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Book Introduction - Esther
The significance of the Book of Esther is that it testifies to the secret watch care of Jehovah over dispersed Israel. The name of God does not once occur, but in no other book of the Bible is His providence more conspicuous. A mere remnant returned to Jerusalem. The mass of the nation preferred the easy and lucrative life under the Persian rule. But God did not forsake them. What He here does for Judah, He is surely doing for all the covenant people. The book is in seven parts:
1. The Story of Vashti (Esther 1:1-22).
2. Esther made queen (Esther 2:1-23).
3. The conspiracy of Haman (Esther 3:1-15).
4. The courage of Esther brings deliverance (Esther 4:1 - 7:10).
5. The vengeance (Esther 8:1 - 9:19).
6. The feast of Purim (Esther 9:20-32).
7. Epilogue (Esther 10:1-3).
The events recorded in Esther cover a period of 12 years (Ussher).