Title and Author: The book of Esther is named after its central character, Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. The authorship of Esther is traditionally attributed to Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, although the text itself does not specify an author. Conservative scholars often suggest that Mordecai, being a key figure in the narrative, had the knowledge and motivation to document these events.

Historical Context: The events of Esther occur during the reign of King Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) of Persia, around 486-465 BC. This was a time when the Jewish people were living in exile, scattered throughout the Persian Empire following the Babylonian captivity. The narrative unfolds in the Persian capital of Susa, providing a glimpse into the life of Jews in the diaspora.

Audience: The primary audience for the book of Esther was the Jewish community, both those living in Persia and those who had returned to Jerusalem. The story served to remind them of God's providence and protection, even when they were far from their homeland.

Purpose: The book of Esther was written to record the origins of the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them. It also serves to demonstrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness in preserving His people.

Genre and Style: Esther is a historical narrative with elements of drama and irony. It is written in a straightforward, chronological style, with a focus on dialogue and character development.1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) (Esther 1:1)
- The Persian king who rules over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulent banquets and plays a central role in the events of the book.

2. Queen Vashti (Esther 1:9)
- The queen of Persia who is deposed for refusing to appear before King Ahasuerus during a banquet, setting the stage for Esther's rise.

3. Mordecai (Esther 2:5)
- A Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin, living in Susa. He is Esther's cousin and adoptive father, and plays a crucial role in uncovering a plot against the king and in the salvation of the Jewish people.

4. Esther (Hadassah) (Esther 2:7)
- A Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, who becomes queen of Persia. Her bravery and wisdom are pivotal in saving her people from destruction.

5. Hegai (Esther 2:8)
- The king's eunuch in charge of the harem. He is responsible for preparing the women, including Esther, for their presentation to the king.

6. Haman (Esther 3:1)
- An Agagite and high-ranking official in King Ahasuerus's court. He becomes the main antagonist, plotting to annihilate the Jews in the empire.

7. Bigthana and Teresh (Esther 2:21)
- Two of the king's eunuchs who conspire to assassinate King Ahasuerus. Their plot is discovered by Mordecai.

8. Harbona (Esther 7:9)
- One of the king's eunuchs who suggests the gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai be used for Haman himself.1. Susa (Shushan)
- Description: Susa, also known as Shushan, is the capital of the Persian Empire and the primary setting for the events in the Book of Esther. It is where King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) holds his royal court and where Esther becomes queen.
- First Occurrence: Esther 1:2 - "In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa."

2. The King's Palace
- Description: The palace in Susa is where King Ahasuerus resides and where many significant events take place, including the banquets, Esther's rise to queenship, and the plotting of Haman.
- First Occurrence: Esther 1:5 - "At the end of this time, in the garden courtyard of the king’s palace, the king held a banquet for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa."

3. The Courtyard of the Women’s House
- Description: This is the part of the palace where the women, including Queen Esther, reside. It is a place of preparation and residence for the women brought to the king.
- First Occurrence: Esther 2:9 - "The young woman pleased him and gained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven chosen attendants from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem."

4. The King's Gate
- Description: The king's gate is a significant location where Mordecai, Esther's cousin, spends much time. It is a place of administration and where Mordecai uncovers the plot against the king.
- First Occurrence: Esther 2:19 - "When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate."

5. Haman’s House
- Description: The residence of Haman, the antagonist of the story, who plots against the Jews. It is a place of personal and political scheming.
- First Occurrence: Esther 5:10 - "Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh,"

6. The Gallows
- Description: The gallows are constructed by Haman with the intention of hanging Mordecai. It becomes a symbol of Haman's downfall.
- First Occurrence: Esther 5:14 - "His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, 'Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the king’s banquet and enjoy yourself.' This suggestion pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed."1. Queen Vashti's Refusal (Esther 1:10-12)
- During a royal banquet, King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) commands Queen Vashti to appear before him and his guests to display her beauty. Vashti refuses, leading to her removal as queen.

2. Search for a New Queen (Esther 2:2-4)
- After Vashti's removal, the king's advisors suggest finding a new queen. A search is conducted throughout the kingdom for beautiful young virgins to be brought to the king's harem.

3. Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:17)
- Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is chosen to be the new queen due to her beauty and grace, winning the king's favor above all others.

4. Mordecai Uncovers a Plot (Esther 2:21-23)
- Mordecai discovers a plot by two of the king's eunuchs to assassinate King Ahasuerus. He informs Esther, who reports it to the king, saving his life. The incident is recorded in the royal chronicles.

5. Haman's Rise to Power (Esther 3:1)
- Haman, an Agagite, is promoted by King Ahasuerus to a high position, making him the most powerful official in the kingdom.

6. Haman's Plot Against the Jews (Esther 3:5-6)
- Angered by Mordecai's refusal to bow to him, Haman devises a plan to annihilate all Jews in the kingdom. He casts lots (Purim) to determine the date for their destruction.

7. The King's Decree (Esther 3:12-13)
- Haman convinces King Ahasuerus to issue a decree authorizing the destruction of the Jews on a specific day. The decree is sent throughout the kingdom.

8. Mordecai Appeals to Esther (Esther 4:1-8)
- Upon learning of the decree, Mordecai mourns and urges Esther to use her position to plead with the king for her people’s lives.

9. Esther's Decision to Act (Esther 4:15-16)
- Esther agrees to approach the king, despite the risk of death for appearing unsummoned. She asks Mordecai and the Jews to fast for three days in support of her mission.

10. Esther's First Banquet (Esther 5:1-4)
- Esther approaches the king and invites him and Haman to a banquet she has prepared, where she plans to make her request known.

11. Haman's Gallows (Esther 5:14)
- Encouraged by his wife and friends, Haman builds a gallows to hang Mordecai, intending to seek the king's permission the next day.

12. The King's Sleepless Night (Esther 6:1-3)
- Unable to sleep, the king orders the royal chronicles to be read to him. He learns of Mordecai's earlier service in foiling the assassination plot and decides to honor him.

13. Mordecai Honored (Esther 6:10-11)
- Haman is instructed by the king to honor Mordecai by leading him through the city on the king’s horse, wearing royal robes, which humiliates Haman.

14. Esther's Second Banquet (Esther 7:1-2)
- At the second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot to destroy her people, pleading for their lives.

15. Haman's Downfall (Esther 7:9-10)
- The king orders Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, leading to Haman's execution.

16. A New Decree (Esther 8:8-11)
- Esther and Mordecai are given authority to issue a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies on the appointed day.

17. The Jews' Victory (Esther 9:1-2)
- On the day intended for their destruction, the Jews successfully defend themselves and defeat their enemies throughout the kingdom.

18. The Feast of Purim Established (Esther 9:20-22)
- Mordecai and Esther establish the Feast of Purim to commemorate the Jews' deliverance and victory, to be celebrated annually.

19. Mordecai's Promotion (Esther 10:3)
- Mordecai is promoted to a high position in the kingdom, second only to King Ahasuerus, and is recognized for his efforts in saving the Jewish people.1. Divine Providence
The theme of divine providence is central to Esther, highlighting how God orchestrates events behind the scenes to protect His people. Although God is not mentioned explicitly, His guidance is evident in the unfolding events.
(First occurrence: Esther 2:17) - "Now the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the other virgins."

2. Courage and Bravery
Esther's courage is a pivotal theme, as she risks her life to save her people by approaching the king without being summoned. Her bravery is a model of faith and action.
(First occurrence: Esther 4:16) - "Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!"

3. Identity and Heritage
The story emphasizes the importance of identity and heritage, as Esther and Mordecai navigate their Jewish identity in a foreign land. This theme is crucial in understanding their motivations and actions.
(First occurrence: Esther 2:5) - "Now there was at the citadel in Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish."

4. Justice and Retribution
The narrative demonstrates the theme of justice and retribution, as Haman's plot against the Jews backfires, leading to his downfall and the deliverance of the Jewish people.
(First occurrence: Esther 7:10) - "So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided."

5. Reversal of Fortune
The book of Esther is filled with dramatic reversals, where the lowly are elevated, and the powerful are brought down. This theme underscores the unpredictability of life and the ultimate justice of God.
(First occurrence: Esther 6:11) - "So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!'"

6. Community and Solidarity
The Jewish community's unity and solidarity are crucial for their survival. The collective fasting and mourning, as well as their celebration of Purim, highlight the strength found in community.
(First occurrence: Esther 4:3) - "In every province to which the king’s command and decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes."

7. Wisdom and Strategy
Esther and Mordecai exhibit wisdom and strategic thinking in their actions, from Esther's approach to the king to Mordecai's uncovering of the assassination plot. Their prudence is key to their success.
(First occurrence: Esther 2:22) - "But Mordecai found out about the plot and informed Queen Esther, who reported it to the king in Mordecai’s name."1. Mediator (Esther 4:16)
- Type: Intercessor
- Description: Esther acts as a mediator between her people and the king, risking her life to save the Jews from destruction. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus, who mediates between God and humanity, offering Himself for the salvation of all.

2. Advocate (Esther 8:3-6)
- Type: Defender
- Description: Esther pleads with King Xerxes to revoke the decree against the Jews, advocating for their safety and well-being. Similarly, Jesus is seen as an advocate for believers, interceding on their behalf before God.

3. Savior (Esther 9:1-2)
- Type: Deliverer
- Description: Through Esther's courage and intervention, the Jews are saved from annihilation. This act of deliverance is seen as a parallel to Jesus' role as the Savior who delivers humanity from sin and death.

4. Royal Identity (Esther 2:17)
- Type: King
- Description: Esther becomes queen, gaining favor and authority in the Persian empire. This royal identity can be seen as a type of Christ's kingship, where He is recognized as the King of Kings with authority over all.

5. Self-Sacrifice (Esther 4:16)
- Type: Sacrificial Lamb
- Description: Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people is reminiscent of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Her famous words, "If I perish, I perish," echo the selflessness and sacrifice that Jesus embodies.1. Prophecy of Mordecai's Warning to Esther: Mordecai warns Esther that if she remains silent, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but she and her father's family will perish (Esther 4:14). This is not a prophecy in the traditional sense but a statement of faith in divine deliverance. The outcome is that Esther acts, and the Jews are saved.

2. Prophecy of Haman's Plot and Its Reversal: Haman plans to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom (Esther 3:6-13). The outcome is that Haman's plot is foiled, and he is executed on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10).

3. Prophecy of Esther's Intervention: Esther approaches the king unsummoned, risking her life, to plead for her people (Esther 4:16). The outcome is that the king grants her request, leading to the salvation of the Jews (Esther 8:5-8).

4. Prophecy of Mordecai's Rise to Power: Initially, Mordecai is a minor figure, but after the king honors him for uncovering a plot against his life (Esther 6:1-11), he eventually rises to a position of power, replacing Haman (Esther 10:3).

1. Persian Festival and Ascension of Esther  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:23 )

a. Xerxes’ Royal Feast  ( 1:1⁠–⁠22 )

i. Xerxes’ Greatness  ( 1:1⁠–⁠8 )

ii. Queen Vashti’s Refusal  ( 1:9⁠–⁠12 )

iii. Queen Vashti Deposed  ( 1:13⁠–⁠22 )

b. The Rise of Esther  ( 2:1⁠–⁠23 )

i. Seeking Vashti’s Successor  ( 2:1⁠–⁠4 )

ii. Esther Finds Favor  ( 2:5⁠–⁠16 )

iii. Esther Becomes Queen  ( 2:17⁠–⁠20 )

iv. Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy  ( 2:21⁠–⁠23 )

2. Haman’s Plot against the Jews  ( 3:1⁠–⁠15 )

a. Haman Elevated  ( 3:1⁠–⁠2 )

b. Haman’s Plot to Destroy His Enemies  ( 3:3⁠–⁠15 )

3. Mordecai Appeals to Esther  ( 4:1⁠–⁠17 )

a. The Jews Lament Over the Royal Edict  ( 4:1⁠–⁠3 )

b. Mordecai Persuades Esther to Appeal to the King  ( 4:4⁠–⁠17 )

4. Esther’s First Banquet  ( 5:1⁠–⁠8 )

a. Esther Approaches the King  ( 5:1⁠–⁠4 )

b. Esther Defers Her Request  ( 5:5⁠–⁠8 )

5. The Fall of Haman and Rise of Mordecai  ( 5:9⁠–⁠6:14 )

a. Haman’s Plot Against Mordecai  ( 5:9⁠–⁠14 )

b. Mordecai is Honored  ( 6:1⁠–⁠11 )

c. Haman’s Downfall Begins  ( 6:12⁠–⁠14 )

6. Esther’s Second Banquet  ( 7:1⁠–⁠10 )

a. Esther Pleads for Her People  ( 7:1⁠–⁠6 )

b. The Hanging of Haman  ( 7:7⁠–⁠10 )

7. Esther Appeals for the Jews  ( 8:1⁠–⁠17 )

a. Esther and Mordecai Persuade the King to Issue New Edict  ( 8:1⁠–⁠14 )

b. The Jews Rejoice Over the New Royal Edict  ( 8:15⁠–⁠17 )

8. The Jews Victorious over Their Enemies  ( 9:1⁠–⁠17 )

a. The Jews Destroy Their Enemies  ( 9:1⁠–⁠10 )

b. Haman’s Sons Hanged  ( 9:11⁠–⁠17 )

9. Jewish Festival and Ascension of Mordecai  ( 9:18⁠–⁠10:3 )

a. Feast of Purim Instituted  ( 9:18⁠–⁠32 )

b. Tribute to Xerxes and Mordecai  ( 10:1⁠–⁠3 )