Here’s an overview of the book of Esther, featuring the main idea and it’s explanation, the purpose and main themes of the book, and a section on what it means to us, along with some study questions.
Main Idea
God works behind the scenes through Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai to save the Jews, who are on the verge of total extermination.
Explanation of Main Idea
The Persian king, Ahasuerus, selects Esther, a Jew, to be queen, after he becomes displeased with his current wife, Queen Vashti. Mordecai, who has been like a father to Esther, overhears a plot to assassinate the king and duly reports it to Queen Esther, thus saving the king’s life (Esth. 2:21-23). This event is recorded in the “Historical Record in the king’s presence” (Esth. 2:23).
King Ahasuerus promotes Haman, an Agagite, to the highest position in his royal staff and commands everyone to bow down to him and pay him homage, which Mordecai refuses to do (Esth. 3:1-2). This enrages Haman and he plans to eradicate not just Mordecai, but all of Mordecai’s same ethnic group, the Jews, that reside in the kingdom (Esth. 3:5-6). An edict was issued and this new genocidal law was announced throughout the kingdom (Esth. 3:9, 12-14).
Mordecai brings this horrible news to Esther as great mourning occurs among the Jews (Esth. 4:1-9). He tells her to approach the king and “plead with him personally for her people” (Esth. 4:8). She knows that in doing so she will risk her life because “one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king…who has not been summoned — the death penalty — unless the king extends the gold sceptre, allowing that person to live” (Esth. 4:11).
But Mordecai exhorts her not to keep silent because “relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you..will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this” (Esth. 4:14). Esther solicits fasting support from Mordecai and her servants (Esth. 4:16) and does indeed approach the king, and invites him and Haman to a banquet. At receiving this news, Haman is overjoyed! His joy, though is replaced by rage, when Mordecai again refuses to bow down to him.
The king has a sleepless night and commands his historical records be read to him. Providentially, the section read was concerning Mordecai’s discovery of the assassination plot. The king realized that nothing had been done to reward Mordecai. He asks Haman, “What should be done for the man the king wants to honour?” (Esth. 6:6). Thinking the king wants to honour him, Haman answers the question, but then is shocked to discover that the king wants to honour Mordecai (Esth. 6:7-10), and Haman is forced to do so.
Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the king. Enraged, the king has Haman killed and Mordecai is promoted as his replacement (Esth. 8:2). A new law is passed enabling the Jews to defend themselves and consequently, they are spared from annihilation (Esth. 8:11).
Purpose
The book of Esther was written to display the providence of God! When Esther was selected as queen, it was to save the lives of the Jewish people (Esth. 4:14). In order to bring about their salvation, Mordecai had to be in the right place at the right time so he could hear the plot to kill the king.
Then, he had to report it and someone had to write it down (Esth. 2:21-23). The fact that he did not at first get rewarded was also a critical step. Then, the king had to have a sleepless night. He had to have the Historical Records read to him from the exact spot which documented Mordecai’s deed (Esth. 6:1-3). Then, Haman had to come into the King’s presence at the right time. If any of these events had not occurred, the entire outcome likely would have been different!
Leading Themes
1. God works behind the scenes.
The main theme in the book of Esther is that God is working behind the scenes. There was a divine purpose for all the decisions and details documented in this story, yet none of that becomes apparent until the end. God was arranging all these “secular” events to bring about His divine purpose to save the Jews.
2. All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.
Things turned out really well for Mordecai and real poorly for Haman. The text does not explicit say that Mordecai loved God, but we do see him adopting his younger cousin when she lost her parents (Esth. 2:7), grieving and mourning at the news of the pending Jewish extermination (Esth. 4:1-2), exhorting Esther to intervene (Esth. 4:13-14), and fasting (Esth. 4:17). Not only was he used to save the Jewish people, he also was promoted to a position of prominence in the Persian kingdom.
3. The Jews, as God’s people, are often persecuted.
Haman had an intense hatred for the Jews. He wanted to exterminate them. It was illogical and irrational. It was evil. It was only when Haman “learned of Mordecai’s ethnic identity” that “it seemed repugnant to (him) to do away with Mordecai alone. He planned to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews” (Esth. 3:6). The law drawn up by Haman told the officials to “destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jewish people — young and old, women and children” (Esth. 3:13)
4. Promotion comes from the Lord.
Both Esther and Mordecai were promoted (Esth. 3:17; 8:2). Neither individual formally or informally sought their position. Rather, God orchestrated the events to put them in the places of prominence where they could be used by Him to accomplish His purpose.
How Does This Relate To Us?
God’s hand is not always immediately obvious in our lives. Whether it’s the mundane day to day tasks or the occasionally trial or even crisis, we easily wonder, “Why did this happen?” or “Where is God?”. The book of Esther gives us the answer: He is there. He is orchestrating the events in our lives to bring about the purpose(s) He desires. He is there in the decisions made against us. He is there in our promotions or lack thereof.
Because Esther was placed in the palace “for such a time as this” (Esth. 4:14), we can trust God’s timing for placing us in different situations. It’s easy to struggle with timing; thinking that we are in the wrong place at the wrong time. But who knows? Maybe we are in the right place at the right time! What we can’t see with our eyes, we must believe with our hearts. Every human being goes through difficulties where God seems to be absent. This is nothing new. Esther encourages us that even if we can’t see God’s hand, to just be patient and step out in faith believing we are in the right place.
The Jewish people have been persecuted in a unique fashion. Perhaps the Devil has a stronger hatred for them because of their significant place in God’s plan. Haman joins the likes of Pharaoh, Hitler, and a host of anti-semitic personalities. This should be kept in mind as we observe world events and in our personal efforts to show kindness and love to Jewish people.
Study Questions
Textual Questions
- After reading Esth. 1:7-12, what can you infer regarding the character of King Ahasuerus?
- Compare Esth. 3:10-13 with Esth. 8:8-12. What similarities do you find? Why do you think this is so?
- What did Mordecai ask Esther to do in Esth. 1:10? What could be a reason for him to do this?
- What did Esther ask Mordecai to do for her in Esth. 4:15-17? Why do you think she did this? What did she and Mordecai believe that made them do this?
- At the end of the story, Mordecai finds himself in a great place of influence and authority. How did he get there?
Life Application Questions
- Mordecai suggests that Esther was in her position for the purpose of delivering the Jews. Why do you think you are in your position?
- The book of Esther never mentions God. Do you ever feel that God can’t be found in the story of your life? How can you look behind the scenes in your life and find God working?
- Mordecai was like a father to Esther. See Esth. 2:5-7, 10-11; 19-21. We don’t know if Mordecai had children of his own or even if he was married. If you are childless, either married or single, can you think of any young person that you could mentor?
That is the book of Esther summary. Hopefully, you found it helpful. If you’d like to have Bible articles, free resources, and encouragement for living the Christian life sent straight to your inbox, enter your email address below.
Comments
Glory be to the Lord, I want to know what Esther prayed Prayer
I cry to Almighty God to bestow me with favor He accorded Esther , yeah this will be a ladder of promotion just like Huddash,Esther.Amen in Jesus name.
Your Comment * the book of Esther is a wonderful book because God worked mightyly in her life and am happy to have the name Esther because God is also working in my life gloriously.
The book of Esther is a wonderful book I learned a lot of lesson,
1: God’s timing is always perfect
2: All we have to do is being patient and wait for his right timing
3: If God can use Esther to deliver his people why not me? God will use me to become his withness.
Amazing revelations, God works behind the scene, was so blessed and encouraged after reading. Thank u so much for explaining in detail. God bless!
I like it .thankyou
I will like to know more about God plan
Blessings , God is faithful, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ,I’ll fear no evil,for He is with me.
I strongly believe God is always working behind the scenes ,just trust Him,howevermuch it doesn’t make sense to you. Trust His love for you. Everything works together for the good of those who love the LORD
Yes, Scripture shows us that He is always working behind the scenes. Thanks Adong, for your insight and comment. Keep on!
So pleased to have stumbled upon your site when I was seeking answers to pressing personal questions.
Jane,
so blessed with the way you summarised the book of Esther.May God help me to always understand that He is working behind the scenes in my life’s situations.
More grace to you pastor.
Jane,
so blessed with the way you summarised the book of Esther.May God help me to always understand that He is working behind the scenes in my life’s situations.
More grace to you pastor.
Thanks I am more aware now that God is working behind the scenes and I Thank him every day.
I love this summary
The book is Esther was very well explained,with good points. We are so blessed ❤️
Very simply to understand, very good summary I really learn a lot. It encourages me that no matter what may comes my way God is always working behind the scenes, for my good. God bless.
Thanks. I am blessed
God is always present make not see him but he never let his little children’s suffer.He will bring you out,but God get the Victor.Amen
I love the summary
amazing. i also need to understand the book of Ruth
So blessed and such a great summary. So thankful to have a better understanding of the book.
I’m so blessed
Great summary indeed thank you
So lovely a summary!
Was very blessed and understood the bases of this book.
Thanks so much!
Where do we see the Lord Jesus Christ in the Book of Esther? I know He is there because Jesus Himself said that Moses and the prophets and Psalms all speak of Him.
I Will Like To Read This And Read And Read And Read Again… The Place Where God Is Working Behind The Scenes Struck Me Because I Am A Living Witness To That…
Isn’t it amazing the courage god gave ester she truly was in the right place at the right time
I wonder how old Esther was and if she had any children it shows where her heart was when the king offered her half his kingdom but instead she asked for her people to be saved most women today would have taken the material things he offered her
Thank You.
Awesome content. Thank you.
I must say i too am encouraged. All things work together for good indeed.
Keep up the good work. Continue to encourage and transform lives to the honour and glory of God. GOD BLESS
This is a wonderful summary of Esther and easy to understand
What a wonderful book of Esther ,
God has always purpose in our lives He never leave us nor forsake us His plan always on time of our needs.
We just need to be patience and obedience.
Agreed!
I need some summary on the book of number
Here you go: https://patsieler.com/book-of-numbers-summary/
Amen….Love this summary about the book of Esther…really encouraging..we have to ask ourselves Why do you think you are in your position right now and how God is working behind the scenes for your life and your family??
My son passed away – can you help me to understand how God is working behind the scenes in my and my family life?
I am blessed and encouraged.Thank you .
amazing brake down GOD BLESS YOU.
I pray that God helps me to be patient and wait on him, for he is working behind the scene for my own good. I really love the book of Esther and may God use me to
bless my family, friends and multinationals
Thanks Sarah. Glad you are blessed. The account of Esther is especially encouraging when we think about God working behind the scenes!
The summary covers everything God bless
I Have been blessed by your teaching
Blessed by your teaching
I love this
Thank you
I love the way you described the book of Esther.