Esther CommentaryThe Bible Says Commentary on Esther

The Book of Esther is traditionally regarded as having an unknown author, though many suggest it could have been recorded by a contemporary of the events it describes. It is set primarily in Susa, a prominent city of the Persian Empire located in what is now southwestern Iran. During the reign of King Ahasuerus, often identified with Xerxes I (486-465 BC), Susa served as one of the empire’s capitals, hosting lavish royal banquets and significant political gatherings.

The story begins when King Ahasuerus, displaying his wealth and splendor, removes Queen Vashti from her position (Esther 1:4). Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, rises to the status of queen when she pleases the king more than all other contenders. Meanwhile, Haman, a high official in the king’s court, grows furious with Mordecai for not bowing to him and develops a plan to exterminate the Jewish population throughout the empire (Esther 3:6).

Faced with this threat, Esther bravely risks her own safety to intercede on behalf of her people. In an intense moment, Mordecai challenges her, saying, Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews (Esther 4:13). Encouraged by Mordecai’s words and aided by prayer and fasting, Esther sets up two banquets for the king and Haman, eventually exposing Haman’s plot. The king becomes angered by Haman’s scheme to destroy innocent people and orders Haman’s execution (Esther 7:10).

In the aftermath of this reversal, Mordecai is honored, and the Jewish people triumph over their would-be destroyers. The Book of Esther concludes by explaining the establishment of the Feast of Purim to commemorate how sorrow was turned to joy and mourning into a holiday (Esther 9:22). Through this celebration, the Jewish community continues to remember the extraordinary deliverance they experienced under the reign of King Ahasuerus, illustrating the power of courageous faith in desperate circumstances.