1. 1

2. The Book of Esther Author Unknown Purpose
History behind the the Jewish feast of Purim
So they will remember and celebrate the holiday 2

3. Unique in the Canon One of only two books named after a women.
Only writing we have concerning the Jews that did not return to the promise land.
Lacks any spiritual or religious language.
God is not mentioned in the book at all. 3

4. Main Theme The Providence of God4

5. Place in History
586 BC - Babylonians conquer Jerusalem & Temple Burned
538 BC - Babylon defeated by Cyrus "the Great" king of Persia
537 BC - Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return to their homeland and Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest lead back a small remnant.
Esther takes place during chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra.
Ahasuerus (or Xerxes) king of Persia reigns from 485 to 464 BC.
Artaxerxes his son allows both Ezra and Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem. 5

6. Susa - Capital of the Persian Empire6

7. Ahasuerus Powerful Rash and quick tempered Proud Self-centered Wicked7

8. Mordecai Esther’s cousin Raising Esther
Continually demonstrates courage, faith and a desire to do what is right no matter the cost.
God fearing Jew 8

9. Haman The antagonist Second in command Incredibly prideful Cowardly
Manipulative 9

10. Esther Young Jewish orphan Jewish name is Hadassah, which means myrtle
Courageous
Faith
Wise 10

11. “Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:1411

12. 12

13. Exodus 14:8, Ezra 7:27, Esther 1:10 Powerful Rash and quick tempered
Proud
Self-centered
Wicked 13

14. “Sovereign Lord,” Acts 4:2414

15. Esther’s Obedience Young Jewish orphan
Jewish name is Hadassah, which means myrtle
Bitter?
No evidence at all 15

16. Bitterness is ugly
Ephesians 4:31 16

17. Esther’s Obedience
Esther 2:10
Courageous
Faith
Wise 17

18. Mordecai Esther’s cousin Raising Esther
Continually demonstrates courage, faith and a desire to do what is right no matter the cost.
God fearing Jew
Esther 2:11 18

19. Esther’s Teachable Heart
Romans 12:15
I Peter 5:5-11
Phil 2:3-11 19