Welcome back to Bible Gateway’s weekly Look at the Book series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. The book of Esther caps off the History section of the Bible.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
In Esther, all of God’s unconditional covenant promises to Abraham and David were jeopardized. However, God’s love for Israel is nowhere more apparent than in this dramatic rescue of his people from pending elimination.
- Category: History
- Theme: Preservation
- Timeline: Around 473 BC
- Written: Around 460 BC by an unknown author
Key Verse
“…and who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14 (NIV)
Ancient Enemies
Why were Mordecai the Benjaminite and Haman the Agagite enemies?
The Jews exited from Egypt and were attacked by the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-16). God pronounced his curse on the Amalekites, which resulted in their total elimination (Ex. 17:14). King Saul (a Benjaminite) received orders to kill all the Amalekites, including their king Agag, but he disobeyed (1Sa. 15:7-9) and incurred God’s displeasure. Because of his lineage from Agag, Haman carried deep hostility toward the Jews, wanted Mordecai to bow to him, and that’s why Mordecai refused.
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: Esther 1
- Day 2: Esther 2
- Day 3: Esther 3-4
- Day 4: Esther 5-6
- Day 5: Esther 7-8
- Day 6: Esther 9
- Day 7: Esther 10
Canonicity of Esther
All 167 verses of Esther have ultimately been accepted as canonical, although the absence of God’s name anywhere has caused some to unnecessarily doubt its authenticity.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
