokes a call or need for faith in God as well as action by both Mordecai and Esther. A. The Assassination Plot (2:19-23) Near the King's Gate, Mordecai overhears two men conspiring to kill Xerxes because they were angry at him. Mordecai decides to tell Esther to warn Xerxes and make him aware of this. It ends up saving his life and the event is recorded. B. Haman and His Decree (chapter 3) Out of nowhere, we are introduced to Haman without any prior knowledge. He is honored by Xerxes and people are kneeling down before Haman and paying him honor. 1. Haman's Hatred (3:5-6) Haman became enraged when Mordecai wouldn't kneel down and pay homage to him. As a result, Haman hated Mordecai and the Jewish people and had intentions on killing them. 2. The Decree (3:8-15) As Haman plotted to kill the Jews, he convinced Xerxes to issue a decree that commanded the destruction of the Jewish people from the Persian Empire. Multiple edicts were made and sealed with Xerxes signet ring which he gave to Haman. In all, the Jews were doomed. C. Mordecai Acts (Chapter 4) Once Mordecai sees the decree, he puts on sackcloth, mourns, and wails to the King's Gate. Eventually, Mordecai gets this message to Esther through one of the Eunuchs, Hathach, and pleads for her help. 1. Mordecai's Faith (4:14) At the end of their dialogue, Mordecai reminds Esther that if she doesn't do something about this, that relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place. He also reminds her that she has been placed in this position of queen for such a time as this.

9 III. God Intervenes (Chapter 5-7) Throughout these chapters, Esther approaches the king courageously and buys her time in bringing up her request for the Jewish people. God's hand is seen in the irony that is displayed between Haman, Mordecai, and Xerxes. God has perfect timing and everything in his hands. Esther aids in saving the Jewish people by her bravery and the conflict becomes resolved. A. Esther Confronts Xerxes (5:1-7) Esther makes a bold move to approach the King's inner court, and she is accepted and not put to death. The King actually listens to her and wants to hear her request. Three Banquets are held and Haman is present at them. 1. Haman's Anger (5:9-14) After a Banquet, Haman passes by Mordecai and becomes furious when he sees that Mordecai isn't fearful of him. This leads Haman to build a 75 foot gallows that he intends to hang Mordecai from. B. Xerxes Has Insomnia (chapter 6) This is actually quite comical in that Xerxes can't fall asleep so he calls someone in to read to him the book of records. He remembers Mordecai and asks how he has been recognized. Haman walks in and answers Xerxes' question about how someone should be honored, thinking it was for himself. 1. Haman honors Mordecai (6:11) Against his will, Haman had to do what Xerxes commanded and it was a very humbling experience that infuriated Haman. He returned to his home in grief and almost knew that he was in ruin. C. Haman Is Hung (chapter 7) At the banquet, Esther finally speaks about her people and how they have been commanded to be annihilated. She communicates her distress and uncovers Haman's secret. Xerxes becomes aware of what Haman did, is crazy mad, and cares for Esther so much that Haman is sent to his own gallows to be hanged. IV. Relief and Deliverance (chapters 8-10) These last chapters show the restoration of Jews and a transformation of their fate in the Persian Empire. God brings relief and deliverance to them through Esther and Mordecai by the influence they have on Xerxes. In all, God's sovereignty and faithfulness shine through vividly. A. Xerxes Edict (chapter 8) Esther was given Haman's estate which she passed down to Mordecai. Mordecai was dressed in fine robes and was honor before Xerxes and given his signet ring, which Haman once had. Xerxes abolishes haman's decree towards the Jews and Mordecai issues a new one that allows the Jews to kill anyone who seeks to bring them harm and oppose them.

10 1. Jews are delivered (chapter 9) The Jewish people assemble with each other and defend themselves and end up kiling off anyone who stands against them. None of the Jews failed to defend themselves. God provided deliverance for them through this edict with permission to defend themselves. As a result of this everyone feared the Jews. B. Purim (9:18-32) Purim became a holiday for the Jews. What was once a time for mourning, weeping, and wearing sackcloth and ashes, was turned into a holiday of joy, celebration, and feasting which is still celebrated today. C. Rise of Mordecai (chapter 10) After everything, God definitely delivered not only Mordecai but the whole nation of Israel. However, Mordecai was also blessed and was given much power and influence in Susa. A man who was persecuted by the right hand man of the king, is now the right hand man who is feared. Mordecai is well esteemed because he cares and works for the good of God's people. References Malick, D. (n.d.). An Introduction to the Book of Esther Bible.org - Worlds Largest Bible Study Site. Free NET Bible and Thousands of Bible Studies Bible.org - Worlds Largest Bible Study Site. Retrieved November 13, 2012, from Pratte, D. E. (n.d.). Commentaries On Esther. N/A. Retrieved November 13, 2012, from