Surprisingly, the book ends with an exposition of Mordecai’s fame rather than a description of Esther’s accomplishments. Queen Esther’s role seems to have faded, while Mordecai is exalted and granted the ultimate reward. His deeds are recorded in the royal annals, and his “acts of power and might, together with a full account of his greatness” (10:2), are recompensed by the king with a promotion to the highest position in the royal courts, second in command to the king himself (10:3).

The story of Esther begins and ends with a feast, and throughout the whole book, banquets, celebrations, parties, and festivities fill the story line. Food and drink abound, as lavish affairs show off wealth an…