Introduction to Esther

Events in Daniel 605-530

Prince Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon defeats the Egyptians at the Battle of Carchemish. 605

Nebuchadnezzar II becomes king of Babylon. 604

Jeremiah’s Ministry 627-586?

Events in Obadiah 605-586?

Events in Ezekiel 593-571

Lamentations 586

Temple of Solomon is destroyed. 586

Nebuchadnezzar dies; is succeeded by Evil-merodach. 562

Evil-merodach pardons Judah’s King Jehoiachin. 561

Cyrus the Great defeats King Astyages of Media at Pasargadae. 550

Cyrus diverts the waters of the Euphrates and launches a surprise attack against the ancient city of Babylon, taking it without a struggle. 539

Cyrus’s decree allows return of Jews from exile. 538

Cyrus is killed in a campaign against the Massagetae of central Asia and his son Cambyses is crowned king of Persia. 530

Events in Esther 486-465

Ahasuerus’s 180-day feast; Vashti is deposed. 483

Esther becomes queen of Persia 479

Golden Age of Greek art 477-431

At Haman’s request, a royal decree is issued for the annihilation of the Jews in the Persian Empire. 474

Esther intercedes with Ahasuerus for her people. 474

First celebration of Purim 473

Events in Malachi 460

Ezra goes to Jerusalem. 458

Events in Nehemiah 445-430

Jerusalem’s walls are rebuilt under Nehemiah’s leadership. 445

Athens is defeated by Sparta, second Peloponnesian War. 431-404

Greek philosopher Empedocles speculates that the world is made up of four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. 495-435

Greek historian Xenophon is born. 431

Greek playwright Sophocles writes Oedipus the King. 429

The marble figure of Nike in the Temple of Athena 407

Thucydides’ History is finished. 403