Author: An unknown Jewish person who likely lived in Persia.
Date: Written possibly as early as 460 B.C., shortly after the events related. Absence of any Greek words and style of Hebrew dialect place date of authorship prior to 331 B.C., when Persia fell to Greece.
Jerusalem has been destroyed and its inhabitants either killed or exiled to Babylon. The Babylonian Empire has been taken over by the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5). In his 3rd year reigning, King Xerxes throws a grand banquet which lasts for half a year, during which his queen snubs him, causing him to look for a new queen. Enter Esther, a Jew.
Perhaps the most delicious story of intrigue, suspense, romance and courage in the Bible, Esther tells the true story of how one young lady rose to become the wife of the great king, and brought about the rescue of her entire people. And while God is not expressly mentioned in the text, His quiet protection is still found hidden in its pages.
