A short outline of the book of Esther as extracted (with permission) from The Bible Brief.
When Esther was written:
No definite date but likely between 450-350 B.C.
Who:
Traditionally Mordecai.
People & Places:
Esther; Mordecai; Haman; Ahasuerus
India; Ethiopia
Sound-Bites:
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. (Ch.2:17)
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Ch.4:14)
Then Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my petition, and my people as my request;” (Ch.7:3)
The Messianic Link:
Messiah typified in the person of Mordecai.
The Book in brief:
The book of Esther begins with the all-powerful King of Persia (Ahasuerus) banishing his queen and seeking a replacement. Esther—the adopted daughter of Mordecai—finds favor with the king and is accepted as queen of the realm (Ch.2:17). Her position is further strengthened when Mordecai uncovers a plot against the king, and informs him through Esther.
Chapter 3 sees Haman plotting to have the Jews eliminated, and results in Esther successfully petitioning the king to have it stopped, after Mordecai reminds her of her duty (Ch.4:8-14).
She is successful and Haman is hanged on the very gallows that he had prepared for the Jews; who are also given the chance of revenge against their enemies.
Notes & Quotes:
Even though The Lord God is mentioned nowhere in this book, his presence is implied throughout. In Esther we have an example of the importance of ‘kinship,’ and how God would at times place individuals or strong women, in places of power and influence in order to fulfill his plans.
Even though Esther could have saved her own life here by keeping quiet, she chose to risk her life by appealing to the king for mercy; as the penalty for disturbing the king was death.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John.15:13)