The Basics: A Brief Overview of Esther
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
Introduction
Who wrote it
When did they write it
Key topics
Key sections
Books that interact with each other
Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE:
Esther
INTRODUCTION:
Do you have doubt? Believe that your self worth is worth little? Do you believe women cannot change the world? Do you believe father figures are not needed? Do you believe that this is not the exact time God meant for you to live? The book of Esther is God’s declaration that He can use the underdog, the forgotten, the orphan, and the single parent to do great and mighty deeds!
WHO WROTE IT:
The author is unknown, some have speculated that it was Mordecai, the adopted father of Queen Esther.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
Biblical authors have speculated on the exact timing of the writing, but we do know the details of the book were written during the years of 483–473 B.C. and written after this.[1]
KEY TOPICS:
The book of Esther shows the reader several topics. Including, society, government, religion, prophecy, Prophets, man, woman, children, family issues, promises, war, God, love, sex, femininity, single parenthood, antisemitism, the rights to self defense, and finally a spiritual foreshadow of the workings of Jesus Christ.
KEY SECTIONS:
Chapter 1 shows that the King needs an honorable Queen. Chapter 2 Esther becomes the Queen of Persia. Chapter 3 Haman’s antisemitism becomes law. Chapter 4 Haman’s plot is discovered and plans made to intercede. Chapters 5-7 Esther and Mordecai save the Jewish nation. Chapter 8 shows Mordecai is promoted. Chapter 9 describes the right to self defense. Chapter 10 is God’s blessings on Mordecai.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
The book of Esther is historically close to Ezra and Nehemiah. However, it is a stand alone book. This does not mean it is not celebrated by Jews all around the world to this very day, but its characteristics of God’s providence on the Jewish people is seen here and in other books of the Bible.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
No matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, if you are a follow of God the Messiah Jesus Christ, Esther is a book that speaks resoundingly to you. While God is not mentioned once in the book, He is inferred in the hidden characteristics throughout the entire book. Esther is orphaned, but is raised by a relative named Mordecai. She is forced to into a situation which she is given the chance to become Queen of Persia and save her people, even though by all means they never helped her outside of Mordecai. Esther learns a valuable lesson that we all need to know and understand, God is in charge of our lives and at times He will place us in situations in which we are to shine for Him; no matter what the believed retribution could be. Mordecai states, “13 And Mordecai told [them] to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14. Mordecai understood that at times God’s will might seem aloof to us, that we are on our own; and yet we need to keep to His Word and be at peace knowing He is God and we are to act upon that foundational truth. Esther is a book that shows the underdog can change the world, Esther proves that women are capable of being the hero and single parents can make the same impact with the Lord’s help. Esther reminds the reader that the world is not perfect, but in God all things will work out for His glory and His purpose. If you are depressed and it seems that this world is too much to handle, take a lesson from Esther and see that God is in control. Esther sought council like in Proverbs 19:20, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Esther honored her husband, honored her people, and respected the rules and laws of her time. I must admit that even doing my own Bible study in preparation for this outline, I found more and more Bible verses discussing the conduct of a righteous women being embodied by Queen Esther. Women should look to emulate her, and men seeking a bride should aim for these qualities. Finally, the book of Esther is a great but subtle hint at the love of God for the sinner, who even though Satan, through his minion Haman, tried he could not stop the blood line of Jesus Christ coming from the Jewish nation. Esther is a bold declaration of when it is God’s time to judge and bring vengeance for His name and people, we should just step back and leave the vengeance to the Lord. If you are needing a good book of the Bible to read as a family or desire to dive into the rich lessons that can be used today, Esther is a prime choice.
Hold until relieved our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL
[1] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/macarthur_john/bible-introductions/esther-intro.cfm