Was the Original Book of Esther Written in Modern-day Iran?

Thank you for the A2A, Stef Lynn. The short answer is 'yes'; it is possible, although not highly probable, that the original Book of Esther was written in modern-day Iran.

Assumptions and Scholarly Opinions

Neither the Persian Court setting nor the context of the Diaspora has definitively led scholars to conclude that the Book of Esther originated in Persia. Some scholars consider the text more of a parabolic fiction, crafted by an author with just enough knowledge of the Persian court and the ruler Xerxes (Ahasuerus) to make it convincing. It's important to note that the Book of Esther is not among the texts found at Qumran, which could suggest a later date or reveal the book's complex reception among both Jewish and Christian authorities regarding its canonical status.

Canonical Status and Geographical Provenance

While there is a Hebrew text of Esther that is likely to be its original or very close to it, there are several Targums (Aramaic translations) and a Greek translation in the Septuagint. Additionally, there are 'Additions to the Book of Esther' that were written in Greek, and different textual recensions with two distinct endings. These factors add to the complexity of the book's origin and acceptance.

Skepticism and Historical Context

Some scholars in the 20th century have very little to say about the specific origins of the Book of Esther. Jewish skeptics point out that the origins of Purim, a Jewish festival, might be based on the Babylonian festival of Purū, suggesting a "pagan problem." However, over time, Esther was eventually accepted by Jewish and Christian authorities, with the Christian churches including it as a historical book, despite it not being placed among the actual historical books in the Jewish canon.

Plot and Parallels

The contents of the book focus more on plot and color rather than historical accuracy, filled with reversals, plot twists, and a vindictive Jewish diaspora community overcoming those who would persecute them. As a moral tale, the Book of Esther leaves much to be desired, according to some scholars. The details in the book suggest it wasn't necessarily written in Persia, as its audience would have been familiar with the Persian court and did not need extensive explanation, making a foreign setting for the author more probable.

Conclusion

While the idea that the Book of Esther was written in modern-day Iran remains plausible, it is not a widely held belief among scholars. The geographical provenance of the text, if any, has yet to be conclusively determined. The text's focus on dramatic narrative rather than historical fact makes the likelihood of it being written in Persia less probable. Nonetheless, the discussion around its origins continues to fascinate scholars and offers valuable insights into the literary and religious histories of the time.

Related Keywords: Book of Esther, Modern-day Iran, Persian Court, Hebrew Bible, Purim