Contents Acknowledgements Introduction 1 The Problems with Esther 2 The Problem with Purim 3 The Problem with Genealogy 4 The Problem with the Imperial Context of Esther 5 The Road Ahead1 Interpretive Frameworks and Methodological Strategies 1 Introduction 2 The Extant Versions of Esther 3 Interpretive Frameworks: History, Fiction or Resistance 4 The Concept of Diaspora in Esther Studies 5 Methodological Strategies 6 Summary2 Foregrounding the Phenomenon of Diaspora in Reading Esther: a Particular Focus on Esther 2:5-6 1 Introduction 2 Biblical Criticism and Esther Studies: a Trajectory 3 Textual Criticism and the Study of Esther 4 Historical-Critical Methods and the Study of Esther 5 Re-defining the Centre: Foregrounding a Diaspora Reading 6 Genealogical Material: Diaspora as the Story's Kernel 7 Summary and Implications3 Subverting Assumptions about a Babylonian-Persian Dichotomy: a Critical Assessment of the Historical Milieu of Esther 1 Introduction 2 Taking into Account Alternative Sources of Persian History 3 The Portrayal of Cyrus in the Light of Biblical Israel's Royal Ideology 4 Assumptions about Cyrus and Persia 5 Applicability of Diaspora Terms to the Community Behind Esther 6 Conclusion4 Conceptual, Etymological and Semantic Considerations of the Concept of Diaspora: towards a Theoretical Framework 1 Introduction 2 The Discussion in Context 3 Conceptual, Etymological and Semantic Analysis of Diaspora 4 The Emerging Theoretical Framework 5 Summary5 Analogical and Cartographic Perspectives of Postexilic Jewish Diaspora: Locating the Community behind Esther 1 Introduction 2 The Principle of Analogy 3 Analogical Approach in Reading Esther 4 Juxtaposing the Domains: Homoiotes Justifying the Analogy Model 5 Application of a Diaspora Theoretical Framework: Special Focus on Esther 2:5-6 6 Implications of a Reading Proceeding from a Theoretical Analysis of Diaspora 7 Summary Conclusion 1 Consideration of Dating Esther 2 Reconfiguring Diaspora Narratives in a Hellenistic Context 3 Summary of Findings 4 So What? 5 Looking beyond this Study Bibliography Index.