What Is the Purpose of the Book of Esther?

Most conservative scholars conclude that the purpose of Esther is to highlight the providence of God, that is, God’s sovereign ability to provide for His people. If, however, one takes the rest of Scripture into account, it becomes apparent that the goal, of the book is to express His faithfulness—all the more so, since the benefactors of His faithfulness, Israel, are in the land of their exile on account of their sins. God is faithful in upholding His unconditional covenant with Abraham, in blessing His people Israel (Gn 12:1-3; Jr 31:36; Zch 3:9; 12:10) and to “all families of the earth” (Gn 12:3; Gl 3:8). The latter is seen in the mass conversion by Gentiles from multiple ethnicities in Est 8:17: “And many among the peoples of the land became Jews” (without question describing a religious conversion). Of course, God’s providence is present in the book, but His providence is both founded on and directed toward the expression of His covenant faithfulness.