Esther, the last of the historical books, contains an early example of Jewish persecution. Esther, a Jewess, is chosen as the new queen for Ahasuerus, the king of Persia. Her uncle Mordecai has incurred the enmity of Haman, the evil court favorite, and so brought the threat of death to his people. Esther, through her position, is able to avert the tragedy and save her people.

Esther 1

1:21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: