Esther was a beautiful Jewish woman who lived in a time when the Israelites had just been freed from captivity in Persia. Many Israelites had traveled back to Israel, but still there was someone left in Persia. After a great "beauty contest" Esther was chosen as the new queen, and married the king. In this new position as queen, she would become the great heroine who saved her people from looting and murder.
The author of the book is unknown, but some believe it was written by
Ezra or Nehemiah. The events described in the book happened between 483-473 BC.
“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the
Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who
knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (4:14).
These were the words of Mordecai, Esther's foster father/uncle, who
challenged Esther to ask the king to overturn the decision to annihilate the
Jews. She showed courage, asked the king and saved her people. Esther is a role
model for everyone when it comes to stand for their beliefs, even though it may
cost.
What does this book show about the character and
nature of God?
I
can not find specific scriptures that tell about God’s character and nature,
but I think the main theme of this book is God's care. He shows that He takes care of His
people, He ignores the decisions of evil men, and working behind the
scenes to protect his people.
What does this book show about God’s redemptive
plan for mankind?
Even
if the name of God is not mentioned in the book, I think God’s redemptive plan
is painted clearly: God has the oversight for both His people (Judah) and the
pagan nations. The ways of God are always right, even if they are hidden
sometimes. In God’s care and protection has the man peace.
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