The Bible, King James Version, Book 17: Esther

The Book of Esther, part of the King James Version of the Bible, is a historical religious text likely written between the late 6th century BC and the 4th century BC. It tells the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and bravely saves her people from genocide orchestrated by the official Haman. The narrative explores themes of identity, courage, and divine providence, culminating in the establishment of the Jewish festival of Purim to commemorate their deliverance. This book is notable for its absence of direct references to God, emphasizing human agency in the face of adversity.