Bible Study

Book of Esther — Bible Study 1
Expository Commentary on the Book of Esther
“Esther” means “star.” She was a young woman without father or mother, yet God made her a queen. The exact author of this book is not clearly known.
In the Bible, there are two books named after women. One is Esther, and the other is Ruth.
In this book, the words “God” or “Jehovah” are not directly mentioned. Yet the Jewish people and the early church fathers accepted it as the Word of God. The reason is that throughout the entire book, we can clearly see that God is working behind every event.
“God is the author of all history even if He does not sign His name at the bottom* of *every page.”*
Behind every event, there is the plan of God. God’s providence is deeply felt throughout this book.
The festival called Purim is first celebrated in this book* . However, this festival was not instituted by Moses. Even so, the Jewish people continue to observe this festival to this very day. No other Old Testament book speaks about this festival.
This book is an example that God can exercise His sovereignty even in the midst of kingdoms ruled by people who do not know Him.
When Pharaoh tried to destroy the Jewish people, God delivered them, and as a result, the Passover feast was established. In the same way, when Haman planned to destroy the Jewish people, God protected them, and because of that, the Feast of Purim is still celebrated today.
Historical Background
In 538 BC, King Cyrus permitted the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
In 516 BC, the temple of God was rebuilt.
In 478 BC, Esther was crowned queen.
In 473 BC, Esther saved her people.
In 458 BC, Ezra returned to Jerusalem.
In 445 BC, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem.
Even though King Cyrus gave permission to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, many Jews did not return to Jerusalem and remained in Babylon. The reason was that they were comfortable in the land where they lived. They were unwilling to go to Jerusalem, suffer hardships, and rebuild the temple of God.
Yet God still considered them His people, and when a plan was made to destroy them, He protected* *them* . Through this, we see that God never abandons the people whom He has chosen beforehand.
This book does not contain prophecies or promises. The great truth we learn from this book is that God works through His sovereignty.
Behind the events that appeared accidental in this book, we can see the hand of God at work.
Nothing is mentioned about this book in the New Testament.

Moreover, among the Dead Sea Scrolls, copies of every Old Testament book were found except this book.
Truths We Learn from This Book
God is always at work in every time, every season, and every place.
In God’s perspective, there is no such thing as a silent period or a hidden period.
Behind events that appear accidental to human beings, there can still be the plan of God.
God never abandons His people.
Even when God does not openly reveal His name, He reveals His works through history.