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1. The Book of Esther. Author Unknown Purpose History behind the the Jewish feast of Purim So they will remember and celebrate the holiday. 2. Unique in the Canon. One of only two books named after a women. Only writing we have concerning the Jews that did not return to the promise land.
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The Book of Esther • Author • Unknown • Purpose • History behind the the Jewish feast of Purim • So they will remember and celebrate the holiday 2
Unique in the Canon • One of only two books named after a women. • Only writing we have concerning the Jews that did not return to the promise land. • Lacks any spiritual or religious language. • God is not mentioned in the book at all. 3
Place in History • 586 BC - Babylonians conquer Jerusalem & Temple Burned • 538 BC - Babylon defeated by Cyrus "the Great" king of Persia • 537 BC - Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return to their homeland and Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest lead back a small remnant. • Esther takes place during chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra. • Ahasuerus (or Xerxes) king of Persia reigns from 485 to 464 BC. • Artaxerxes his son allows both Ezra and Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem. 5
Ahasuerus • Powerful • Rash and quick tempered • Proud • Self-centered • Wicked 7
Mordecai • Esther’s cousin • Raising Esther • Continually demonstrates courage, faith and a desire to do what is right no matter the cost. • God fearing Jew 8
Haman • The antagonist • Second in command • Incredibly prideful • Cowardly • Manipulative 9
Esther • Young Jewish orphan • Jewish name is Hadassah, which means myrtle • Courageous • Faith • Wise 10
“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 11