The last history book in the Old Testament is Esther. Although Nehemiah, Ezra and Malachi include a few later events, Esther closes the story of the Jewish nation until the arrival of the Messiah. On the surface, it's an almost Disney-ish story of an orphan girl who wins a beauty contest and becomes queen. With a more careful consideration, we find it is so much more.Esther is one of two books in the Bible named for women. It is not quoted in the New Testament, and the name of God is never mentioned. However, there is no question that a drama of cosmic proportions is unfolding. Satan raises up a willing instrument, Haman, to destroy God's chosen people, but the Jews respond with confident faith in God. Esther provides a unique perspective on how God's providence looks from the outside.
(An interesting side note: Haman is called the Agagite when he is introduced in chapter 3. Agag was the king of the Amalekites, whom Samuel the prophet executed nearly 600 years earlier in 1 Samuel 15. Haman was carrying a serious grudge.)
In the background of Esther, between the call for all eligible girls and the selection process, is the battle of Thermopylae, and Ahasuerus' humiliating defeat. This is the battle where the Spartans under King Leonidas make their courageous stand.
The easiest, most natural way to study the book of Esther is to follow the four main characters – Esther, Mordecai, King Ahasuerus, and Haman.
- What evidence do you see of Esther's and Mordecai's faith?
- What difficult situations do they face and how do they respond?
- Is Ahasuerus a good king? Notice his interactions with various people. How might his military defeat be a factor?
- What are Haman's character flaws? Are they exaggerated or do they follow a natural course?
Another way to approach Esther is to watch for God's involvement.
- What events are the result of divine intervention?
- Does this help you recognize God's involvement in your own circumstances?
What have you learned from studying Esther?
The last Saturday this month, my son and I are running 2 mile race and then right after, my husband is running a 10 mile race. My son's 11 and has never run a race, but I told him if he wanted to run, I'd run with him. So we are officially registered. He's mostly in it for the shirt. Oh, and lunch at Wendy's afterwards.
Romans is one of the cornerstones of the New Testament. In it, Paul lays out the key doctrines of Christianity in a logical progression. It's hardly a dry dissertation, though. Martin Luther touched off the Protestant Reformation when he grasped what Paul had written. The truths even make Paul stop and praise God. (See 11:33-36)
Last week, my son got moved from his spot on the kickoff team. The possibility that he would spend the entire game on the sidelines loomed. He was crushed. He said, "What have I done to make God so angry that He would do this to me?"
As Jesus worked His way toward Jerusalem for the last time, He concentrated on preparing the disciples for what was ahead.