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 5

5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.