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 2

2:20 Esther had not yet showed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.