Ester

Historical Background & Purpose of Prophet:

The whimsical, fairy tale story of Ester took place between 483-473 B.C. in Babylon, after the first return of Exiles to Babylon.  The name of God isn’t spoken in Ester, but the hand of God at amazing works of God are clear to see. The events described in Ester occurred between 483-473 B.C.  in Babylon, after the first  group of Jews returned to Jerusalem. Whoever wrote the book of Ester would have been educated and had a understanding of Persian customs, the palace at Susa, and details during this period. (Nelson’s Pg. 160) At this time many of Jews that remained in Babylon would living in disobedience, or they were too settled to return to Jerusalem. Whatever the case, we see a huge theme in Ester and purpose for the book being written is to reveal that God cares about our conduct and the way we act. “But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.” (3:2) Because of Mordecai’s commitment to God a decree was written to have a day when all the Jews remaining in Babylon would be slaughtered. But God honors those who honor him and he saved his people by using Ester. Another prominent theme is God’s provinces. Through and through we see the divine hand of God work things together to protect his children. “The book implies that none of this is accidental, that God is firmly in control and is determined to keep His covenant promises to the children of Abraham.” (Nelson’s Pg. 161)

 

Gods character and nature:

Gods providential protection of His people is shown brightly in the book of Ester. God does not abandon His people. God is sovereign. God is redeeming. God took Ester, a young orphan living in a foreign land, and made her queen. (Ester 2:7, 17)  God is the giver of favor and courage to those he calls. God curses those who curse his people, for example, Haman. (Ester 9:6-9) “Since Mordecai… Is of Jewish birth, you will never succeed in your plans against him. It will be fatal to continue opposing him.”(Ester 6:13)

 

Gods Redemptive Plan:

God, again, is the savior of His people and redeems them: foreshadowing Jesus. Also, all the feasting and celebration in Ester foreshadow a joy of salvation and a time when we will have abundance in Jesus. Also, the idea of Ester representing the bride of Christ and the favor she finds with the king can foreshadow a time when we will have intimacy with Jesus fully.