Queen Esther of Persia

There was a 57 year gap between the First and Second Returns from Exile 537 to 480 BC

During this time Esther became Queen of Persia (see the commentary on Esther, to see link click Am Esther Elevated to Queen), giving the Jews prestige in the Persian court. Esther saved the Jews from Haman’s holocaust (see the commentary on Esther Au Haman’s Plan to Annihilate All the Jews), which is celebrated to this day (see the commentary on Esther Bn The Feast of Purim). Esther’s victory and Mordecai’s position as prime minister (see the commentary on Esther Bh The King Gave His Signet Ring to Mordecai) effected Ezra’s return and Nehemiah’s position (art by Sarah Beth Baca: see more information on Links and Resources).