A Brief Historical Background to the Book of Esther

A BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND TO THE BOOK OF ESTHER

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

The Book of Esther is primarily dedicated to a narrative relating to the life of one Hebrew orphan girl who rose from grass to grace; from obscurity to royalty, despite being a member of the minority Jewish captive community in Persia. Some scholars identify Mordecai her cousin as the real hero of the Book of Esther because of his pivotal influence on Esther’s life. 

The name Esther is derived from the Persian name "Ishta" which means “star”. Some scholars say that this name may have been used to conceal her Jewish identity during her quest for the coveted position of Queen. 

Esther could have been fluent in the Persian language and was probably born during the captivity period. Her real Hebrew name was Hadassah. She was from the tribe of Benjamin (Esther 2:7). Queen Esther is later described as the daughter of Abihail (Esther 9:29). It is instructive that the identity of Esther's father is first revealed by the author in two separate contexts, first in describing her disadvantage as an orphan (Esther 2:15) and in the closing sections of the Book when Esther's royal influence was at its apex.

Who wrote the Book of Esther? 

Esther was most probably not the author of the book by her name given that, unlike the authorship of Daniel and Nehemiah, she is described in the third person throughout the narrative accounts. 

Some Bible scholars have suggested that Mordecai, who was her faithful and loving cousin and who had adopted her, may have written this book shortly after the reign of King Ahaserus [also known as Xerxes in Greek inscriptions] and may have concealed his identity by describing himself in the third person. The Book is no doubt a befitting memorial to the faithfulness of God to the exiled Jewish people and to all ages of God's covenant people throughout human civilizations. 

Other scholars suggest that the Book of Esther may have been jointly written by Esther and Mordecai or by persons close to them. This is on account of the implications of Esther 9:31-32.  The Bible is however silent on the authorship of this beautiful book which is full of drama. 

Notwithstanding the obscurity surrounding its authorship, it may be safe to assume that the Book of Esther was most likely written by members of the Jewish exilic community in Persia who were familiar with the historical records relating to the life and reign of King Ahaserus and were also privy to the royal archives relating to Esther's time. This strongly suggests that the authorship was associated with influential people who may have served within the royal courts of Persia during Esther's time as Queen (Esther 10:2). 

When was the Book of Esther written? 

Bible scholars say that the authorship of the Book of Esther can be traced to approximately mid 4th century BCE, a period that roughly coincides with the conclusion of the reign of King Ahasuerus or Xerxes I. Other scholars have suggested a later dating in the 3rd to 2nd century BCE. The fact that the Book was originally written in Hebrew strongly suggests that it was most likely written before 300 BCE when the Greek language gained prominence and was thereafter commonly used in historical chronicles.  The Book was later translated into Greek and included in the Septuagint. 

The canonicity [suitability for inclusion in the Bible] of the Book of Esther was originally questioned by some church fathers during the period preceding the canonization of the Bible on account that there is no single mention of God in the Scripture book. One of the notable critics of the Book among the Reformers was Martin Luther. 

However, given the epic drama cutting across this historical Scripture narrative, there is little doubt that God was directing the affairs of men to fulfill His divine purposes for the Jewish people and to preserve His remnant of faithful people. The Book of Esther was therefore rightly considered as an inspired text of Scripture under the Council of Carthage of 397AD. 

The Book of Esther reveals that God prevented the first holocaust or genocide of the Jews from taking place, thanks to the outstanding courage of faithful men and women led by Mordecai and Esther who risked their lives as they lobbied the royal courts to avert the pogrom. They used their royal influence to gather God's people together and seek divine intervention by proclaiming a fast for all Jews in Persia. God's divine intervention not only prevented the decimation of the Jews but also resoundingly exposed the wickedness of their arch-enemy, Haman, who was eventually executed by the king. God elevated Mordecai to occupy Haman's position. 

Enjoy your reading of the Book of Esther... 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2023