The book of Esther is one of the five books which the Jews call Megilloth (Rolls). They appear in the Hebrew Bible in the following order:

1. Canticles, that is, Solomon’s Song, read in connection with Passover;

2. Ruth, read on the feast of weeks (Pentecost);

3. Lamentations, used on the ninth day of the month Ab, commemorating the destruction of the temple, which happened twice on the same day, first by Nebuchadnezzar and then afterwards by the Romans;

4. Ecclesiastes, which is read during the celebration of the feast of tabernacles;

5. The book of Esther, read on the feast of Purim.

The Book of Esther does not specifically name its author. The most popular traditions are Mordecai (a major character in the Book of Esther), Ezra, and Nehemiah (who would have been familiar with Persian customs). The book of Esther is held in high regard by the Jews and holds a special place among the other Megillah but not without some objection from both the Jews and Christians as to its rightful place in the canon of the Old Testament. Two leading objections, the first objection is that the name of God does not appear in this book. Add to that, because Esther was to be used in connection with the feast of Purim (a feast of merrymaking) the name of the Lord was omitted on purpose to avoid its irreverent use amid the scenes of feasting and drinking. The second objection is that because it is not quoted in the New Testament but it has been found that several other OT books are not quoted in the NT. One of the better known to object was Martin Luther.

The Book of Esther shows us the protective nature of God toward His people, the people of Israel through the words we read in Esther.The deliverance of of the Jewish Nation by God through Esther. It is a simple book of a specific people each having a pivotal role in the outcome of the story. Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, Mordecai is one of the main personalities in the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. He is described as being the son of Jair, of the tribe of Benjamin. Mordecai was also the cousin and guardian of Esther. There are three main sections in the book of Esther…by chapters, Chapters 1:1-2:18 – Esther replaces Vashti… 2:19-7:10 – Mordecai overcomes Haman and 8:1-10:3 – Israel survives Haman’s attempt to destroy them. The noble Esther risked her own death as she realized what was at stake. In Esther we see the ongoing struggle of Satan against God and the promise of a coming Messiah. The story of Esther shows us the power of a person’s love for others and a God that shows the strength of his love and providential care for His people as a nation and individually. 

There may be a time in your life, it may have already occurred, when God will use you stand in the gap…Will you be ready? In simple terms that is what Esther did and her actions saved a people and nation. I have treated Esther like a book review, Done so on purpose… because it is just that a book. 

Life is Good

jk