I. GOD'S PREPARATIONS 1:1--2:20

 A. Vashti Deposed ch. 1

This chapter records the providential circumstances whereby Esther was able to rise to her influential position with the Persian king.

"Though no mention is made of God's providence, it nevertheless plays a prominent part, and may even give the book its raison d'etre."²⁰

Joyce Baldwin concluded that the writer composed the book in a chiastic structure that focuses on the providence of God in the king's sleepless night.²¹

AOpening and background (ch. 1)

BThe king's first decree (chs. 2-3)

CThe clash between Haman and Mordecai (chs. 4-5)

D"On the night the king could not sleep"(6:1)

C'Mordecai's triumph over Haman (chs. 6-7)

B'The king's second decree (chs. 8-9)

A'Epilogue (ch. 10)

 B. Esther Elevated 2:1-20

The fact that God placed Esther in a position so she could deliver her people even before they were in danger shows His far-reaching providence at work for His chosen people. This revelation would have been a great encouragement to the Jews of the postexilic period as it has been to all believers since then.