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Esther 2:1-18

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

Esther’s Rise to Royalty: The first chapter/scene closes with a sense of comedy, as well as an alarming revelation of fragile emotions at the highest levels of decision making. The Persian court is not a safe place. It is a place of power and intrigue (as is clear also in 2:19–23); a place with unstable relationships and fragile egos; a place with unresolved crisis. Vashti must be replaced by a “b...

2. Esther's Request to the King

Esther 5:1-8

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

The Jewish Response II: Esther’s Plan for Haman: As we have seen, banquets (feasting/drinking) occur at pivotal moments in the book of Esther and they regularly mask deeper realities. Vashti was deposed as a result of her insubordination during the public banquets of chapter 1. Esther is crowned as Vashti’s replacement during a banquet in chapter 2, but her identity is kept secret throughout (2:18...

3. Haman Hanged

Esther 7:1-10

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

Esther Accuses Haman: While the events of the preceding chapter mark the beginning of reversals in Esther, there is plenty of suspense as Esther begins to put her plan into action. Although the king has shown favor to Esther and Mordecai, he has given them nothing substantive to save their lives. Haman’s head is covered in grief at the end of chapter 6; it will come under a death sentence in chapt...

4. Haman's Plot to Destroy the Jews

Esther 3:1-15

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

Haman’s Promotion and Plot against the Jews: Esther 1–2 describes the splendors of the Persian court as well as its dangers. One queen was banished and her replacement installed. An assassination attempt by two officials was uncovered and executions followed. Chapter 3 begins with echoes of these earlier chapters. Like the king, Haman is a person with great honor (and wealth, 5:11). He also has a ...

5. Haman's Rage Against Mordecai

Esther 5:9-14

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

6. Mordecai Honored

Esther 6:1-14

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

Haman Honors Mordecai: Chapter 6 recounts a series of ironic coincidences that provide just deserts for the antagonist of the story. The coincidences include the king’s insomnia on a particular night; the reading of the annals at just the point where Mordecai had uncovered the plot; Haman’s appearance in the court at this moment; the king’s choice of a riddle-like question; and Haman’s choice to a...

7. Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help

Esther 4:1-17

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

The Jewish Response I: Mordecai’s Plan for Esther: There are now two royal documents that refer directly or indirectly to Mordecai. His protection of the king in chapter 2, recorded in the royal annals, would typically guarantee him a place of protection and prestige among the king’s benefactors. He is also a Jew and therefore a target of Haman’s edict in chapter 3. In fact, he is Haman’s primary ...

8. Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy

Esther 2:19-23

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

The Attempted Coup and the Loyal Jew: Chapter 2 introduces both of the Jewish characters, first with a biographical note and then with episodes that distinguish their respective personalities. Esther is the compliant dependent of Mordecai who finds herself in unexpected glory. She uses her physical attractiveness and dutifully respects male superiors. Mordecai is introduced as a strong Jewish man ...

9. Purim Celebrated

Esther 9:20-32

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

The Authorization of Purim: Having explained current practice (v. 19), the narrator turns his attention to the events that led to the establishment of Purim as a permanent, regularized institution. Though the festival legislation may be historically secondary to the Esther/Mordecai story, the book in its totality appears to follow deliberately the pattern found in Exodus. First, there is a story o...

10. Queen Vashti Deposed

Esther 1:1-22

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

Three Royal Banquets: The book of Esther opens with an extended description of a royal banquet in the Persian court of Xerxes I. More precisely, there are descriptions of three banquets: one for the noblemen and other male dignitaries, one for the male commoners, and one for the women. Banqueting is a central motif in Esther. There are feasts (mishtot) at the beginning and end of Esther, and the s...

11. The Greatness of Mordecai

Esther 10:1-3

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

Epilogue: Mordecai’s Greatness: The final chapter of Esther, which says nothing about Esther, is a tribute to the leadership of Mordecai. It begins with an image of the vast empire under Xerxes’ control. The second in command of this imposing realm is “Mordecai the Jew.” He has proven that a Jew in the Diaspora can serve his king and his people well. The book of Esther closes with a triumphant not...

12. The King's Edict in Behalf of the Jews

Esther 8:1-17

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

Esther’s Counterplot: Chapter 8 begins with the king’s personal fury abating, but Esther and her people still have a problem. The architect of the edict against them is dead but the edict itself—the unalterable edict—is still alive. This chapter continues the reversals begun with the parade in chapter 6. Many elements from chapters 2–3 are now taken up in the movement toward resolution. Haman’s ed...

13. Triumph of the Jews

Esther 9:1-19

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

The Victory of the Jews: The ninth chapter of Esther recounts the events that ensured Jewish victory. It begins with an emphasis on a particular day: On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar—a date that chillingly recalls the events in chapter 3 that led to this crisis. This chapter is about this day (and the next), about the victory the Jews achieved over those who hated them...

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