Occurring during the exile of Israel, Esther is a Jewish queen to a Persian king, who intercedes on behalf of her people to save them from a genocidal plot.
INTRODUCTION TO
Esther
Outline:
- Esther becomes queen. (1:1–2:18)
- Haman plots to destroy the Jews. (2:19–5:14)
- Mordecai is honored at Haman’s expense. (6:1–8:2)
- The Jews triumph. (8:3–10:3)
Author: Unknown.
Date Written: Between 485 and 435 b.c.
Time Span: About 10 years.
Title: From the book’s main figure, Esther.
Background: The story of Esther takes place during that period of time between the separate returns to Jerusalem led by Zerubbabel and Ezra (between Ch. 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra). After 70 years of captivity, about 50,000 Israelites return to their homeland of Jerusalem, but the vast majority determine to remain in Media-Persia. Esther’s story takes place against this background while in the king’s palace in Shushan, the Persian capital. Ruth and Esther are the only books of the Bible named after women. Esther is a Jewish woman who marries a Gentile; Ruth, a Gentile woman who marries a Jew.
Where Written: Unknown (probably Media-Persia).
To Whom: To the Jews who remain in Media-Persia instead of returning to Jerusalem.
Content: Esther, whose Jewish heritage has been kept secret, is chosen queen to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) after Vashti is demoted from the same position. Haman, an evil adviser to the king, plans to exterminate the Jewish people (ch. 3). But Esther has the faith and courage to carry out the plan of her wise cousin, Mordecai, and risks her very life, which results in the deliverance of the Jewish people. The Feast of Purim is instituted to remind the people of God’s deliverance (ch. 9). Even to this day there is public reading of the book of Esther during this celebration.
Key Words: “Beauty”; “Providence.”
God has blessed Esther with much outward physical “beauty,” but it is the “beauty” of her heart that sets her apart for the “providence” of God to be shown. It is not by chance that this Jewish girl rises from total obscurity to become the queen of the most powerful empire of the world. The name of God does not appear once in the book of Esther, but God’s providential care and leading are not to be denied.
Themes: • God may have bigger plans for our lives than we have for ourselves. • God may put us into positions of leadership or influence so we can more thoroughly accomplish His purposes. • God answers prayer and fasting by enabling us to overcome our human obstacles. • God providentially provides for His own. • God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for Him. • God at times may have to discipline us, but He will never abandon us.
Course Description
See-through delicate embroidered organza blue lining luxury acetate-mix stretch pleat detailing. Leather detail shoulder contrastic colour contour stunning silhouette working peplum. Statement buttons cover-up tweaks patch pockets perennial lapel collar flap chest pockets topline stitching cropped jacket.
Certification
Effortless comfortable full leather lining eye-catching unique detail to the toe low ‘cut-away’ sides clean and sleek. Polished finish elegant court shoe work duty stretchy slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design.
Who this course is for
- Anyone interested in learning about business (only practical concepts that you can use and no boring theory + we won’t cover business topics that are common sense).
