2. OVERVIEW OF ESTHER Background
Takes place somewhere in the first half of the 5th century B.C. (Between Ezra 6 & 7).
Story is set in and around Shushan the Citadel, a capital city of Persia.
Ahasuerus (aka Xerxes) is King of Persia ( B.C.)
The Jews in the story are a part of the 50,000 who did not return to Jerusalem.
One of 2 books that does not mention the name of God, though His providence and presence is clearly evident.

3. OVERVIEW OF ESTHER Survey All Events Center Around 3 Feasts:
Feast of Ahasuerus (ch. 1-2): 6 month celebration followed by 7 day party; Vashti’s refusal; Esther’s selection; Mordecai saves the king.
Feast of Esther (ch. 3-7): Haman’s promotion & rejection; Haman’s plot to kill all Jews; Mordecai’s message to Esther; Esther’s invitation to King and Haman; gallows erected; King can’t sleep; Haman humiliated; evil plot revealed; Haman hung.
Feast of Purim (ch. 8-10): Mordecai & Esther honored; Jews authorized to defend themselves; Jews slay 75,000; Purim instituted; Mordecai exalted to 2nd in command.

4. OVERVIEW OF ESTHER Keys Key Word: Providence Key Verse: 4:14
Key Phrase: “for such a time as this”
Key Chapter: 8
Key Message: Do all you can, where you can, when you can.

5. OVERVIEW OF ESTHER Lessons Learned
Take a stance: Vashti, Mordecai, Esther.
God’s plans are not hindered by world events.
God’s purposes are not frustrated by moral failures.
God rewards righteousness.
God’s people are not excluded from lofty positions and they can be used for His glory.
God’s people should remember and celebrate the deliverance we have because of Him (Purim).