Esther is the only book in the bible not to mention the name of god. Esther is the jewish maiden who became queen of persia and rescued her people from a murderous plot to annihilate them. In the present translation, the greek additions are indicated by the. Although the book of esther was questioned by some early christians, even st.
Reading outline read entire book of esther, chapters 110 dont lose sight of the overall purpose of the book, the bigpicture themes. In esther, god providentially uses two exiled israelites to rescue his. Before the king this may refer either, 1st, to the writing of it, signifying that it was written in the kings presence by scribes, who were continually with the king, to record all remarkable things which happened in the court from time to time. Esther summary we hope that you find the esther summary from the kjv bible chapters and verses helpful to your bible studies and for references as a guide to further reference to the book of esther. The whole history of this book in its connected order, with the occurrences in the persian empire at that time, will be found. Study the bible online using commentary on esther and more. Enter for a chance to win this niv cultural backgrounds study bible. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual. The coincidences, the amazing reversals, and the poetic justice that led to the deliverance of the jews in persia all proclaim the presence of god. Esther is read during the purim feast on 14th and 15th adar februarymarch. Esther commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. Yet the book of esthers real story is not found in political intrigue or superior. Pauls instruction to wives was summed up like this.
And so they informed haman to see if he would let mordecai get. Fortunately, there are good reasons not only to trust the book of esther, but to find in it guiding principles and lessons for our own lives. 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. The pride of ahasueruss heart rising with the grandeur of his kingdom, he made an extravagant feast. As we begin our study of chapter 4, i want to ask you to make a commitment. Sep 29, 2015 this commentary by frederic bush on ruth and esther is one of the best in the typically superb word biblical commentary series. Read esther commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. God masterfully orchestrates and weaves together every detail of our lives in jawdropping ways. The book of esther in hebrew is secular in nature, in that the name of god, the temple, and prayer are not mentioned.
Esther is the most secular of the biblical books, making no reference to gods name, to the temple, to prayer, or to distinctive jewish practices such as kashrut keeping kosher. We can see how accurately it illustrates what is happening to us when god is at work in the human heart. The book of esther begins with the queen of king ahasuerusvashtisnubbing the kings request to meet with her. Commentary on esther 1 by matthew henry blue letter bible. It is a deeply profound and moving narrative of historical events that displayed the providence of god. The book of esther is one of only two books in the bible named for women. Book of esther overview insight for living ministries. Jerome, the whole book, including the greek additions, was included in the canon of scripture by the council of trent. T he story of esther reads like a novel and is full of great spiritual lessons. Esther, purim and why it all still matters jews for jesus. After these things, when the wrath of king ahasuerus subsided, he remembered vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. It is the last of the five scrolls ruth, song of songs, ecclesiastes, lamentations, and esther, and is read at the feast of purim. When he speaks and that i will know that is god and know one else. Esther bible study will give you a threepart look at the book of the bible that bears her name, and at its title character.
Ahasuerusit is now generally agreed among learned men that the ahasuerus mentioned in this episode is the xerxes who figures in grecian history. The most useful method would be to go to the section of scripture that you are interested in, and selecting the button for a complete list of all commentaries and resources related to that scripture. The gathering together of a harem for king ahasuerus. Engage the challenging books of ruth and esther utilizing the dynamic expertise of frederic bush. 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. The niv application commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in todays context. In the hebrew bible the book of esther is placed in the third main part, that is the writings hebr.
Esther 1 commentary old testament matthew henry st. We do not find this like belshazzars feast, in which dunghillgods were praised and the. The book of esther offers free, online access to study passages, for biblical studies, contained in the words, text and verses of the roman catholic scripture of. In the story of esther, youll meet a beautiful, young queen who risked her life to serve god and save her people. In the jewish bible, esther follows ecclesiastes and lamentations and is read on the festival of purim, which commemorates the rescue of the jews from hamans plottings. 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. Esther has not always held a secure place in the canon, the set of books that make up the hebrew bible.
Sadly, many who read and study esther including bible scholars who write commentaries on the book fill in the blanks, rather than leaving them blank and learning from the silence of the author. An integrated digital bible study library including complete notes from the niv study bible and the nkjv macarthur study bible is just a step away. This little gem, tucked away in an obscure corner of the old testament is a very rich book. Esther 2 commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. I pray that god will give us open minds and hearts to look at this book in a different light, to understand it better, and to see its application to our own lives. This is, in my opinion, the best and most beautiful recording of the. The book of esther describes how the jews of persia are saved from certain destruction through divine providence. An exposition, with practical observations, of the book of esther chapter 1. Xerxes this is the ahasuerus of the book of esther. The book of esther 6 powerful life lessons from the bible.
It belongs to the third section of the judaic canon, known as the ketuvim, or writings. Esther is the heroine of the purim story, in which the jewish people who live in the sprawling persian empire are saved from haman s evil scheme to annihilate them. The greek book of esther, included in the septuagint, is a retelling of the events of the hebrew book of esther rather than a translation and records additional traditions which do not appear in the traditional hebrew version, in particular the identification of ahasuerus with artaxerxes and details of various letters. Naturally, being a rather unstable fellow, ahasuerus firesslashdivorces her. For those seeking a more extensive commentary on the book of esther, frederic bushs work in the wbc series is a good place to start. The writer of the book of esther probably wanted his readers to realise that god is always in control. Listen to this description in the five megilloth, a jewish commentary published by the soncino press. David guzik commentary on esther 1, where queen vashti refuses to display her. The deliverance of the jews in the book of esther is not due to mans piety, but solely to gods grace, in spite of israels sins.
His presence permeates much of the story, as though he were behind the scenes coordinating coincidences and circumstances to make his will happen. In 1934 annie became a missionary in china with oms. See all of our coronavirus resources here toggle navigation. In this sixweek study, explore the subject of gods providence, walking verse by verse through the book of esther. 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. The prayers of esther and mordecai are especially noteworthy. 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. We might even think that he does not care about us.
A selection of the best commentaries and bible study resources on the book of. During world war ii she spent 21 months in a japanese concentration camp as a prisoner. Did you know that the book bearing her name in the old testament does. Have fun and see how this book can edify and teach women regarding. In the book of esther, what is not said is vitally important.
Sep 15, 2012 this is the holy book of esther, known simply as the book of esther. However, we do not feel this is the best method for using the blue letter bible. It is one of the five scrolls megillot in the hebrew bible. Esther is, among the generality of jews, the best known of all the books of the bible p. Did you know that esther is mentioned more times in the bible than any other woman. This commentary shows how esther is perfect guidance for us when we find ourselves in a situation where right and wrong are not so clearly defined and every. 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 and in the christian old testament. Several things in this chapter itself are very instructive and of great use. The holy bible book 17 esther kjv dramatized audio.
In the hebrew bible, the book of esther is found in the third section of the canon, the writings. A 10day bible study on the book of esther by ibelieve contributors. We saw in the last study that queen esther had, after some initial resistance, obeyed mordecai and made the decision to go to the king without being summoned. Read esther 2 commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. Study the narratives of these books by drawing on bushs knowledge of ancient near eastern customs, languages, and hebrew narrative and poetry to illuminate the meaning of these books, and the development and transmission of each books textual witnesses. Fulfilling lifes mission this study takes an indepth look at how to fulfill gods mission for our lives. Esther with book summary versebyverse bible commentary.
The recording is dramatized, from the king james bible. Yet, though this is true in one sense, there is more to it than that. Esther bible story summary what christians want to know. Discover purims exciting origins in the book of esther. Her story is recorded in the old testament book bearing her name. The book of esther is the only one not found in the dead sea scrolls. The heroine of the book named for her, esther is a young jewish woman living in exile in the persian lit. In other words, esther acts reluctantly, and in large measure, in selfinterest.
It contains all your classic storybook ingredients. The additions to esther are an excellent example of a process that occurs throughout the bible. Christian women faith articles, encouragement, growth. The book of esther may not directly mention god, yet it clearly reveals god at work.
The story gives us six powerful lessons about courage. Although a bit too technical for most readers, it will be of benefit to seminary students and others doing indepth study of the text. I recommend that you read again the entire book to refresh your mind about the historical account. Before we consider where christ is found in the book of esther, we will consider some practical matters. It was written in the book of the chronicles a daybook, wherein all memorable things were recorded. Wow i love the book of esther, i didnt know this would change me on how i would understand the bible to the fullest. Thus, the deeds of queen esther cast a ray of light forward into israels history from a dark time. He did not always interpret scripture l iterally and so was amillennial he interpreted revelation as a historicist which led him to interpret the. You can find the best commentary on esther for you using the tools on the right side. Esther, bible illustrations 19312009, published by sweet media. Home bible book studies bible characters old testament esther. Commentary on the book of esther by matthew henry old.
The following are five of the most helpful commentaries on. The greek septuagint remedied this situation by adding six passages which include the name of god. Artaxerxes this man was son of xerxes and stepson of esther. Jun 18, 2019 the book of esther is one of only two books in the bible named for women. Frederic bush ruthesther word biblical commentary, 1996. Esther is the last of the historical books of the bible, so its main character is. Esther, including book summary, with the versebyverse bible commentary. This commentary shows how esther is perfect guidance for us when we find ourselves in a situation where right and wrong are not so clearly defined and every choice we have seems to be a troubling mixture of good and bad. Where in the book of esther, this book without the mention of gods name, do we find teachings about christ. Esther bible study chapter 5 prayer and the power of the.
We hope that you find the complete content of the esther helpful to your bible studies and for references which allow you to read the books and individual verses of the book of esther. He may not always do it in the way we think he should, but the book of esther shows that he is in control even when we dont see him. Sadly, many who read and study esther including bible scholars who write commentaries on the. His name is not written in the book, but his fingerprints, as we say, are all over it. The jewish community, and its areas of residence, outside erez israel. Bible studies in the book of esther esther chapter 5. The book belongs to the socalled five scrolls hebr. Now he needs to pick a new queen and eventually manages to select esthera comely, young secretly jewish woman who is a. The book of esther does not mention the name of god. In short it is just what one would expect to find in a work of the age to which the book of esther professes to belong.
Vashti is sent for by the king, but refuses to come, esther 1. Without ever mentioning god directly, the hand of god is all over the story of esther, displaying the providence and. Commentary on the book of esther matthew henrys bible commentary. To be a child of god and always listen and know his voice. The author of the book of esther is unknown, though some attribute the work to mordecai. Watch our overview video on the book of esther, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Best commentaries and books on esther logos bible software. Jerome, the whole book, including the greek additions, was included in the canon of scripture by the. The thing that makes the book of esther so fascinating is this is our story. Esther pleases the king, and is set above all the women. Ruth, esther word biblical commentary, volume 9 wbc. Jun 24, 2016 watch our overview video on the book of esther, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Adam clarke commentary on esther 17601832 clarke was methodist, wesleyan, arminian, e. In case you are unfamiliar with this series, the scholarship in its various volumes is typically impeccable.
The books of ezra and nehemiah were written during his reign. The jewish feast of purim celebrates this particular deliverance of the jews. Study scripture verses with commentary, concordances, and use highlighting, underlining, take notes in the bible. Herbert lockyer describes her as the woman who saved her nation from genocide. Book of esther, book of the hebrew bible and the christian old testament. Esther free bible commentary in easy english easyenglish bible.
1633 597 346 863 304 1326 843 1175 683 1472 698 578 1061 1398 735 928 1666 22 1166 1551 1639 28 702 256 822 439 548 863 1342 1134 193 109 323 580