Jps Commentary on Esther

Recipient of the Prize of the Minister of Science, Culture, and Sport [of the State of Israel] for classical literature for the year 5762 [2001]. The commentary, which accompanies the Hebrew biblical text and the JPS translation, approaches the Book of Esther from a fresh literary point-of-view. It includes essays entitled "When and Where Was the Book of Esther Written?"; "Sex and Spies"; and "Rabbinic Interpretation."

Preface

ix

Abbreviations

xii

Introduction to the Commentary: The Book of Esther and its Literary World

Why Was the Book of Esther Written?

xv

Esther as Comedy

xvi

Narrative Artistry: Structure, Style, and Language

xxiii

Greek Storytelling about Persia

xxviii

The Persian Period: A Brief Overview

xxxii

Esther as a Diaspora Story

xxxiv

Esther's Links with Other Biblical Books

xxxvi

When and Where Was the Book of Esther Written?

xli

When Was Esther Included in the Canon?

xliii

Purim

xlv

The Greek Versions and Josephus

xlix

Rabbinic Interpretation

lii

Esther and Biblical Women

liv

THE COMMENTARY TO ESTHER

Wine and Women

3

(18)

Sex and Spies

21

(11)

Honor and Enmity

32

(12)

Mourning and Planning

44

(6)

Party Favors

50

(6)

Honor Gained and Honor Lost

56

(8)

Another Party Favor

64

(8)

A Reversal of Fortunes

72

(9)

Riots and Revelry

81

(12)

All's Well That Ends Well

93

(6)

Bibliography

99

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Jps Commentary on Esther

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials