There is no reference to known historical events in the story; a general consensus, though this consensus has been challenged, has maintained that the narrative of Esther was invented in order to provide an aetiology for Purim, and the name Ahasuerus is usually understood to refer to a fictionalized Xerxes I, who ruled .
The « Old Greek » Septuagint version of Esther translates the name Ahasuerus as Artaxerxes, a Greek name derived from the Persian Artaxšaϑra. . Jewish tradition relates that Esther was the mother of a King Darius and so some try to identify Ahasuerus with Artaxerxes I and Esther with Kosmartydene.
What was Esther afraid of?
Mordecai urges Esther to go before the king and save her people. Esther fears to reveal herself, because she is a Jew and also because the penalty for going to the king’s inner court uninvited is death, unless the king raises his scepter in approval. But Mordecai warns her that there is no security in silence.
Why did Esther call for a fast?
Fasting in the Book of Esther While halacha normally forbids fasting on Passover, it is believed that Esther reasoned it would be better to fast on one Pesach lest they all be destroyed and thus never be able to observe the holiday in the future.
What is the Esther diet?
According to tradition, when Esther married King Ahasuerus and moved into the palace, she ate only fruits, beans and grains. Legend has it that poppy and caraway seed pastries were her favorites.
What is an absolute fast?
Dry fasting, or absolute fasting, restricts both food and liquid. It doesn’t allow any fluids, including water, broth, and tea. This is different from most fasts, which encourage water intake.
Why is the book of Esther important?
The author’s main purpose was to write about how the yearly festival of Purim started and to make people remember the saving of the Jewish people during King Xerxes’ reign. The book shows both the start of the festival and why it should continue to be celebrated.
What did Esther take to the king?
The king’s chief adviser, Haman, is offended by Esther’s cousin and guardian, Mordecai, and gets permission from the king to have all the Jews in the kingdom killed. Esther foils the plan, and wins permission from the king for the Jews to kill their enemies, and they do so.
Is Ahasuerus the same as Artaxerxes?
Ahasuerus, a royal Persian name occurring throughout the Old Testament. Immediately preceding Artaxerxes I in the line of Persian kings, Ahasuerus is evidently to be identified with Xerxes. . The name seems impossible here, however, and may be the result of some accident in the literary transmission.
Was Esther the queen in Nehemiah?
The Queen described in the Book of Nehemiah is Queen Esther. She stayed with Ahasuerus and sacrificed her personal happiness to complete her ultimate mission to enable the building of the Second Temple and the return to Zion.
What is Purim and how is it celebrated?
Purim, (Hebrew: “Lots”) English Feast of Lots, a joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century bce, were marked for death by their Persian rulers. The story is related in the biblical Book of Esther. Purim is celebrated on Friday, February 26, 2021.
What is fasting in the Bible?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is taught in the Bible. Jesus expected His followers to fast, and He said that God rewards fasting. Fasting, according to the Bible, means to voluntarily reduce or eliminate your intake of food for a specific time and purpose.
Who was Esther’s mom?
Esther’s mother, she has had a difficult life. Mrs. Greenwood lost her husband when her children were still young. Because her husband had inadequate life insurance, she struggles to make a living by teaching typing and shorthand.
What does the Bible say about Esther?
Esther is described in all versions of the Book of Esther as the Jewish queen of a Persian king Ahasuerus. In the narrative, Ahasuerus seeks a new wife after his queen, Vashti, refuses to obey him, and Esther is chosen for her beauty.
What is another name for King Xerxes?
Xerxes I (l. 519-465, r. 486-465 BCE), also known as Xerxes the Great, was the king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. His official title was Shahanshah which, though usually translated as `emperor’, actually means `king of kings’.
Are Xerxes and Artaxerxes the same person?
Artaxerxes and Xerxes is not the same person. In fact, Artaxerxes is the son of Xerxes. Once becoming king of the Achaemenid Empire, Xerxes married.
Was King Ahasuerus real?
Xerxes is identified with the fictional king Ahasuerus in the biblical Book of Esther. That book is broadly considered to be fictional.
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