Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Esther
Overview
This excellent commentary is a clear and helpful guide for studying the book of Esther. While Esther is often neglected by Christian preachers and teachers, its message continues to be of importance in the present day. This useful resource will provide insight to help us understand and appreciate God's work through the life of Queen Esther. The drama of the book is clearly captured in this superb commentary where Bechtel expertly explores the historical setting, literary structures, and theological themes that emerge in the book of Esther. Theologically, the book shows us the importance of proportion or balance in life, the challenge of living a faithful life in the midst of an unfaithful culture, and the power of the written Word.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“Esther takes advantage of Ahasuerus’s two-part question (almost poetic in its parallelism) to line out the parallels between herself and her people. This connection is critical and must be made with the utmost clarity. Ahasuerus needs to understand that he can no longer view the queen as an individual or a personal possession, but as part of a larger entity.” (Page 63)
“The point to which the whole narrative builds is this: In spite of the king’s immense wealth and power, he cannot control his own wife. One woman pulls the rug out from under the most powerful man in the world … and she does so while his whole world is watching.” (Page 24)
“Author Frederick Buechner once said that a coincidence is just God’s way of remaining anonymous” (Page 57)
“Yet there is a hint that he is even more sinister than we imagined. In his original proposal to the king in verse 9, Haman asked that a decree be issued for the people’s ‘destruction’ (from the verb ˒ābad). If there was any doubt as to his murderous intentions, the written version of the decree prefaces ‘to destroy’ (˒ābad) with the seemingly superfluous verbs ‘to kill’ and ‘to annihilate.’ Is this just a case of ‘overkill,’ or is something more significant going on?” (Page 42)
“Even written texts lose their power when they remain unread. The process must come full circle: words are spoken, words are written, and words are spoken aloud again. As long as the word goes unread, the truth will lie buried.” (Pages 15–16)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.
—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Esther
- Author: Carol M. Bechtel
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 2002
- Pages: 101