Theme - The religious significance of the narrative is God's providential watch over dispersed Israel. Here it must be remembered that a very small remnant of the Jews returned to Palestine, whereas the mass of the nation preferred the ease and luxury in places scattered throughout the great Persian Empire.

Although the Book of Esther has no connection with other books of the Bible, the events recorded most probably took place following the records given in the first six chapters of Ezra and belong in the silent period between the sixth and seventh chapters of that book. The book is pre-eminently religious, even though the name of God does not appear in it. Divine Providence is more conspicuous in Esther than in any other book in the Bible. Despite the fact the people of Israel did not heed the call for return to their native land, they were not forsaken by Jehovah. From a historical point of view, the book supplies much information with reference to the state of the dispersed Jews in post-exilic times and gives the origin of the Feast of Purim.

Outline - For simple study, the book may be divided into seven parts: I. The Story of Queen Vashti (1:1-22) II. Esther Made Queen (2:1-23) III. The Conspiracy of Haman (3:1-15) IV. The Deliverance of the Jews from Destruction by Esther's Courage and Skill (4:1-7:10) V. Punishment of the Enemies of the Jews and the Advancement of Mordecai (8:1-9:19) VI. The Establishment of Purim (9:20-32) VII. Mordecai Made Great (10)

According to Ussher, the events recorded in Esther covered a period of twelve years.