The Background:
What is the “antilogmena”?
“Antilogmena” means “books spoken against” and speaks of the books of the Bible whose inspiration was questioned such as:
Ecclesiastes (due to its pessimistic nature)
Song of Solomon (due to its content on physical love)
Ezekiel
Proverbs
Esther
Why was the book of Esther part of this “antilogmena?”
Esther is not quoted in the New Testament
No part of Esther was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls
Prayer is never mentioned in the book of Esther
Esther is the only Bible book that never mentions the name of God
The name of God is never mentioned in the book and there is no title or pronoun referring to God in the book
Song of Solomon does not mention the name of God either but does have at least one pronoun referring to Him
Though not mentioning God’s name, the theme of the book is the providential care of God.
God’s name may not be mentioned but his actions, thoughts, plans and fingerprints can be seen on every page
Who wrote the book of Esther?
It may have been Ezra
It may have been Nehemiah
It may have been Mordecai
It may have been a younger contemporary of Mordecai
Who was the book of Esther written to?
The book fits in between Ezra chapters 6 and 7
It was written to Jews who did not return after the exile