Setting: Esther’s story occurs during the rule of the Persian Empire (559 BC-330 BC) approximately:
- 50 years after the decree of Cyrus in 538 BC announcing that exiled Jews could return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1);
- 40 years after the temple was rebuilt; and
- 30 years before the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem, which is detailed in the book of Nehemiah. [See Halley's Bible Handbook.]
Der Wiederaufbau des Tempels zu Jerusalem unter Esra und Nehemia. Feder in Schwarz über Spuren von Bleistift auf Velin. 14,8 x 14,3 cm. In brauner Feder monogrammiert “JSC” und mit schwarzer Feder datiert “d. 3 Apr. 47″. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is helpful to read Ezra, Esther, and Nehemiah
as a unit to get the feel for the unfolding of momentous historical events during this period of time.
Timeline (Archaeological Study Bible, Esther, p 714):
586 BC Fall of Jerusalem
539 BC Persia’s conquest of Babylon
538 BC First return of exiles to Jerusalem
486-465 BC Xerxes’ reign in Persia
479 BC Esther’s reign in Persia
458 BC Ezra to Jerusalem
445 BC Nehemiah to Jerusalem
445 BC Jerusalem’s wall rebuilt
Map showing extent of Achaemenid Empire 559 – 330 (BC) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
