We might ask, "does the Book of Esther have any value, should it actually be in the Canon of Scripture?" After all there is no mention of God to be found, and comment on the spiritual state of the Jews who had not returned to Jerusalem is largely absent.
In this introductory study we do however see something of the boastful character of King Ahasuerus. Great feasts there are, Councils of war, consideration of the state of his vast kingdom, and a disrespect for the dignity of his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti.
The Jews of the dispersion were excluded from the inner circles of King Ahasuerus at this point, and so are we, as Christians, marginalised by much of today's society.
So then, we begin in the Book of Esther, although for now, she and her uncle Mordecai, have not been mentioned. And, even if His name is nowhere to be found, God's presence is very much there. Remember, God will always be with His people |
