the first and second return, and, therefore, between the sixth and
seventh chapters of Ezra, the incident stands alone. Without it we
would lose much of our knowledge of that period.

The Story. While Esther stands out as the principal character, the
whole story turns on the refusal of Mordecai to bow down to Haman,
which would have been to show him divine honor. He did not hate Haman
but, as a Jew could not worship any other than God. He dared to stand
for principle at the risk of his life.

The Name of God. One of the peculiarities of the book is that it
nowhere mentions the name of God, or makes any reference to him.
This may be because his name was held secret and sacred at that time.
However, God's power and His care of His people are everywhere implied
in the book.

Analysis

I. Esther Made Queen, Chs. 1-2.

1. Queen Vashti dethroned. Ch. 1.

2. Esther made queen. Ch. 2.

II. Haman's Plot and its Defeat. Chs. 3-8.

1. Haman plots the destruction of the Jews. Ch. 3.

2. The Jews' mourning and Mordecai's plea to Esther. Ch. 4.