INTRODUCTION

The book of Esther demonstrates Gods sovereignty in protecting His people. Its author is anonymous however; some believe Mordecai, (Esthers cousin and guardian), wrote it. It was written approximately 470 B.C. in Persia. Esther became queen in 479 B.C. The key personalities are Esther, Mordecai, King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes), and Haman.

Its purpose is to demonstrate Gods love and sovereignty in all circumstances. It is a post-exile story about Jews who stayed behind after most returned to Jerusalem after captivity. Babylon was conquered by Persia and Esther miraculously becomes the queen of the land, and saves her people.

Chapter 1-2, Supernatural Providence. Esther becomes the queen to Ahasuerus of Persia in place of Queen Vashti acted in defiance of the king's demand for her presence to his banquet. She was personally chosen by the King. The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favour and kindness with him (2:17), Mordecai uncovered two of kings guards plot to assassinate the king to his Esther.

Chapters 3-5, Satanic plotting. Mordecai refused to pay homage to Haman a high official of the king. Haman becomes infuriated and plots to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom because of his pride. Mordecai asked Esther to speak to the king to save the Jews. She hesitated but obeyed eventually, For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your fathers house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this? (4:14). Esther did what Mordecai asked. The king was pleased with her and listened to her. The king gave to the evil Haman the punishment that Haman had wanted to give to the Jews.

Chapters 6-10, Sovereign Protection. Mordecai was first rewarded for disclosing the plot. Subsequently, Esther outwits Haman and takes her petition to the king and pleas for the protection of her Jewish people from Hamans wicked stratagem. The king out of anger, has Haman hung on the gallows, which he had built to destroy all the Jews. Esthers faith and courage saves her people, So the second decree is so that the Jews can defend themselves. Chapter 8, verse 17-- "And in every province and city, wherever the king's command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews."

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