What is the book of Esther about?
The book of Esther is a story from the Greek Septuagint, which is a collection of ancient Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible. It tells the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who is chosen by the Persian King Ahasuerus to be his queen. Esther is a brave and wise woman who uses her position to save her people from destruction.
The story begins with the King’s decision to replace his queen, Vashti, with a new queen. He orders a search for the most beautiful woman in the kingdom and Esther is chosen. Esther is taken to the palace and adopted by her cousin Mordecai, a leader of the Jewish people.
Meanwhile, the King’s advisor, Haman, plots to have all the Jews in the kingdom killed. He convinces the King to issue a decree that all Jews must be killed on a certain day. Mordecai learns of the plot and tells Esther, who then devises a plan to save her people. She invites the King and Haman to a banquet and reveals Haman’s plot. The King is furious and orders Haman to be hanged.
The King then issues a new decree that the Jews can defend themselves against their enemies. The Jews are victorious and Mordecai is made the new Prime Minister. The book ends with a celebration of the Jews’ deliverance.
The book of Esther is a powerful story of courage and faith. It is a reminder that God is always with us and will protect us in times of danger.
Who are the main characters found in the book of Esther?
- Esther: Esther is the main character of the book. She is a Jewish orphan who is adopted by her cousin Mordecai and raised in the Persian court of King Ahasuerus. She is beautiful and wise, and she is chosen by the king to be his queen.
- Mordecai: Mordecai is Esther’s cousin and adoptive father. He is a wise and loyal advisor to the king and is instrumental in saving the Jewish people from destruction.
- King Ahasuerus: King Ahasuerus is the king of Persia. He is a powerful ruler who is easily swayed by his advisors. He is also the one who chooses Esther to be his queen.
- Haman: Haman is the villain of the story. He is an ambitious and cruel advisor to the king who plots to have all the Jews in the kingdom killed.
- Vashti: Vashti is the former queen of Persia. She is deposed by the king after she refuses to obey his orders.
- Bigthan and Teresh: Bigthan and Teresh are two of the king’s eunuchs who plot to assassinate him. They are foiled by Mordecai and executed.
What are the main locations found in the book of Esther?
- Susa: Susa was the capital of the Persian Empire and the main setting of the book of Esther. It was located in the province of Elam, in what is now southwestern Iran.
- The King’s Palace: The King’s Palace was the residence of King Ahasuerus and the site of the royal court. It was located in Susa and was the setting for many of the events in the book of Esther.
- The King’s Garden: The King’s Garden was a large, lush garden located in Susa. It was the site of the King’s banquet and the place where Esther revealed her identity to the King.
- The City of Shushan: Shushan was a city located in the province of Elam, near Susa. It was the site of the King’s decree to exterminate the Jews and the place where Mordecai and Esther planned their strategy to save the Jews.
- The King’s Provinces: The King’s Provinces were the various provinces of the Persian Empire. They were the locations of the letters sent out by the King to exterminate the Jews and the places where the Jews were able to find refuge.
What lessons should we take away from Esther?
- God is always in control. Esther shows us that even when it seems like everything is out of our control, God is still in control and working behind the scenes.
- We should always be prepared to act. Esther was prepared to act when the time came, and she was able to save her people from destruction. We should always be prepared to act when the time comes.
- We should always trust in God. Esther trusted in God and He provided her with the courage and strength to do what was necessary. We should always trust in God and rely on Him for guidance and strength.
- We should always be willing to take risks. Esther was willing to take a risk and put her own life in danger in order to save her people. We should always be willing to take risks when necessary.
- We should always be willing to stand up for what is right. Esther was willing to stand up for what was right and fight for justice. We should always be willing to stand up for what is right and fight for justice.
What are some notable verses from the book of Esther?
- Esther 1:20: “And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his kingdom, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.”
- Esther 2:17: “And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
- Esther 4:14: “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
- Esther 8:15: “And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.”
- Esther 9:22: “As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”
The book of Esther in the Greek Septuagint contains 5 additions that the traditional Hebrew text doesn’t have. These additions are recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches.