Esther

The book of Esther in the Old Testament took place in approximately 460-30B.C.during a time when many Jews were in Persia and tells how Esther's courageous actions saved her people from destruction. We find that Esther did not write the book, but her complete story is found in the book.

Esther lived about the same time as Ezra and Nehemiah. Although the book of Esther comes after Nehemiah, the events in Esther actually occurred about thirty years before the events in Nehemiah.

At this particular time Persia ruled over Judah as well as those captive Jews who remained in Babylon. The Persian ruler Ahasuerus decided to divorce the queen because she refused to show her beauty to the people and the princes. Esther, who was the adopted daughter of Mordecai and a Jew, was chosen as the queen's successor on account of her beauty. Haman, chief man at the king's court, hated Mordecai, and having cast lots to find a suitable day, obtained a decree to put all Jews to death. At great risk to Esther, she revealed her nationality and obtained a reversal of the decree.1 The Jews people today still celebrate this wonderful event with a holiday they call 'Purim.'

The story of Esther and her great sacrifice teaches how one person can positively affect the course of a nation.

1 Holy Bible, Bible Dictionary, Esther