What years did Esther's events take place? 483-473 B.C.
After daniel we see that some jews return to jerusalem and start rebuilding the temple but not yet rebuilt the city. In Daniel we learned how Persia over took Babylon (Daniel Ch.5)
The author of Esther is anonymous but it could have been someone like mordecai who had acsess to historical documents and an interest in Jewish affairs.
Ch.1 Ask for summary from attendants (Introduction of the king)
Go over why the book of esther calls out the power and riches of xerxes.
how he was quick to put out a decree that could not be undone to his own wife because of the people around him speaking in his ear.
Ch2. (introduction of Mordecai and Esther
Readings.
V. 1-5 (search for a queen)
v. 16-18 ( Esther Chosen)
v. 19-23 (Mordecai discovers the plot of assassins)
