Author: Not stated but perhaps Ezra or Nehemiah.
Date: Approximately 486 - 465 BC, during the reign of King Ahasuerus of Persia. Esther became queen around 479 BC.
In Ten Words or Less: Beautiful Jewish girl becomes queen, saves fellow Jews from slaughter.
Details: In a nationwide beauty contest, young Esther becomes queen of Persia without revealing her Jewish heritage. When a royal official plots to kill every Jew in the country, Esther risks her own life to request the king’s protection. The king, pleased with Esther, is shocked by his official’s plan and has the man hanged - while decreeing that the Jews should defend themselves against the planned slaughter. Esther’s people prevail and commemorate the event with a holiday called Purim.
From Know Your Bible, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.