Esther

Author: Unknown
Date of Writing: 5th Century BC
Type of Book: Historical
Theme: God's preservation of His people

The events in the book of Esther cover a period of approximately twelve years in Jewish history during the middle of the fifth century BC. It gives us the historic setting for the Feast of Purim. We don't know who wrote it, but a likely candidate would be Mordecai, one of the central characters in the book.

During this time, permission had been granted for the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, to rebuild the temple and walls of Jerusalem. Sadly, less than 60,000 people returned. The rest of the children of Israel were content to stay in the land of their captivity, in Babylon and Persia. The story of Esther gives us some insight into what was happening among those Jews who refused to return to Jerusalem.

The book of Esther is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman, the book of Ruth being the other. Another striking feature of this book is that the name of God is never mentioned, nor is prayer. Also this book is never alluded to in the New Testament.

Because this was a time when the people had rejected God's commandments, they weren't feeling the presence of God nor hearing His voice. But God's presence was certainly there. The hand of God was at work preserving His people, regardless of their neglect and unfaithfulness to Him.

In this story we see how close the Jewish people were to getting completely wiped out and how God miraculously used Esther, this young Jewish woman to save them from destruction. And although God isn't mentioned, He is seen working behind the scenes in so many different ways protecting and providing for His people. This is a great story of God's sovereignty and providence.

The purposes of God are fascinating. He is always at work, preparing for the future. Our problem is that we don't know what the future holds; and thus, we don't understand what God is doing. Sometimes we see our immediate situation and make accusations against God, thinking He doesn't care. But when the story is over, we always see that God is faithful.

The story of Esther is a great reminder of this truth, and a graphic illustration that God always takes care of His people.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible