TITLE
The Hebrew name for Esther is Hadassah, meaning “Myrtle.” The name Esther is probably derived from
the Persian word “Ester,” meaning “Star,” or “Stara.” The title is for the heroine and main character of
the book, Esther.

AUTHOR
Controversial. Jewish tradition names Ezra, Mordecai, and other men of the Great Synagogue as possible
authors.

DATE
@ 475 BC. Chronologically, the book predates both the book of Ezra and Nehemiah by about 30 years.
Some believe Esther made the work of Ezra and Nehemiah possible. Persian King Ahasuerus, or Xerxes (@
460 BC), prepared for an expedition against Greece, fighting against Thermopylae and Salamis (@ 460
BC). Ahasuerus deposed Vashti as Queen in @ 462 BC and married Esther in @ 458 BC after returning
from his expedition against Greece (Esther 1:3; 2:16).

THEME

• History of the salvation of the nation of Judah.
• Record and explanation of the feast of Purim.
• Record of an inspiring story of specific people of God.