Introduction to the Book of Esther

Having delved into the books of Ezekiel and Daniel, we now embark on a unique journey into the book of Esther. Like the books of Ezekiel and Daniel, the book of Esther was written during Jewish exile, away from the promised land. This distinct setting is just one of the many unique aspects of the Book of Esther.  

Another intriguing aspect of this book, akin to the Book of Ruth, is that it is named after a woman. However, what truly sets it apart is that it is one of the two books in the Bible where the name of God is not mentioned directly. This unique feature invites us to delve deeper into the narrative and understand how the Jewish people navigated life in a Gentile environment.

We will briefly examine the history of God’s people to orient ourselves to the background of this book. In God’s providential care for Israel, we saw the coalition of the Medo-Persian empire conquering the Babylonians. Darius the Medes or Cyrus from Persia was the first ruler of the Medo-Persian empire. Following him came Xerxes I, also known as Ahasuerus.

The key players of the book of Esther were two Jewish characters, Mordecai and his cousin Hadassah. Like Daniel, who was given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar, Hadassah was given the pagan name Esther. Their given names were derived from a pagan god named “Bel” and a pagan goddess named “Ishtar,” respectively. Daniel was taken into exile to Babylon, where he rose to a prominent position of prime minister, whereas Esther rose to become a queen in Persia.

During this time, the Jewish people in exile were not forced to return to their homeland. Many chose to remain in the foreign land, having adapted to their new surroundings. However, we witness a profound truth coming to light amidst these circumstances. God is ultimately in control of the world. Even when faced with the most challenging situations, His people are constantly under His divine protection. He masterfully orchestrates events and circumstances to ensure the safety and well-being of His people. Our faith is in a God who provides unwavering protection and care.