In the first 2 chapters of Esther, the author does not give us a clue regarding the Persian’s attitude toward the Jews living in their country. However, we can get a clearer picture of some of the history of that era by reading from the book of Ezra.
Read as much of Ezra as you can; especially note Ezra 4 – 6. (Once you read those chapters – you may not be able to stop.) You will see how the Persian rulers were easily swayed by the Jews’ enemies in Judah as they attempted to rebuild the temple and restore Jerusalem and the wall. This history may help us understand some of the dynamics of Esther’s story.
Ezra (a priest/scribe who had been in exile in Babylon) wrote of the restoration struggles that occurred before, during, and after the time of Esther.
Dates (approximate) and events that are relevant to the story of Esther:
539-38 BC Decree issued by Cyrus the Great, of Persia, allowing Jews to return to homeland and rebuild temple.
530 Temple work came to a halt because of negative reports sent to Cyrus’ successors.
522 Temple work resumed and was completed in 516 , under Darius I
486-465 Reign of Xerxes (Ahaseuris); temple had been completed 30 – 40 years earlier; however, work on rebuilding Jerusalem and wall was still in progress. Xerxes received negative reports regarding the loyalty of the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem.
479 Esther crowned queen in 7th year of Xerxes’ reign
458 Ezra, Jewish priest/scribe who had been in exile in Babylon; journeyed to Jerusalem with instructions from Artaxerxes’ (I or II?) to take articles for the temple that had been stolen by the Babylonians; to insure the Law of Moses was being taught & followed; and to appoint magistrates & judges in Judea.
READ Ezra 4:1- 6:15 As you read, be aware that the events Ezra describes are not always told sequentially. Remember that you are reading to learn more of the attitude the Persians had toward Jewish exiles (including Mordecai and Esther).
In your notebook, briefly describe the ongoing conflict as recorded by Ezra.
