The place: Persia. The time: fifth century BC. The Jews were threatened with genocide. A decree ordered the extermination of young and old, women and children. The book of Esther describes how this crisis was averted through the bravery of Esther, the wisdom of her stepfather and the unity of the Jewish people. It also reveals the God who quietly - and sometimes unexpectedly - works behind the scenes to order the events of our lives.

Debra Reid

Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries

Esther

General preface

Author’s preface

Select bibliography

Abbreviations

Texts and versions

INTRODUCTION

1. The nature of the book of Esther

2. Origin and date

3. Historical background and setting

4. Canonical status

5. Literary issues

6. Textual issues

7. Theology and purpose

ANALYSIS

1. INTRODUCTION: THE REIGN OF XERXES (AHASUERUS) (Esther 1:1–9)

2. ESTHER BECOMES QUEEN (Esther 1:10–2:20)

3. A PLOT AGAINST XERXES: 'in those days' (Esther 2:21–23)

4. HAMAN'S PLOT AGAINST THE JEWISH EXILES: 'after these things' (Esther 3:1–15)

5. MORDECAI AND ESTHER RESPOND TO HAMAN'S PLOT: 'when Mordecai learned …' (Esther 4:1–5:8)

6. HAMAN'S PLOT AGAINST MORDECAI: 'filled with rage against Mordecai' (Esther 5:9–14)

7. XERXES HONOURS MORDECAI: 'the man the king delights to honour' (Esther 6:1–11)

8. PARTIAL SUCCESS: THE DEATH OF HAMAN (Esther 6:12–7:10)

9. FULL SUCCESS: THE JEWISH PEOPLE ARE SAVED (Esther 8:1–9:16)

10. THE JEWS CELEBRATE THEIR VICTORY (Esther 9:17–32)

11. CONCLUSION: MORDECAI'S HONOUR: 'he worked for the good of his people' (10:1–3)

COMMENTARY

A. The stage is set: 'in the days of Xerxes …' (1:1–2)

B. The royal banquets (1:3–9)

Additional note: Persia and Media

Additional note: The Palace of Susa

A. The demise of Vashti: 'on the seventh day' (1:10–2:4)

Additional note: Feminist interpretations of Esther 1

B. The emergence of Esther: 'now there was … a Jew' (2:5–20)

3. THE PLOT AGAINST XERXES: ‘in those days’ (Esther 2:21–23)

A. The plot is discovered by Mordecai (2:21)

B. The plot is foiled (2:22–23)

4. HAMAN’S PLOT AGAINST THE JEWISH EXILES: ‘after these things …’ (Esther 3:1–15)

A. Haman's power (3:1–11)

Additional note: the pûr

B. The edict of genocide (3:12–15)

5. MORDECAI AND ESTHER RESPOND TO HAMAN’S PLOT: ‘when Mordecai learned …’ (Esther 4:1–5:8)

A. Esther discovers Haman's intentions (4:1–9)

B. Mordecai enlists Esther's help (4:10–17)

C. Esther hosts a banquet (5:1–8)

A. Haman's emotional turmoil (5:9–13)

B. Haman accepts his wife's (and friends') advice to hang Mordecai (5:14)

B. Xerxes takes advice from Haman (6:4–9)

C. Mordecai is publicly honoured (6:10–11)

A. Haman's demise: 'you will surely fall …' (6:12–7:6)

B. Haman's death (7:7–10)

A. Mordecai and Esther find favour before Xerxes (8:1–4)

B. The issue of overturning Haman's edict is addressed (8:5–14)

C. The Jews' mourning is replaced by joy (8:15–17)

D. The enemies of the Jews are destroyed (9:1–16)

A. Spontaneous days of feasting (9:17–19)

B. Mordecai himself confirms the festival (9:20–22)

C. The festival of Purim is established (9:23–32)

Additional note: Purim today

11. CONCLUSION: MORDECAI’S HONOUR: ‘He worked for the good of his people’(Esther 10:1–3)

APPENDIX: The Greek Additions

the text of the GREEK ADDITIONS﻿1

Colophon

This commentary expounds the meaning of the text 'Esther' for general readers.

\["For Bible readers seeking deep understanding of Esther's timeless lessons.","Solves the challenge of grasping Esther's context and relevance.","Enriches lives by revealing God's subtle yet powerful guidance."\]

Unravel Esther's tale with insightful commentary, providing clarity and profound meaning to enhance your biblical journey.

TOTC Esther

Navigation Bar

Header Default

Download the Christian360 App to read eBooks and listen to Audiobooks bought at Christian360

Download the App

TOTC Esther

Description

Need support?

Customer reviews

Download the App

Download the App