Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction -- The place of narrative in scripture -- The book's historical accuracy -- Literary features -- Literary genre -- Theology -- Text and versions of Esther -- Date of writing -- The canonical status of Esther -- Analysis -- Commentary -- Additional notes -- Fasting -- 'Avenge, avenge oneself, Vengeance' (Heb. nāqam) -- Portions (Heb. menôt) -- Esther and Jewry.

The Jews were threatened with genocide. A decree ordered the extermination of young and old, women and children. The place: Persia. The time: fifth century B.C. The Book of Esther describes how this crisis was averted through the bravery of Esther, the wisdom of her stepfather and the unity of the Jewish people. It also reveals the God who quietly -- and sometimes unexpectedly -- works behind the scenes to order the events of our lives. The author draws out the beauty and power of this book by discussing its background, structure and theology, and by providing a passage-by-passage analysis of its contents.