What Has Esther to Do with Qumran?

This article investigates some of the previous claims that have been made for the knowledge of the book of Esther at Qumran. Following the recent advances in the study of textual allusion and re-use, it is no longer tenable to posit any reference to or knowledge of Esther within the writings from Qumran. In addition, it is argued that the one case where a relationship to Esther seemed most certain is better explained amongst other literary references to Amos.