Esther Introduction
Introduction
The story told in the book of Esther occurs during the time when Xerxes was king of Persia. The time of the story was about 450 years before Jesus Christ was born. During this time the people of Israel were prisoners and slaves living in Persia. The Israelites living there were also known as Jews.
The book of Esther explains why these Jews began celebrating a new feast. Before this time, the Jews celebrated the feasts of Passover and Tabernacles. These feasts were described in the commands God gave Moses. These feasts reminded the Israelites of the mighty acts God used to rescue them. And so in the story of Esther, God once again saves the Jews. This great rescue is celebrated in the new feast called Purim.
Esther and her cousin Mordecai are the key people in this story. They uncover an evil plan to destroy all the Jews. The story tells of Esther and Mordecai’s work in saving the Jews from that plan. And that story unfolds during the many banquets described. In the beginning there are two banquets given by King Xerxes. In the middle there are two banquets given by Esther. And at the end there are two banquets celebrated by the thankful Jews.
The feast of Purim continued to be celebrated for a long time. In some places it is still celebrated today. During this feast the story of Esther and Mordecai is retold. Anyone who reads this story can join in celebrating God’s saving work. They can also ask themselves the same questions Mordecai asked Esther. What goal does God have in mind for us? What good things does God want us to do?
It is interesting that the story never mentions God by name. Yet God’s hand of protection can be seen throughout the story. It can be seen in the timing of events. And it can be seen in the way the events come together. God rescued the Jews so that his saving purpose for the world could continue.
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Esther Introduction: NIrV
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Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
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