TITLE
The Hebrew name for Esther is Hadassah, meaning “Myrtle.” The name Esther is probably derived from
the Persian word “Ester,” meaning “Star,” or “Stara.” The title is for the heroine and main character of
the book, Esther.

AUTHOR
Controversial. Jewish tradition names Ezra, Mordecai, and other men of the Great Synagogue as possible
authors.

DATE
@ 475 BC. Chronologically, the book predates both the book of Ezra and Nehemiah by about 30 years.
Some believe Esther made the work of Ezra and Nehemiah possible. Persian King Ahasuerus, or Xerxes (@
460 BC), prepared for an expedition against Greece, fighting against Thermopylae and Salamis (@ 460
BC). Ahasuerus deposed Vashti as Queen in @ 462 BC and married Esther in @ 458 BC after returning
from his expedition against Greece (Esther 1:3; 2:16).

THEME

• History of the salvation of the nation of Judah.
• Record and explanation of the feast of Purim.
• Record of an inspiring story of specific people of God.

TITLE
The title is from the Hebrew Nehem-yah, “Comfort of God.” The name is derived from the main character,
Nehemiah.

AUTHOR
Jewish tradition states Ezra wrote the book, compiling the memoirs or dairy of Nehemiah into a book or
manuscript.

DATE
@ 424 BC. The book spans about 11 to 15 years beginning with the time Nehemiah was appointed Governor
(@ 445-444 BC) through the secession of the Samaritans (@ 430 BC).

THEME

• History of Nehemiah in Babylon and his twelve years as Governor in Judah (chapters 1-7)
• Record of events in lives of Ezra and Nehemiah (8-10)
• Six important listings of Jewish exiles who came back to Jerusalem (11:1-12:26)
• Record of the dedication of the walls
• Record of reforms made by Nehemiah during his second governorship in Judah