Story of Esther: A Novel-Like Biblical Narrative -Study Guide - Outline

The Story of Esther: A Novel-Like Biblical Narrative

The book of Esther has all the elements of a great novel. There is the beautiful young orphan girl who rises from obscurity to become queen for "such a time as this".

Outline of the Book of Esther

A Dethroned Queen and a Discovered Queen (1:1-2:23)

1. A dethroned queen and a discovered queen 1:1--2:23

               A. The grand banquet 1:1-9

               B. Vashti's reluctance to expose herself to the drunken crowd 1:10-12

               C. Vashti's demotion as the chief of wives 1:13-22

               D. The search for a new queen 2:1-4

               E. The discovery and approval of Esther 2:5-18

She even hides a secret that could bring about her demise. Then there is the ambitious villain whose passion is to destroy the innocent.

               F. Mordecai's revelation of a plot 2:19-23

Haman's Schemes Against the Jewish People (3:1-7:10)

       2. Haman's schemes against the Jewish people in Persia 3:1-7:10

               A. Haman's hatred of Mordecai 3:1-6

               B. Haman's decree 3:7-15

               C. Mordecai's reminder to Esther 4:1-17

               D. Esther's two banquets 5:1-7:10

Finally the story line involves a power struggle, romantic love, and a startling exposè. But in the end, the point of this true story is clear: Once again the Israelites' God miraculously saves His people from certain destruction. 

The Deliverance of the Jewish People (8:1-9:32)

       3. The deliverance of the Jewish people 8:1- 9:32

               A. A royal reversal 8:1-14

               B. Rejoicing among the Jewish people 8:15-17

               C. Two days of deliverance 9:1-17

               D. The Feast of Purim 9:18-32

Historical Context: Esther During the Persian Empire

The events of Esther span a decade during the reign of Xerxes, who succeeded his father Darius as ruler of the Persian Empire in 486 BC. Around 483 BC he threw an extravagant feast in Shushan to celebrate his achievements and ten years later he executed Haman for his evil schemes (1:3; 7:9).

The Theological Significance of Esther

The book of Esther has held an important place in the Canon due to its strong testimony to God's providence and protection of His people.

God's Providence in the Book of Esther

God's Sovereignty in Seemingly Hopeless Situations

Through the twists and turns of the Book of Esther's story line, the author weaves an underlying story about God's character. The narrative demonstrates God's providence and sovereignty in a situation that seemed hopeless. The Israelites were living among foreigners who did not fear God and who did not care about them. An implacable enemy of the Israelites had gained power at court and was laying plan to destroy the Jews. But at a time when God seemed so distant, He was actually preparing to deliver His people. 

God's Divine Control Over Every Event

God was in control of every event -- even the sleeplessness of a foreign king (6:1).

Thus in the Persian capital, God demonstrated His covenant loyalty to the Israelites. Long ago, God had promised Abraham that He would curse any individual who cursed the Israelites (Genesis 12:2,3). The downfall of Haman dramatically illustrated God's faithfulness to His promise. Even to the Israelites who remained in a foreign land, God remained true to His word, for they were still His people. 

God's Covenant Loyalty to Israel

Thus the author (unknown) of Esther clearly illustrates what the Israelites were celebrating at the Feast of Purim: God's faithful protection of His people.

Christ Foreshadowed in Esther's Story

Esther As Hero and Advocate: A Picture of Christ

Esther puts herself in harm's way for her people as she attempts to be an advocate. The similarities to Jesus' mission on our behalf are staggering. Esther's rise to power was orchestrated by God 

Esther's Faith: God's Divine Timing: "For Such a Time as This"

"for such a time as this" (4:14) Esther's story emphasizes faith and being used by God for a specific purpose, as famously stated in Esther 4:14: "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this

The apostle Paul describes Jesus' entrance into our world as something that occured

"when the fullness of time had come (Galatians 4:4)

Preserving God's People Through Opposition

Another remarkable similarity between Esther's story and Jesus is the attempt to destroy the divine plot of redemption God set in motion. But in both cases, God brings about His purpose by preserving His people in spite of opposition and danger.