The Book of Esther is one of two books of the Bible to be set entirely outside of the Promised Land, and the only book which does not mention God at all.
In this cogent, readable study, David Firth explores
The Message of Esther
, to help us better understand this paradoxically important book and its implications for our own contemporary context. With clear insight, he lay out how the reality of God’s presence is experienced against a backdrop of God’s relative anonymity and seeming absence, and shows us how that speaks into the lives of Christians today.
A revised volume in the trusted Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries,
The Message of Esther
offers an accessible and thought-provoking exposition of Esther’s story, that considers its meaning for both its original audience and for Christians in the twenty-first century.
Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for students and preachers who want to deepen their understanding of Scripture as it was first written as well as its continued relevance today.
This beautifully redesigned edition has been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NIV Bible text.
The Message of Esther
is perfect for anyone looking for a stimulating, accessible commentary on Esther that will help them apply its lessons to their everyday life.
Cuprins
Contents
General preface ix
Author’s preface xi
Chief abbreviations xiv
Select bibliography xv
Introduction 1
1. Some parties and their aftermath (1:1–22) 19
2. Providence in the passive voice (2:1–23) 30
3. Power and corruption in high places (3:1–15) 41
4. Risking all (4:1–17) 52
5. A tale of two banquets (5:1–14) 63
6. A funny thing happened (6:1–13) 73
7. An awkward dinner (6:14 – 7:10) 84
8. Revoking the irrevocable (8:1–17) 94
9. Days of deliverance (9:1–19) 105
10. Remembering deliverance (9:20 – 10:3) 116
Despre autor
David G. Firth is tutor in Old Testament and Academic Dean at Trinity College, Bristol. His previous Bible commentaries include 1 & 2 Samuel in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series and The Message of Joshua in the Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries. He is also co-editor of Interpreting the Psalms, Interpreting Isaiah, Words and the Word, and Presence, Power and Promise.