Esther

I. Esther Placed in a Position of Prominence (Esther 1:1–2:20)

A. Vashti deposed by Xerxes (1)

1. The king’s 187-day celebration (Esther 1:1–9)

2. Vashti deposed (Esther 1:10–22)

B. Esther elevated to queen (Esther 2:1–20)

1. Solution proposed for a new queen (Esther 2:1–4)

2. Esther taken into the harem (Esther 2:5–11)

3. Esther chosen to be queen (Esther 2:12–20)

II. The Jews Marked for Extermination (Esther 2:21–4:3)

A. A feud and Haman’s hatred of the Jews (Esther 2:21–3:6)

1. King saved by Mordecai (Esther 2:21–23)

2. Haman promoted (Esther 3:1–6)

B. King persuaded by Haman to destroy the Jews (Esther 3:7–15)

1. Lot cast by Haman (Esther 3:7–9)

2. King’s permission given (Esther 3:10–11)

3. Proclamations sent out (Esther 3:12–15)

C. Mordecai mourned (Esther 4:1–3)

III. Calamity Averted by Esther (Esther 4:4–9:19)

A. Communications between Esther and Mordecai (Esther 4:4–17)

B. Plot exposed by Esther (5–7)

1. Banquet prepared (Esther 5:1–4)

2. Second banquet prepared (Esther 5:5–8)

3. Haman gloated, and built gallows (Esther 5:9–14)

4. Mordecai honored by Xerxes (6)

5. Xerxes told of plot, Haman hanged (7)

C. Jews delivered, and took revenge (Esther 8:1–9:19)

1. Mordecai received royal position (Esther 8:1–2)

2. Second proclamation sent out (Esther 8:3–14)

3. Jews rejoiced (Esther 8:15–17)

4. Jews took revenge (Esther 9:1–19)

IV. Feast of Purim Established (Esther 9:20–32)

V. Greatness of Mordecai Described (10)

Martin, J. A. (1985). Esther. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 701). Victor Books.