Esther

1.       First Impressions

The story of Esther happens between 483 and 473 B.C. and can be wedged in between chapter 6 and 7 of Ezra. It is historical and explains the origins of the Jewish Festival of Purim. The author is unknown but was clearly knowledgeable about Persia, the customs and the palace during the reign of Xerxes. The style also suggests that the author was a Jew. It has been suggested that Ezra or Nehemiah might have written it but the writing styles are very different. The providence of God is so evident although He is not mentioned once in the book of Esther.

2.       Theme Tracing

 

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The main part of God’s character which I see in Esther is God’s providence. I personally don’t really like to ever use the word coincidence; I always say it is a ‘God thing’… good coincidences! Esther is full of ‘God Things’ turning what else would have been the possible destruction of the Jews into an incredible story showing God’s love in the way he orchestrates things to protect his people. He does not abandon His people – even the ones who did not return to Jerusalem. God is always in control and actively involved in the lives of people.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

I think the most obvious thing we find about God’s redemption is in His providence to protect the Jews from destruction. His plan was to impact the whole world through the descendents of Abraham, Israel and in Esther we see God protecting his people even after He has provided the opportunity for them to go home. I read quite a bit of different people’s ideas about how the characters in the story are symbolic of God, the church and Satan and although I don’t think I would take it that far it is quite interesting. One of these articles can be found below:

http://hungribunni.tumblr.com/post/380159318/esther-see-the-redemption-plan-concealed-in-the

 

3.       Application questions

 

 

·         Personal application:

I just love the book of Esther! It has always meant a lot to me and God has spoken to me through it several times. Esther 4 highlighted some new things to me. In chapter 4:11 & 16 we see how clearly Esther understood the risk of what she was being asked and accepting to do. She was not naïve! I believe that God wants me to do what he calls me to do, knowing that it might be difficult or even dangerous.  This takes courage, which brings me to the next thing: God never told Esther to plead with the king, Mordecai did. Esther did not have a clear call directly from God, however she knew what the right thing to do was because of Mordecai. In my life I sometimes don’t accept the wise counsel of people when God is not telling me exactly what to do and I get frustrated or don’t do anything. Esther took action on what she knew was the right thing to do and God used and blessed that. Courage is faith in action! She took the risk and I can learn from that.  The other thing I saw was in 4:4, it says that when Esther heard about everything she was “deeply distressed”.  It is a natural thing to worry but what is important is to not get stuck in despair. Rather we see Esther do two things, she decides to do what she can but not by her own strength. In 4:16 we see that she and her maids as well as Mordecai and the Jews of Susa fasted for 3 days and nights. We aren’t told but can just assume that there was much prayer during that time. Prayer is so important before we take on a big task. There is a song by Brandon Heath called Hands of the healer. Some of the lyrics say,” if we’re gonna pray about it, there is no use in worrying and if we’re gonna worry about it then why are we praying? Just leave it in the hands of the father, the healer, Jesus and walk away.”  I find that often we give things to God and then run and take them back. If you are going to worry about it, why are you praying?

 

Five times the King asks Esther what her request is. I feel as though God has been asking me that and I am challenged to just give everything to him and have faith taking action in the small things I know to be right and having the courage to do what I must even when it is difficult!

 

·         Point of Passion: 

I see an important education principle in Esther. Her obedience and willingness to listen to her uncle Mordecai gets her quite far. In Esther 2:10 we are told that she did not say she was Jewish because Mordecai had instructed her to do so. Education is vital in teaching obedience and more so humility. It is seen throughout Esther that she spoke wisely and had good discernment. Often times I experience people rambling off information which then seems rather ignorant or unimportant. I think for both teachers and learners it is important to learn how to give out the information which is being taught of learnt in a manner that will display wisdom and true knowledge.