Esther: Summary & Overview

Overview

Esther is a thrilling story of courage, providence, and deliverance. Though God's name is never mentioned, His hand is everywhere. Esther, a young Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia, must risk her life to save her people from a plot to destroy them. The book celebrates God's behind-the-scenes sovereignty and reminds us that we may be placed where we are 'for such a time as this.'

Key Themes

  • God's hidden providence
  • Courage in the face of danger
  • Purpose and calling
  • Deliverance of God's people
  • The reversal of evil plans

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

And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Esther 8:17

The days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day.

Esther 9:22

On that night could not the king sleep.

Esther 6:1

Key Facts

Testament
Old Testament
Genre
Historical Narrative
Author
Unknown
Date Written
~470–424 BC
Chapters
10

Related Books

Read Esther in Context

Esther is part of our reading plans. Start reading through the Bible today.

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