Unlike the rest of the bible, however, this book shows gods work indirectly. Pdf a homiletical commentary on the book of esther free. Working within a fallen system esther bible commentary. Esther the niv application commentary kindle edition. The book takes its name from the beautiful, orphaned jewess who became the queen of the persian king ahasuerus. The book of esther gives hope and confidence to anyone who needs to know that god is present, powerful, and personal. In this e book from tony evans, you will learn principles related to. The word occurs several times in this book and in ezra and daniel. May 17, 2008 in the book of jonah, he used a storm to convince the fleeing prophet, jonah 1. You might have heard her name in a sunday school lesson, a sermon, or in a bible study.
The dead sea scrolls contain fragments of each old testament book, with the exception of esther. The book of esther also known in hebrew as the scroll megillah, is a book in the third section ketuvim, writings of the jewish tanakh the hebrew bible. Neither mordecai, esther, nor the feast of purim is mentioned elsewhere in scripture. Ahasuerus makes royal feasts for his nobles and people, esther 1. 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. Throughout the generations, esther has been the subject of countless commentaries, and its. Ahasuerusit is now generally agreed among learned men that the ahasuerus mentioned in this episode is the xerxes who figures in grecian history. Bishop wordsworth reminds us that this day was the eve of the passover, so that hamans. Story of esther in the bible as scripture reveals, esther is a jewish woman living in persia and reared by her cousin mordecai. It gives us a glimpse of the jews who remained outside their homeland after the exile, particularly the jews living in the persian empire. The advancement of esther to be queen instead of vashti. Esther the niv application commentary kindle edition by jobes, karen h download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Another biblical theme in the book of esther is divine providence follows people god that use to serve his purposes, jonah 1. So your question about whether or not it belongs there is an ancient one.
Best esther commentaries updated for 2021 best bible. The book of esther commentary by robert jamieson chapter 1 es 1. Esther free bible commentary in easy english easyenglish bible. Having consumed ample amounts of wine, ahasuerus commanded his servants to bring queen vashti before him in order that he might show her off to the other partygoers es. On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the. The hidden hand of god provides a visually engaging study with accessible content to help women understand the content of the book of esther in the context of the whole counsel of scripture. Each week covers approximately one chapter of esther. The book of esther, like much of the bible, tells the story of gods involvement with his people. The book of esther begins with king ahasuerus known to history outside the bible as xerxes throwing a lavish party to display his glory es.
Reading esther as a postcolonial feminist icon for asian women in. Expository english bible ellicotts commentary for english readers 19 and when the virgins. Students of the bible know that fasting was done to draw closer to god and was accompanied by heartfelt prayers daniel 9. The book of esther is known as the megillah, which means scroll. This commentary approaches the book of esther from a fresh literary point of view. But there is also a hidden story woven into the text that new testament christians will find to be especially meaningful. Esther questions and answers all chapters new king james.
Then haman was terrified before the king and queen. The biblical book of esther is the story of a jewish heroine esther. David guzik commentary on esther 2 describes how esther is chosen as the new queen to king ahasuerus, and mordecai saves the kings life. As a womens ministry leader, i am excited about the development of the flourish bible study series that will not only prayerfully equip women to increase in biblical literacy but also come alongside them to build. Download in pdf, epub, and mobi format for read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. 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. The book of esther shows how life took an unexpected turn for esther and her people. The fact that esther does not mention god at all the only book of the bible where this is the case is one of the reasons it had a hard time making it into the canon. As a womens ministry leader, i am excited about the development of the flourish bible study series that will not only prayerfully equip women. The book of esther provides this choice opportunity to search for evidences of the hand of god in everyday life. Adele berlin, jps bible commentary jpstc, jewish publication society, 2001, 110 pp. The book demonstrates how god works in the lives of his people, both then.
In the last study we were introduced to a rather unlovely character by the name of haman. When god looks at the world he made, he declares it. The book of esther illustrates israels unique place in gods plan. Over 100 years earlier, nebuchadnezzar the king of babylon had attacked jerusalem. The book of esther makes a unique contribution to our understanding of this period in israels history. Jun 03, 2004 the book of esther is a wonderful compliment to the books of ezra and nehemiah. But haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg queen esther for his life. The book of esther is the story of how the jews in persia were delivered from an extermination order in 473 bc. Study the bible online using commentary on esther and more. In fact, gods name is not mentioned once, though his influence permeates the narrative. Here begins a fresh incident in the history, whose date we cannot fix precisely, save that it falls between the marriage of esther and the twelfth year of ahasuerus esther 3. This resulted in the establishment of the festival of purim, celebrated by jews around the world every year since. However, an official named haman plots to kill the jews throughout the empire. It includes essays entitled when and where was the book of esther written.
This devotion taken from book of esther will equip you with biblical truths, and guide you to practice it daily as you continue your walk of faith in christ. Esther is read during the purim feast on 14th and 15th adar februarymarch. Commentary on esther 1 by matthew henry blue letter bible. The book of esther is unusual gods name is not mentioned once, yet gods. Several things in this chapter itself are very instructive and of great use. Feb 25, 2020 the book of esther is a wellwritten, cleverly constructed piece of literature. Jumper, john noble, and all the women in hebrew bible, among many others. Discover purims exciting origins in the book of esther. Esther 7 niv haman impaled so the king and haman bible. Debra reid, in esther, states about esthers place in the biblical canon. A homiletical commentary on the book of esther books. Book of esther,1 it is difficult to imagine scripture without it. While the author of the book of esther is uncertain, some have suggested that it may have been written by mordecai a character we will become acquainted with later in the book somewhere around 465 bc.
She was taken to the king of the persian empire to become a part of. A classic story of good versus evil, the book of esther is a unique account in the bible. It is included among the historical books in protestant bibles but, in the hebrew bible, esther is included in the ketuvim, the writings, which include poetic and wisdom literature. He has strategically positioned you as part of his kingdom to bring salvation to your circle of influence. Esther then is the one book in the bible where we must, through the illuminating power of the holy spirit, interpret the events primarily as an observer of life. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading esther the niv application commentary. Passover was the 14th of adar so the kings edict goes out on the eve of this great festival. A free bible version and commentary on the old testament book of esther in easy english. She is, of course, a woman who lived in old testament times and there is a book of the bible named after her. Esther and additions to esther biblical studies oxford. A bakhtinian reading evaston ill northwestern university. When mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. Introduction to the book the book of esther is the only book in the bible that does not mention the name of god.
The jewish publication societys highly acclaimed bible commentary series provides a linebyline commentary of the original hebrew bible text, complete with vocalization and cantillation marks, alongside the jps english translation. The book of esther begins with king ahasuerus known to history outside the bible as xerxes throwing a lavish. A homiletical commentary on the book of esther a homiletical commentary on the book of esther by rev. Just when you think things are going smoothly and you are confident about tomorrow, life happens. Vashti is sent for by the king, but refuses to come, esther 1. The hidden hand of god is a wellwritten, thoughtprovoking study of the book of esther. The gospel of esther pastor dougs weekly message amazing. The book of esther may not have gods name stated directly, but his involvement is felt in many ways throughout the story, especially when esther implored the people to seek help through fasting. In the book of esther god used mordecai an ungodly man to rebuke esther into obedience. Esther 4 sermon bible study guide explaining the book. Classical sources such as josephus, the jewish commentary esther rabbah. It is one of the five scrolls megillot in the hebrew bible and later became.
Why didnt ministers take advantage of the story of esther to inspire women, young and old. The jewish publication societys highly acclaimed bible commentary series provides a linebyline commentary of the original hebrew bible text, complete with vocalization and cantillation marks, alongside the jps english translation this commentary approaches the book of esther from a fresh literary pointofview. Book of esther overview insight for living ministries. Concerns with the book of esther massachusetts bible society.
Enduring word bible commentary esther chapter 1 esther 1 a queen is deposed 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. This is my favorite commentary on any book of holy scripture. Esther 1 adam clarke commentary bible commentaries. Mar 06, 2019 the book of esther is a vivid tale of political intrigue and racial prejudice that illustrates the theme of gods protection of his people and the punishment of their opponents.
Gods choice of israel as his treasured possession guaranteed that hamans intent to extermin ate the jewish people would fail deut. According to the ryrie study bible the events of this book cover a 10 year period 483473 bc during the reign of xerxes i 486465 bc. God creates a good world and commissions humans to rule it, but they choose rebellion again and again. Esther is the only book in the bible not to mention the name of god. This book particularly teaches us the invisible care of god for those of his people who preferred to stay in the land of exile although they could have returned to palestine since the days of king cyrus of persia see book of ezra. In the hebrew bible the book of esther is placed in the third main part, that is the writings hebr. Esther 5 john browns commentary on selected book of the bible. Characteristics of esther in the bible kingdom bloggers. This commentary approaches the book of esther from a fresh literary pointofview.
She is famous for many reasons and we will look at the characteristics of esther in the bible that make her story an enduring and important one. We are shown a persian emperor, ahasuerus loosely based on xerxes, 485464 b. Esther helps you know and apply the encouraging and empowering truth of gods word. Book of esther a free daily devotional bible study. Esther the niv application commentary kindle edition by. About the book of esther the events that the first chapter of the book of esther describes happened about 483 bc before christ. The book of esther shows us that god is present even when he seems distant. This 10week study takes a deep look into the book of esther. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember you.
Read esther commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. The latter depict the return of godly jews to the promised land, under divinely appointed leaders. Esther and mordecai, her cousin, expose the attempted genocide. Esther bible study strength to stand in times of uncertainty. Esther is a type for jesus, a shadow, a queen who is willing to lay down her life to save her people. Bible study magazine volume 11, issue 2, janfeb, 2019. An exposition, with practical observations, of the book of esther chapter 1. Abundance of the heart lessons from the book of esther. Best commentaries and books on esther logos bible software. The book of esther tells a story of the deliverance of the jewish people.
Now esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. The pulpit commentary introduces the book of esther with the following. The main character is hadassah, a beautiful young jewish woman who caught the eye of persian king xerxes ahasuerus and gave up her ordinary life to become queen. The book of esther stands out within the hebrew bible in that it is one of the only two. Taking a closer look at the racial dynamics offers a potential explanation for the. Sawyer argues that eve and vashti are unique among biblical female. Oct 20, 2020 the book of esther is one of only two books in the bible named after a woman. The book belongs to the socalled five scrolls hebr. In the course of the story, esther a jew living during the time of the exilebecomes the queen of persia. Who is this woman and why does she have an entire book named after her.
The whole history of this book in its connected order, with the occurrences in the persian empire at that time, will be found in the introduction. They are a people for whom god has a particular purpose and who have been given special promises. Bible study lesson from the book of esther chapter 2 looking at preparation of esther. I dont think i have maligned this mans name for, as we saw in chapter 3 and in the coming chapters he does a very good job of. Commentary on the book of esther by matthew henry old. Book of esther devotional reading plan youversion bible. Gods choice of israel as his treasured possession guaranteed that hamans intent to exterminate the jewish people would fail deut. Esther 3 commentary old testament matthew henry st. Eve, who was pointed out as being the cause of all the sin o. Produce a commentary in the book of esther in modern research ed. Jobes volume is best for those seeking a biblicaltheological commentary on the book of esther. This is the first release of brownbacks flourish bible study series. The book of esther 6 powerful life lessons from the bible. It is read both on the eve of purim and also on purim itself.
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