What is the main message of the Book of Esther?

The book purports to explain how the feast of Purim came to be celebrated by the Jews. Esther, the beautiful Jewish wife of the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), and her cousin Mordecai persuade the king to retract an order for the general annihilation of Jews throughout the empire.

Is the book of Esther accurate?

There are certain elements of the book of Esther that are historically accurate. The story told in the book of Esther takes place during the rule of Ahasuerus, who amongst others has been identified as the 5th-century Persian king Xerxes I (reigned 486–465 BC).

Why is the book of Esther important?

Written in the diaspora in the late Persian/early Hellenistic period (fourth century B.C.E.), the Book of Esther is a Jewish novella that deals with the enduring issues of preserving Jewish identity and ensuring survival amid cultural pressures and hostile enemies in a foreign land.

Does the Book of Esther really belong in the Bible?

The book of Esther is unique in that it is one of the only two books in the Bible named for women (the other, of course, is Ruth). (Read below for some more fun and interesting facts on the Book of Esther). The author is unknown, but some biblical scholars conclude that it was Mordecai, himself, who wrote the book of Esther.

Is the Book of Esther a real history?

Book of Esther Setting and structure. The biblical Book of Esther is set in the Persian capital of Susa ( Shushan) in the third year of the reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus. Summary. Authorship and date. Historicity. Historical reading. Interpretation. Additions to Esther. Modern retelling. Notes. References.

What lessons can be learned from Esther?

9 Life Lessons From Queen Esther 1. Believe in your hidden powers. 2. Embrace your destiny. 3. Let your inner beauty shine. 4. Be principled. 5. We’re stronger together. 6. When in trouble, turn to G‑d. 7. Take the lead in action. 8. Prepare to make sacrifices. 9. Never lose hope.

What is the theology of the book Esther?

The Theology of the book of Esther. The theological application of the book is found in its historical setting. For the Jews who returned to Jerusalem, the post-exilic books of Chronicles, Nehemiah, Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah specifically answered the larger theological question of that day, which was, “Are we still the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10b) and in a covenant relationship with Him ?”.