Introduction to Esther.

The word Esther means in Hebrew Hadassah means Mertal tree and in Persian it means star that was hidden. Her mother died at birth, and she was one of the seven prophetesses.
This book was written my Mordecai and covers approximately 10 years and chronologically fits between chapters 6-7 of Ezra.
The key words are: King 195 times, Jews 53 times, and Queen 27 times.

The eleven-fold purpose of the book of Esther:
1. G-d care for and protected Jews in excel.
2. G-d’s hand is working for those serve Him.
3. Those who try to destroy G-d’s people will be destroyed.
4. G-d does big things with little people.
5. Women used her beauty and influence for G-d.
6. We can remain loyal in success.
7. Can remain G-dly in foreran situation.
8. G-d can use one to save others (deliver).
9. Not to spiritual to do what was needed to be done.
10. G-d sends one to wait until time needed.
11. To tell the details of the Feast of Purim.

During Purim they use dice to make decisions, and it is not a toy the children play with.
The events of the life of Hadassah took place at the Palace of Susa or Shushan 200 miles from Babylon. This was the winter residence of Persian kings. In 1884 a French archaeologist found several artifacts relating to this palace.
She becomes queen four years after the events of chapter 1:3. She was the last famous woman to be mentioned in the O.C. Esther is one of two books named after women: Ruth and Esther.
Haman the Agagite was one of the last descendants of Agite a Melikite.
The book is one of five Scrolls read at Jewish feasts. Esther is read at Purim, where you send gifts to the poor.
The Apocrypha has an addition to the book of Esther.
It is the only book in Scripture that omits the mention of G-d.
Hadassah was a displaced, orphaned Jewess, who had been reared by Mordecai, her older relative. Who had entered her into a beauty contest for virgins, that’s when her name changed to stay uncovered, and she was chosen solely on the basis of her beauty and appeal to the king.
Mordecai helped Ezra with the reconstruction of Jerusalem, Ezra 2:2.
The three feast in Esther: Passover, Pentecost, and Day of Atonement.
Divine guidance directed Esther’s thoughts, words and actions. She won the respect and the ear of her royal husband. To every woman she is a reminder of G-d’s sovereignty. G-d used her beauty, her intelligence, and her respectful attitude toward her husband, her fearless faith to accomplish His will. Through her obedience, Esther became a true “star” which is the meaning of her Persian name in the kingdom.