The Origin of the book of Esther

The origin of the book of Esther

The book of Esther is a book in the third section of the Hebrew Bible which later became part of the Christian Old Testament which tells the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people through an orphan.

This book is based on the story of a young Jewish orphan born Hadassah, who was raised by her cousin (uncle in some other write ups) Mordecai , who worked at the gate of the Persian palace under King Ahasuerus , also known as king Xerxes.Hadassah later became Queen Esther which means ‘star’ , thus the origin of the book of Esther, as she was the main character or star of the story, after winning a beauty pageant to replace Queen Vashti who was banished from court for disobeying the king’s orders. Her ascent as Queen was of divine orchestration as her position in the palace placed her in a strategic place to influence decisions that changed the course of history. Her reign lays emphasis on divine timing and on the fact that God uses anyone to accomplish His purpose in life.

Mordecai discovered a plot by Bigthan and Teresh to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21-23). These two are killed after investigation. Haman is promoted and the king ordered all to bow down and kneel before Haman. Mordecai being a Jew refused to bow to Haman (which angered him) , as Jews bow only to God. Haman with the permission of the king decided to take revenge not only on Mordecai, but on all jews , by killing them all. Mordecai informs the cousin Queen Esther about this plot to exterminate them all. He pleads with her to intercede with the king for mercy, reminding her that a similar faith awaits her if she fails to act. With her advice for all Jews to fast for her for three days for her to gain favour to be received by the king ( as anyone who went to the presence of the king uninvited was punished by hanging, so she feared for her life.)

The king received her and she invited him and Haman to a feast. After the 2nd feast , the king asked her for her request, which she had promised to tell him that day after the banquet.

She then exposed the fact that she is a Jew and that someone had plotted to kill her and her people, Haman was exposed which angered the king (Esther 7:1-6) Haman was hanged on the gallow he had prepared for Mordecai to be executed on. The plan to kill all Jews was thwarted thanks to Esther’s wisdom, resilience, courage and bravery in the salvation of her people. The Jews were able to kill all their enemies and the plan to exterminate them was thwarted. Jews instituted an annual commemoration day "Purim" day of redemption of Jews which is very important to humanity. As survival of the jews is important as they are ancestors of Jesus Christ who will be the saviour of the world.

Mordecai was later promoted prime minister.