This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish the Historical Books and move into the genre of Wisdom Literature.
What Is Esther? The book of Esther tells the story of how Esther, a Jewish girl, became queen of Persia. After her cousin Mordecai uncovered a plot to annihilate the Jewish people, he encouraged Esther to use her position to save her people from destruction.
How Esther Fits Into the Story: Without ever mentioning Him by name, the book of Esther speaks of the Lord’s presence and sovereignty in the lives of His people. God’s promise to give the Jewish people an eternal ruler remained, even in the face of threatened annihilation. Before man sought to devise their destruction, God’s invisible hand was always at work in the story of Esther and her people, securing their deliverance.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does God’s unnamed provision in Esther 4:1–14 change your understanding of how He works in your own life?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
God’s timing and plans are never late. We must believe when we pray and trust his timing.
Esther had always been one of my favorite Bible stories. It just shows that God uses anyone the fulfill his message to us all.
God’s sovereignty in the life of Esther reminds me of this verse: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Also missing Churchmouse and Tina, praying for you both! I always search for your post, I love, read and am very thankful for all who post in this great SRT community! Blessings to all!
Amen!
Hi Everyone,
I was thinking that you can go back and listen to the podcasts from the study of the book of Esther if you wanted. I heard them letting people know on a recent podcast that they could go back to one of the previous studies and dig deeper into this book or others that were studied. They were hoping this would wet people’s appetites to read more of the Old Testament books after reading the given passages. (I’m paraphrasing their words.) Have a lot of you gone back and just read a whole book or part of a book we looked at so far and if so, which ones? Hope everyone has a great day!
Churchmouse I miss your words! My husband and I scroll to find your comments each night!
First time leaving a reply. I have truly enjoyed the ART study’s!
Today it struck me that when Esther sent clothes for Mordecai to change into from sack cloth, he refused. There are times when we are uncomfortable with the way others are calling out to God, we want to fix it and make it not seem so bad. But, did we ever think that by doing that we have quieted our plea to God?! We need to be steadfast in our calling out to the Lord, no matter how uncomfortable we or others are about it.