outline of Esther

1.  Selection of Esther as Queen (chs. 1:2)

1. The Downfall of Queen Vashti (ch. 1)
2. The Rise of Queen Esther (2:1-18)
3. A Conspiracy Discovered (2:19-23)

2.  Plot to Destroy the Jews (chs. 3; 4)

1. Haman's Promotion and Plot (ch. 3)
2. Mordecai's Counterplan (ch. 4)

3.  Esther Saves the Jews (5:1-9:15)

1. Esther's Uninvited Audience with the King (5:1-8)
2. Haman's Plan to Hang Mordecai (5:9-14)
3. Haman's Humiliation and Mordecai's Reward (6:1-13)
4. Haman's Execution (6:14-7:10)
5. Plan for Deliverance of the Jews (ch. 8)
6. Victory for the Jews (9:1-15)

4.  Establishment of the Feast of Purim (9:16-32)

5.  Epilogue (ch. 10)