A critical and exegetical commentary on the book of esther. The book of esther the book of esther describes the jewish heroine esther, who saved the jewish people in persia from annihilation during the reign of king xerxes i ahasuerus of persia, who ruled from 486 to 465 bc. But while the characters might resemble a fairy tale, the book of esther depicts actual events that shaped jewish history and instituted the festival of purim. As alluded to above, the narrative takes place somewhere between 486464 b. During world war ii she spent 21 months in a japanese concentration camp as a prisoner. The gathering together of a harem for king ahasuerus. The book is set during the period after the babylonian exile in which the nation of persia present day iran ruled judah. Read the books of esther and ruth in their entirety before begin ning to teach.
Scope the events of the book of esther took place during the persian period of. This workbook was designed for bible class study, family study, or personal study. We might even think that he does not care about us. The book takes its name from the beautiful, orphaned jewess. Pdf mordecais refusal to bow before haman provokes the central conflict of the book. The book of esther a survey of the content of the book of esther theme. There is no mention of prayer nor dependence upon god in this book. Ezra 7 begins in the seventh year of artaxerxes i longimanus i. The dead sea scrolls contain fragments of each old testament book, with the exception of esther. Study the bible online using commentary on esther and more. Esther 1 commentary old testament matthew henry st. Baldwin rosscup is a bit less enamored with karen jobes commentary writing jobes will not be clear to some in her view that a biblical book can have legitimate errors in historical matters for the sake of poetic license, without. The book of esther, like much of the bible, tells the story of gods involvement with his people.
The greek word for revelation comes from apokalupsis, meaning to disclose or. I really like the life applications he has in his books. In the present translation, the greek additions are indicated by the. Commentary on the book of esther by matthew henry old. You will also find options for commentaries on esther that help pastors, teachers, and readers with application of the bible, commentaries that approach the scripture versebyverse, classic christian commentaries, and much more. Xerxes this is the ahasuerus of the book of esther. In other languages, the heart may be the emotional arena of the soul, and, in still others, heart may refer to the emotional part of the soul in reference to love. It is careful not to say that god commanded the observance of purim.
This book is also the reason why the jewish people created the jewish festivity of purim, which is celebrated annually amongst all jewish people in the world. Introduction to the book the book of esther is the only book in the bible that does not mention the name of god. Have you ever wondered if god is really involved in the circumstances of your life. The story gives us six powerful lessons about courage. It is more likely, however, that esther is really an immoral woman with low standards that god uses. The book of esther has served the jewish people as support of their national hope and especially so in the days of persecution. Several things in this chapter itself are very instructive and of great use. Esther commentary john gills exposition of the bible. The introductory essay provides a good overview of the book of esther a summary of the plot, an analysis of the book s structure and themes, and a discussion of the historicity and origins of the various. The book takes its name from the beautiful, orphaned jewess who became the queen of the persian king ahasuerus. The book of esther was written during the 3 rd year of the reign of ahasuerus 485 465 bc.
Esther is read during the purim feast on 14th and 15th adar februarymarch. The book of esther has great historical value because it falls in a period of history where some of the decisive events that would determine the future destiny of western civilization. Thus the deeds of queen esther cast a ray of light forward into israels history from a dark time. Mordecai, sitting at the kings gate, discovers a conspiracy formed against the kings life by two of his chamberlains. This little gem, tucked away in an obscure corner of the old testament, is a very rich book, and it is historical. Introduction to the book of esther during the seventy years the jews suffered their babylonian exile, god raised up several people to faithfully. The bible study of esther is the third one ive read in mr. Its one of the most beautiful books in the bible and so full of great takeaways for the modern christian woman today. Thus, the deeds of queen esther cast a ray of light forward into israels history from a dark time. Levensons book consists of two parts an introductory essay of 35 pages, followed by a linebyline commentary on the text of esther. Moore, the author of the anchor bible commentary on esther asserts that.
This paper examines the book of esther, deriving important insights about a variety of approaches to. The book belongs to the socalled five scrolls hebr. On the mystical level king achashverosh alludes to gd, the king of the world. Indeed, martin luther expressed contempt for esther, claiming that it is spoiled by too much pagan impropriety. Neither mordecai, esther, nor the feast of purim is mentioned elsewhere in scripture.
Artaxerxes this man was son of xerxes and stepson of esther. The books of ezra and nehemiah were written during his reign. Shea in this study of esther for the anchor bible series, c. Esther pleases the king, and is set above all the women. Read esther commentary using john gills exposition of the bible. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. But the megillahs mandate differs from the torahs in one crucial respect. It is one of the five books called megilloth rolls and is placed beside the pentateuch in importance. Jerome, the whole book, including the greek additions, was included in the canon of scripture by the council of trent. Esther with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. In 1934 annie became a missionary in china with oms. Read esther commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. The book of esther in the bible is a dramatic account which can give us insight into gods special and purposeful plan for our lives.
This paper examines the book of esther, deriving important insights about a variety of approaches to leadership that can be applied to todays crisis in leadership. The book of esther is one of the most exciting books in all the old testament and is nearly unique in employing a woman as its leading character. The book of esther, also known in hebrew as the scroll megillah, is a book in the third. Early jewish and christian traditions suggest that among the people named in the book, mordecai, esther s cousin and guardian, was in the best position to record the events. On the second page you will see an outline of this commentary. The book of esther 6 powerful life lessons from the bible. This study was adapted from a study written by the chi alpha. The book of esther may remind you of a classic, once upon a time childrens story with a wealthy king, his beautiful queen, and an evil villain. After these things, when the wrath of king ahasuerus subsided, he remembered vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. Esther 810 the victory that comes from living for god. Illuminations year one the book of esther family study guide after haman does all that he had suggested to the king, mordecai quietly returns to his job at the palace gates while haman rushes home absolutely beside himself with this completely unexpected turn of events. Hence it belongs to the bestknown otbooks with the jews and it is also the book, which has the oldest copies. Although there are unfortunately those today who suggest that some of the stories in the old testament are legends, there is substantial evidence that the events of esther actually occurred.
The book of esther an overview before we study in any detail a book of the bible it is helpful to stand back and take what we might refer to as the macro view of the book in question. The chosen life studies in the book of esther keywords lesson seven, esther 7, the chosen life, for such a time as this, harvest christian fellowship, leah case, studies in the book of esther, esther, bible, study, womens bible fellowships, harvest online. This study guide on the book of esther was written by thomas klock of harvest christian fellowship in 2005. Christian commentaries on the book began to emerge in the later medieval. Scripture says mordecai recorded certain events in order to relate them to jews throughout the kingdom see esth. In this sixweek study, explore the subject of gods providence, walking verse by verse through the book of esther. The writer of the book of esther probably wanted his readers to realise that god is always in control.
Esther is ishtar, the femme fatale of mesopotamian goddesses, and marduk mordecai is the creator of the world and king of the gods according to babylonian myth. Moore divided the arguments against the historicity of the book into three groups. Number 1 rated commentary esther an introduction and commentary tyndale old testament commentaries joyce g. The book of esther describes the jewish heroine esther and is the source of the festival purim. When mordechai informed esther of hamans plans and enjoined her to use her influence with the king to annul the decree, esther told him to gather all the jews who are in shushan, and fast for my sakedo not eat or drink for three days, night and day. The questions contain minimal human commentary, but instead urge students to study to understand scripture. For instance, the book of esther may need never have been.
Esther is the last of the historical books of the bible, so its main character is named esther that is, venus, the morning star, which sheds its light after all the other stars have ceased to shine, and while the sun still delays rising. Perhaps most of all, esther s story is the account of godly attributes like courage, dignity, wisdom, and strength. Interpretation bible studies leaders helpsesther and ruth. Today marks the 82nd week i have spent obsessing over the book of esther. He eventually chose esther as his queen, and by her influence the jews were saved from destruction. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible. The book of esther page 2languages the literal, physical heart in literature is a reference to the thinking portion of a persons soul. Today we are beginning a new studya new expository sermon serieson the book of esther. It is a thoughtprovoking study of gods invisible hand writing silently and unseen across the pages of human history. You can find the best commentary on esther for you using the tools on the right side. Pdf new anatomy of the book of esther rick arons academia. Ahasuerusit is now generally agreed among learned men that the ahasuerus mentioned in this episode is the xerxes who figures in grecian history. Best esther commentaries updated for 2020 best bible.
Susa, where the story of the book of esther takes place, was. The manner in which these young women were introduced to the king, and how those were disposed of who were not called again to the kings bed, esther 2. Esther is never quoted in the new testament, nor is there even a casual reference to it. Please identify the section you wish to read, and then use your readers searchfind feature to navigate to it. Even though i have read the book of esther many times mr. This festival memorializes the events that transpire in the book of esther. The pulpit commentary introduces the book of esther with the following. Bush fuller theological seminary the book of esther tends to be an unaccepted book in christendom. Esther is a young and beautiful jewish girl, orphaned but cared for by her. The canonicity of the book was questioned by some in ancient judaism and early christianity. God masterfully orchestrates and weaves together every detail of our lives in jawdropping ways. Im so glad i found this great 10 biblical womanhood lessons from the amazing book of esther. I have a few things id like to leave you before i reluctantly turn the last page of a cherished chapter in my life.
Although the book of esther was questioned by some early christians, even st. Id give anything to embark on this journey with you, but my journey as research assistant ends where yours begins. Now he needs to pick a new queen and eventually manages to select esthera comely, young secretly jewish woman who is a. Esther is a character who most frequently is portrayed as a godly, virtuous woman whos character we should look up to and respect. For thomas mcrie esthers success reads as an implicit manual on the im perial. A critical and exegetical commentary on the book of esther by.
Esther a2 classic bible study guide 2 introduction the book of esther is a graphic narrative, which relates how gods people were preserved from ruin during the fifth century b. Religion, wisdom and history in the book of esthera new solution to an ancient crux robert gordis jewish theological seminary, new york, ny 10027 virtually from the time of its composition, the book of esther has posed many problems for its readers, who have been disturbed. Naturally, being a rather unstable fellow, ahasuerus firesslashdivorces her. The book of esther is never quoted in the new testament. In the hebrew bible the book of esther is placed in the third main part, that is the writings hebr. Mordechai and haman who are referred to in the book of esther as. Esther is the last of the historical books of the bible, so its main character is named esther that is, venus, the morning star, which sheds its light after all the others stars have ceased to shine, and while the sun still delays to rise.
Book of esther, in the hebrew bible and the christian old testament. Fulfilling lifes mission introduction why read this book. Swindoll brought out views and concepts that i failed to pick up in reading scripture an excellent source of scripture for the serious student of the bible who wants to add to their knowledge and understanding of the jewish woman called estherhighly recommend. Through the pages of the bible, god reveals himself to us. Bible study magazine volume 11, issue 2, janfeb, 2019. The book of esther begins with the queen of king ahasuerusvashtisnubbing the kings request to meet with her. Every christian woman must the book of esther is one special book. If a play can be driven by a character that never appears, and a biblical book can be canonized without ever mentioning god, can we preach a sermon about god.
Even though you may not see god in your daily circumstances, trust him and follow his plan. Esther commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. But while the characters might resemble a fairy tale, the book of esther depicts actual events that shaped jewish history and. The preservation of the jews church of christ zion.
Ive always enjoyed reading the book of esther, god used a woman in captivity to help save her nation. Violence and the survival of israel in the book of esther. While esther is primarily theological history, at least one writer observed similarities with wisdom literature. She was a jewess named hadassah the myrtle, but when she entered the royal harem she received the name by which she henceforth became known esther 2. Classical sources such as josephus, the jewish commentary esther rabbah and the christian theologian barhebraeus. But the superstition of the heathen is mentioned, and lucky days, and well be introduced into a pagan, heathen court of a great world monarch who ruled over the thenknown world. The book of esther does not mention the name of god.