Esther

The author of Esther is unknown. Possible candidates include Mordecai, Ezra, or Nehemiah. The book's detailed knowledge of Persian customs and the royal court suggests the author had firsthand experience of the Persian Empire. It was likely written around 460-350 BC and is set during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus).

Esther contains 10 chapters telling the story of how a Jewish woman became queen of Persia and, together with her cousin Mordecai, saved the Jewish people from a plot of annihilation orchestrated by the official Haman.

The main theme of Esther is God's hidden providence. Although God is never explicitly mentioned in the book, His sovereign hand is evident in every 'coincidence' — Esther becoming queen, Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty being read to the king, and the timing of events that reversed Haman's plot against the Jews.

Key events include: Vashti's removal and Esther becoming queen (chapters 1-2), Haman's plot to destroy all Jews (chapter 3), Mordecai's challenge — 'for such a time as this' (4:14), Esther's courage in approaching the king uninvited (chapter 5), the king's insomnia leading to Mordecai's honor (chapter 6), Haman's exposure and execution (chapter 7), and the Jews' deliverance and institution of Purim (chapters 8-10).

Esther demonstrates God's preservation of His covenant people even in exile, ensuring the messianic line would continue. The feast of Purim, still celebrated by Jews today, commemorates this deliverance. Esther's story illustrates that God works through human courage and faithfulness, even when His presence seems hidden.