The book of esther in hebrew is secular in nature, in that the name of god, the temple. This fact has caused some to question its place in the biblical canon, but, in reality, the absence of gods name fits perfectly with the theme of the book. The book of esther was likely written between 460 and 350 b. While the book does not contain the word god, the presence of god is felt throughout the whole book. The book of esther was originally written as a novel, and novels do not commonly. Esther further teaches the tragic realities of sin, challenges believers to faith that embraces obedience, dependence on god and responsibility, and speaks to the importance of distinctness and remembrance. May 14, 2017 the answer is to read the whole book of esther and see.
The book of esther 6 powerful life lessons from the bible. Scholars regard the book of esther as a secondcenturybce jewish novel that was not originally intended as a religious text, so it contains no mention of god. Take, for instance, the time that king ahasuerus could not sleep and his servant just happened to read the records of the. The question of whether the book of esther belongs in the canon of scripture has been raised from an early period by both jews and christians, though the books commendation of the popular festival of purim argued. To establish the feast of purim as a remembrance of gods deliverance of his people and as a reminder to remain faithful to him even when living under oppression. In this collection titled, for such a time as this, pastor rich wilkerson jr. It is the only book of the bible that does not mention god specifically. We also see inanimate objects symbolizing our redeemer. Unlike the many other books in the bible, throughout whole book of esther, the word god is not mentioned once. A favoured representative of the chosen people read the whole book of esther many of the scarlet threads we find in scripture are represented by men. Studying the book of esther is well worth your time. A story of the providence of god in a pagan land page 4 introduction to the book the book of esther is the only book in the bible that does not mention the name of god.
First we say that the book of esther is about god delivering his people. Gods name in the book of esther by angus mac killop. Interestingly, of all the books in the bible, the book of esther is the only book that does not explicitly mention god. Even though god was never mention in the book of esther, it is clear throughout every word that esther felt his presence and often leaned on that existence. The book of esther is the only book in the bible that does not directly mention god, yet after the reader finishes the book, heshe realizes quite clearly that the israelite god had miraculously. The jews, the hebrews, for understandable reasons, did not write down the full name of god. The purpose of the book of esther is to display the providence of god, especially in regard to his chosen people, israel. He was not limited to using just esther, but she turned out to be the one because she answered. The book of esther provides one possible answer to that question, tough cookie though it is.
Four possible answers have been given by different scholars. This summary of the book of esther provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of esther. She it is who defends us, despite our weaknesses, from the attacks of gods enemies in this world. God s name is not even mentioned once in the book of esther. Our online book of esther trivia quizzes can be adapted to suit your requirements for taking some of the top book of esther quizzes.
Aug 01, 2017 we do not know who wrote the book of esther, but it is believed that the author was a jew jewish nationalism is clear in the book. The question of whether the book of esther belongs in the canon of scripture has been raised from an early period by both jews and christians, though the books commendation of the popular festival of purim argued strongly in favor of its inclusion in the jewish canon. It is possible that this historical account written by mordeci could have been stored in official persian records. For traditional jewish commentators, the absence of god s name did not mean that god was absent from the book. Take, for instance, the time that king ahasuerus could not sleep and his servant just happened to read the records of the time that mordecai saved the kings life esther 6. Queen esther was challenged by her cousin, mordecai, to go before the. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this. As you may know, god is never mentioned in the book of esther, either by name.
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. Had god or his proper name tetragrammaton been used, the document may have been destroyed by certain officials not favorable to. God uses a young jewish lady just a normal girl to do great things save the nation of israel. Where does god say the book of esther is perfect scripture. Weve created a 10day study guide for you, each day working through a chapter of the exciting story of esther. Esther bible study chapter 5 prayer and the power of the. The hidden god of esther acts providentially and faithfully maintains covenant. The author recorded details of the reign of ahasuerus and the palace in susa. We celebrate the festival of purim pronounced poorim to commemorate god s saving power as recorded in the book of esther you have heard the story of esther before. But many of the things that happen in the book could not be just luck. The book of esther is the answer to that question, and shows us that when god could not own them in any way whatever,and where, too, they were not owning him publicly,when there was no sign on gods part, nor on the peoples partwhere the name of god, therefore, is now entirely in the secretis not named once throughout the bookyet where. To establish the feast of purim as a remembrance of god s deliverance of his people and as a reminder to remain faithful to him even when living under oppression.
The book was written after the close of ahasueruss reign. Today, that query may not loom quite as large in america, but it definitely does in many other places throughout the world the middle east, burma, the congoand about a dozen or more. Preach on topics including relying on god, calling on god in the midst of trouble, covenant faithfulness, and trusting and obeying despite the circumstances. So, is the book of esther the only book in the bible which does not contain the name of god.
Prepare your messages on gods word in esther with sermon outlines or an entire sermon series. The book of esther records the institution of the feast of purim and the obligation of its perpetual observation. A young jewish girl becomes queen of persia and happens to be in a position to counter a villainous plot to exterminate her people. God may even choose to use ungodly people, and twist the sinful schemes of people to accomplish his plan genesis 50. Although the name of god does not occur in the book of esther, the lord himself is there most conspicuously in every incident which it relates.
Queen esther was challenged by her cousin, mordecai, to go before. Jan 07, 2019 god has opportunities for us in 2019, and when he knocks at our door, its best we answer. Overview of the book of esther third millennium ministries. When we read the book of esther, we never read gods name. Why doesnt the book of esther directly mention god. The story gives us six powerful lessons about courage. It is this persian kingdom that forms the backdrop for the book of esther, and xerxes, the king of persia, plays a prominent role. Gods name is never mentioned explicitl y in the book of esther but is hint ed at throughout. The book of esther, though divinely inspired scripture, doesnt mention god by any name or title. Together with tobit and judith, the book of esther forms a special grouping within the historical books of the old testament. His activity in the book of esther included preserving the people through whom he would send the messiah, jesus christ, to. Well, the answer is that it depends on whether one reads esther in the original hebrew, or another language. Esther questions and answers all chapters new king james chapter 1. This fact has caused some to question its place in the biblical canon, but, in reality, the absence of gods name fits.
The answer is to read the whole book of esther and see. One distinguishing characteristic is that its the only biblical book that does not mention. The message of this book is that even when israel forgets god. The unseen hand of providence bible study magazine. The book deals with how esther, a jew who was selected by king ahasuerus as the new queen after removing the.
All this context is quite significant to the book of esther. The book of esther is one of only two books in the hebrew bible that never mention god the other is the song of songs. Although we do not know who wrote the book of esther, from internal evidence it is possible to make some inferences about the author and the date. Is it really the inspired word of god if it makes no mention of him. Our sermon ideas on esther will help you preach a powerful message on the sovereignty of god. Esther overview and outline reasons for hope jesus. Esther questions and answers all chapters new king james. Then queen esther answered, king xerxes, i hope you will show me your favor. Bible studies in the book of esther esther chapter 5. The book was written after the close of ahasueruss reign written of in the past tense, est 10. Nothing is truly coincidental, the book of esther says to us. A comprehensive database of book of esther quizzes online, test your knowledge with book of esther quiz questions.
Then we say that the book of esther does not even contain the word god. God s sovereignty is best summarized in mordecais exhortation to esther. Dec 25, 2011 so, is the book of esther the only book in the bible which does not contain the name of god. Providence, defined as god performing a miracle and deciding to remain anonymous, means that god is lovingly guiding all of history with his good purposes and intentions. Esther is a book of history thats not difficult at all to understand its short and interesting. God is working providentially in the completely secular and ungodly course of human events to save his people against all expectation and to bring all of history to its culmination in christ.
Book of esther overview insight for living ministries. The book of esther is the third part of the old testament and of the hebrew bible. God is not mentioned in esther, so why do christians regard it as scripture. Before you attempt to answer the questions below you should read these chapters in the bible and answer the questions at the end of each chapter found at the website answer the questions below and then click ok to send your answers. The sovereignty and faithfulness of god permeate each scene. In the book of exodus, for example, we read about god working through moses to part the red sea, and to turn a shepherds rod into a serpent. Parallel to salvation and coming into the presence of god.
It is not currently accepting new answers or interactions. Whether behind the scenes providence or by direct answer to his peoples prayers, god ensured the success of his purposes. Once you can honestly answer that question, maybe you will be able to handle the really hard ones. Neither mordecai, esther, nor the feast of purim is mentioned. The book of esther in the bible is a dramatic account which can give us insight into god s special and purposeful plan for our lives.
Gods name is not even mentioned once in the book of esther. How do you deal with someones insidious plot to murder you and everybody like you. They might with equal justice deny the inspiration of a great number of chapters in the bible, and of a far greater number of verses. The theological message of the book of esther is that god is allpowerfully present even when he seems to be the most conspicuously absent. The word god is not mentioned even once in the whole book. This fact has caused some to question its place in the biblical canon, but, in reality, the absence of god s name fits perfectly with the theme of the book. When we read the book of esther, we never read god s name. We do not know who wrote the book of esther, but it is believed that the author was a jew jewish nationalism is clear in the book. One distinguishing characteristic is that its the only biblical book that does not mention god by name.
Why is the book of esther in the bible, since it does not mention god. Where does god say the book of esther is perfect, let alone part of the bible. Prepare your messages on god s word in esther with sermon outlines or an entire sermon series. Indeed, there is no direct reference to god at all. But it would have been far better for all the jewish people in the book of esther to have done things gods way and return to their homeland. For traditional jewish commentators, the absence of gods name did not mean that god was absent from the book. Morde chai is teaching esther the most important lesson of leadership. Although the name of god is not mentioned in the book of esther, the book tells of gods protection for his people. Unseen, god works behind the scenesthe book of esther. This is like a special funfact not many people notice about the book of esther. Bible quiz questions and answers from the book of esther pdf. Why does the book of esther not mention god answers. God has opportunities for us in 2019, and when he knocks at our door, its best we answer.