Scofield Reference Bible Notes/Esther

by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield

Book Introduction - Esther

Read first chapter of Esther
The significance of the Book of Esther is that it testifies to the secret watch care of Jehovah over dispersed Israel. The name of God does not once occur, but in no other book of the Bible is His providence more conspicuous. A mere remnant returned to Jerusalem. The mass of the nation preferred the easy and lucrative life under the Persian rule. But God did not forsake them. What He here does for Judah, He is surely doing for all the covenant people. The book is in seven parts:

• The Story of Vashti, 1:1-22.
• Esther made queen, 2:1-23.
• The conspiracy of Haman, 3:1-15.
• The courage of Esther brings deliverance, 4:1-7:10.
• The vengeance, 8:1-9:19.
• The feast of Purim, 9:20-32.
• Epilogue, 10:1-3.

The events recorded in Esther cover a period of 12 years (Ussher).

CHAPTER 1

Verse 10

chamberlains
Or, enunchs.

CHAPTER 2

Verse 3

Hege
Or, Hegai, Esther 2:8

Verse 6

Jeconiah
Or, Jehoiachin; 2 Kings 24:6.

Verse 16

tenth month
i.e. January.

CHAPTER 3

Verse 7

first month i.e. April; Esther 3:12
twelfth month i.e. March; Esther 3:13

CHAPTER 4

Verse 3

and many lay
Heb. sackcloth and ashes were laid under many. Isaiah 58:5; Daniel 9:3.

CHAPTER 8

Verse 9

third month
i.e. June.

Verse 12

twelfth month
i.e. March; also Esther 8:15,17,19,21,22.

CHAPTER 9

Verse 19

month Adar
i.e. March; Esther 9:15,17.

CHAPTER 10

Verse 1

isles
i.e. coasts.