Esther
This Book takes its name from queen Esther, whose history is here recorded. The general opinion of almost all commentators on the Holy Scriptures makes Mardochai the writer of it: which also may be collected below from chap. 9 ver. 20.
King Assuerus maketh a great feast. Queen Vasthi being sent for refuseth to come: for which disobedience she is deposed.
Esther is advanced to be queen. Mardochai detecteth a plot against the king.
Aman, advanced by the king, is offended at Mardochai, and therefore procureth the king's decree to destroy the whole nation of the Jews.
Mardochai desireth Esther to petition the king for the Jews. They join in fasting and prayer.
Esther is graciously received: she inviteth the king and Aman to dinner, Aman prepareth a gibbet for Mardochai.
The king hearing of the good service done him by Mardochai, commandeth Aman to honour him next to the king, which he performeth.
Esther's petition for herself and her people: Aman is hanged upon the gibbet he had prepared for Mardochai.
Mardochai is advanced: Aman's letters are reversed.
The Jews kill their enemies that would have killed them. The days of Phurim are appointed to be kept holy.
Assuerus's greatness. Mardochai's dignity.
The dream of Mardochai, which in the ancient Greek and Latin Bibles was into the beginning of the book, but was detached by St. Jerome, and put in this place.
Mardochai detects the conspiracy of the two eunuchs.
A copy of a letter sent by Aman to destroy the Jews. Mardochai's prayer for the people.
The prayer of Esther for herself and her people.
Esther comes into the king's presence: she is terrified, but God turns his heart.
A copy of the king's letter in favour of the Jews.