Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther - CCS by Walter F Adeney and published by Classics Publishing.
Though in close contact with the most perplexing problems of Old Testament literature, the main history recorded in the books of
“Ezra” and “Nehemiah” is fixed securely above the reach of adverse criticism. Here the most cautious reader may take his stand with the utmost confidence, knowing that his feet rest on a solid rock. It is most probable that the Scripture books now known as Ezra and Nehemiah were compiled by one and the same person, that, in fact, they originally constituted a single work. This view was held by the scribes who arranged the Hebrew Canon, for there they appear as one book. In the Talmud they are treated as one. So they are among the early Christian writers.
In the Book of Esther there is a striking contrast between the high estimation in which this book is now cherished among the Jews and the slighting treatment that is often meted out to it in the Christian Church. According to the great Maimonides, though the Prophets and the Hagiographa will pass away when the Messiah comes, this one book will share with The Law in the honour of being retained. It is known as “The Roll” par excellence, and the Jews have a proverb, “The Prophets may fail, but not The Roll.” The peculiar importance attached to the book may be explained by its use in the Feast of Purim - the festival which is supposed to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews from the murderous designs of Haman, and their triumph over their Gentile enemies -for it is then read through in the synagogue.
