Esther: Table of contents
Preface
INTRODUCTION
An Appreciated and Contested Book
Portrait of the Leading Characters
1. The Pagan World
2. Portrait of the Faithful
3. God’s presence and actions
The Book’s Literary Characteristics
1. Drama
2. Intrigue
3. Irony
4. Wisdom
5. Dualities
6. A Structure in the Form of a Chiasm
7. Rhythm
8. The Denouement at the Book’s Center
Parallels to Other Bible Stories
The Book’s Message
1. Surviving in a hostile world
2. An Eschatological vision
Historical Context
Historical Background
Debate on the Book’s Historicity
Date and Author
Date of Redaction and the Story’s Historicity
The Author’s Identity