The Book of Esther in the Old Testament is written during the Persian period of Israel’s history – roughly 539-333 BCE. The Persians left important Biblical legacies including their language, Aramaic, which was spoken by Jesus and the common people of first century Judaea. The Persians also restored the Jewish exiles in Babylon back to their homeland which occupies the books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Isaiah 40-66 as well as many Psalms.
But there were still Jews scattered across the vast satraps and provinces of the Persian Empire and therein hangs a tale. Two of those exiles who had not returned were named Mordecai and his niece Esther. Ah, Esther. One of the great unsung books of the Bible! The story contained in the book named Esther radiates hope for those of us who wonder if God is really up there in a season of oil spills, deadly wars and economic stagnation.
The one distinguishing mark almost every preacher notes about Esther is that it is the only Bible book of 66 in which God’s name is not mentioned – no, not even once. Not only that but the two main characters seem to have pagan names of Gentile gods – Mordecai (Marduk) and Esther (Ishtar).
But why spoil all the fun? Best to read the Book of Esther for yourself. Become a biblical sleuth and ascertain if God is really absent from this exciting tale of royal ups and downs, plots, coups, counter-coups and stunning reversals. Some commentators present Esther as a play in six acts with an Intro and an Epilogue. Here goes.
The Time: The reign of Ashasuerus (Xerxes – 486-465 BC – invader of Greece)
The Place: Shushan or Susa the Persian alternate capital. Now in Iran. Shites go there to venerate the tomb of Daniel who was also an exiled Jew.
The Back Story: Queen insults King, beauty contest for a new Queen.
Introduction: Persian Pomp and Circumstance (Esther 1 and 2)
The Red Carpet: A young Jewish girl, Esther, is seeded in the King’s palace.
Act One: Mordecai uncovers a plot against the King (2:19-23)
Act Two: Jewish Lament (4:1-3)
Act Three: Invitation to a Banquet
Act Four: Haman builds gallows for Mordecai (5:9-14)
Act Five: The King learns of Mordecai’s Loyalty (6:1-3)
Acts Six: Haman’s Decree Checkmated (8:9-17)
Epilogue: A New Jewish Festival is initiated and Mordecai is promoted.
Moral: All’s well that ends well.
Application: Is God really absent from Esther? How would you answer now?
Think about Joyce Baldwin’s comments:
“In the centuries before Christ the survival of the Jewish people was essential if there were ever to be a church. The book of Esther, which relates a story about that survival, is therefore an integral part of the Bible for Christians as well as Jews.”
Or this:
“The book of Esther is one to ponder in any attempt to relate biblical values to life in increasingly secular world. Belief in an inflexible fate survives today, as witnessed by the popularity of horoscopes. This book demonstrates that fate is not unchangeable when it runs counter to God’s eternal purposes” (New Bible Dictionary, 21st Century, pages 452, 444).
Or this from Leslie C. Allen:
“Coincidences in Esther are the fingerprint of God’s hand at work.” Have you ever heard the statement that coincidences are God’s way of staying anonymous?
The references to prayer and fasting and lamentation are religious motifs for sure and the statement of Mordecai to Esther in 4:14 supports a doctrine of God’s Providence that John Calvin might have endorsed. No Jewish nation; no messiah. No Messiah; a lost world.