Book of Esther
esther is part of the rich historical narrative of God's dealings with His people in the Old Testament.
10
Chapters
167
Verses
17
Cross-Refs
5
Sub-Topics
Quick Facts
- Author
- Unknown
- Date Written
- c. 470-424 BC
- Category
- Historical
- Chapters
- 10
- Verses
- 167
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Etymology
- “secret”, “hidden”
About the Book of Esther
The book of Esther occupies a distinctive place within the Bible—remarkably, God's name is never mentioned, yet His sovereign providence is clearly at work throughout this gripping story. Set against the backdrop of the lavish Persian court under King Xerxes I (also called Ahasuerus), the narrative recounts how a Jewish orphan girl rises to become queen and courageously intervenes to rescue her people from annihilation. This account also provides the foundation for the Jewish festival of Purim, celebrating God's miraculous deliverance, and powerfully illustrates that God preserves His covenant people even when He seems hidden.
Read the full Esther study guide →Famous Verses
“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14
“If I perish, I perish.”
Esther 4:16
“On that night could not the king sleep.”
Esther 6:1
Topical Index
5 sub-topics from Nave's Topical Bible
Also called HADASSAH
Niece of Mordecai
Chosen queen
Tells the king of the plot against his life
Fasts on account of the decree to destroy the Israelites; Accuses Haman to the king; intercedes for her people
Key Verses
Esther 2:7,15
Niece of Mordecai
Esther 2:17
Chosen queen
Esther 2:22
Tells the king of the plot against his life
Esther 4
Fasts on account of the decree to destroy the Israelites; Accuses Haman to the king; intercedes for her people