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Introduction to the Book of Esther Why study this book? The book of Esther provides an excellent example of the power and influence for good that a person can exert. As a Jew exiled in Persia, Esther reached the high position of queen of Persia and then found herself facing the possibility of being executed along with the rest of her people. By studying this book, students will learn about the importance of acting courageously in terrifying situations and how to develop trust in God. Who wrote this book? We don't know who wrote the book of Esther. When and where was it written? We do not know when or where the book of Esther was written. However, the events of this book took place while many Jews were living in Persia after being deported from Jerusalem. “Most scholars place the events recounted in the book of Esther between 482 BC and 478 BC” (Old Testament, Student Manual: I Kings to Malachi, Church Educational System manual, 1984, p. 329). What are some notable features of this book? The book of Esther is one of only two books in the Old Testament to have a woman's name in the title. Furthermore, “the book [of Esther] contains no direct references to God, but He underlies everything, as the book hints at a providential destiny (Esther 4:13–16) and speaks of fasting for deliverance” (Bible Dictionary in the English LDS Bible, . 1–2 King Ahasuerus is displeased with Queen Vashti's behavior and removes her from Esther and adoptive father, refusing to bow to Haman without being invited. The king receives her kindly and agrees to participate in a banquet with Haman. Esther 6–8 On the second day of the banquet, Esther reveals to the king Haman's plan to kill the Jews. The king orders Haman's execution on the gallows that Haman had prepared for Mordecai. The king honors Mordecai and allows him and Esther to reverse the decree to kill the Jews. Esther 9–10 The Jews receive authority from the king to kill their enemies in the kingdom. They establish the Feast of Purim to commemorate their miraculous deliverance from Haman's plan.