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The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context.
This commentary shows how Esther is perfect guidance for us when we find ourselves in a situation where right and wrong are not so clearly defined and every choice we have seems to be a troubling mixture of good and bad. Esther is perfect inspiration for us when we find ourselves in situations we never sought, never planned for, and don’t think we have the gifts to succeed at.
To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's context, each passage is treated in three
Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context.Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible.Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved.This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.
This commentary shows how Esther is perfect guidance for us when we find ourselves in a situation where right and wrong are not so clearly defined and every choice we have seems to be a troubling mixture of good and bad. Esther is perfect inspiration for us when we find ourselves in situations we never sought, never planned for, and don’t think we have the gifts to succeed at.
To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's context, each passage is treated in three
Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context.Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible.Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved.This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2011
74 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Karen H. Jobes
39 books25 followersKaren H. Jobes (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 15, 2023
Upon my third reread of the book it remains the best commentary on Esther for its clarity, archeological insights, literary insights, and ability to focus on what is the main point of the book of Esther.
The author's preface explains her personal level of insight: "Three years of life have happened while writing this book. I have had major surgery, finished my doctorate degree, watched my father die of cancer, published my dissertation, moved from coast to coast, and assumed my first full-time faculty position. Many other joys and sorrows too personal or too trivial to mention have attended these life-changing events. Often during the three years of writing this book I have wondered at God's sense of timing (and sense of humor!) in giving me the opportunity to reflect on how his providence fulfills his promise just when I felt my life was in such turmoil."
The author's preface explains her personal level of insight: "Three years of life have happened while writing this book. I have had major surgery, finished my doctorate degree, watched my father die of cancer, published my dissertation, moved from coast to coast, and assumed my first full-time faculty position. Many other joys and sorrows too personal or too trivial to mention have attended these life-changing events. Often during the three years of writing this book I have wondered at God's sense of timing (and sense of humor!) in giving me the opportunity to reflect on how his providence fulfills his promise just when I felt my life was in such turmoil."
June 24, 2021
A couple of months ago I realized that I have never read an academic Biblical commentary by a woman. All the people I ever read and quoted back in my paper writing days were men. And it struck me as sad, because women are capable of writing commentaries, too. A friend of mine lent me this book, and I am so thankful to Jobes for writing it.
I was definitely fed a very sanitized version of Esther when I was growing up in evangelical circles. Historical Christian fiction and the movie One Night With the King also played a part. I thought of her as exemplary, as someone to respect (and romanticize a bit), but after reading this commentary, I don't think that so much. There's a lot of questionable activity in Esther, and while the main character does end up saving her people, I don't think of her as being quite so pure and holy as I used to.
I really enjoyed learning a lot more about the irony and humor in Esther. For example, in Hebrew, the king's name sounds like someone saying "King Headache". It's also funny to realize that the King of Persia doesn't really make any decisions on his own throughout the entire book. Something unseen is directing him.
Also, fun fact: the "city gate" was actually a huge building for kingdom officials and secretaries built around the gate of the city. So, when the Bible talks about Mordecai sitting at the city gate, he's actually doing work in a Persian era office setting. I really wish someone had told me that years ago, because I could never figure out why anyone would want to just go and sit by a literal city gate.
There's so much more I learned from this book. The biggest takeaway is that God is still sovereign, no matter what His people are facing.
I was definitely fed a very sanitized version of Esther when I was growing up in evangelical circles. Historical Christian fiction and the movie One Night With the King also played a part. I thought of her as exemplary, as someone to respect (and romanticize a bit), but after reading this commentary, I don't think that so much. There's a lot of questionable activity in Esther, and while the main character does end up saving her people, I don't think of her as being quite so pure and holy as I used to.
I really enjoyed learning a lot more about the irony and humor in Esther. For example, in Hebrew, the king's name sounds like someone saying "King Headache". It's also funny to realize that the King of Persia doesn't really make any decisions on his own throughout the entire book. Something unseen is directing him.
Also, fun fact: the "city gate" was actually a huge building for kingdom officials and secretaries built around the gate of the city. So, when the Bible talks about Mordecai sitting at the city gate, he's actually doing work in a Persian era office setting. I really wish someone had told me that years ago, because I could never figure out why anyone would want to just go and sit by a literal city gate.
There's so much more I learned from this book. The biggest takeaway is that God is still sovereign, no matter what His people are facing.
July 15, 2021
Jobes wrote her PhD dissertation on the Alpha-Text of Esther (1995) and subsequently published this commentary (1999). One can only regret that the format of the NIVAC series does not allow for extensive technical discussion! This series allows, however, for extensive theological reflection and it is one of the strengths of this commentary. Another strength of this volume is the carefulness with which Jobes handles the literary layer of the book. I especially appreciated that she purposefully refrains from passing moral judgments on characters and imposing our modern through-patterns on the ancient narrative.
June 12, 2023
Jobes's commentary on Esther is clear, accessible, and thoroughly Christ centered. Her sections of application consistently bring everything back to the gospel. She interacts with liberal, feminist, and traditional Jewish misreadings of the book without getting bogged down by technical detail. She brings out historical and literary details that had previously passed over my head. Finally, she demonstrates how the book fits into the wider canon and what it contributes to a sound systematic theology. Good stuff.
Second Read-Through: This commentary really is a masterpiece. Unapologetically (perhaps even Winsomely) Reformed in its theology, and eminently approachable in its tone and style.
My only complaint is that I think Jobes is a little less than fair to exemplary methods of exegesis (a trait characteristic of her generation of evangelical scholars). She offers a reductio ad absurdum critique of exemplary hermeneutics, insisting that readers surely aren't to imitate David bringing Saul 200 Phillistine foreskins as a brideprice for Michal. (This reminds me of a similarly absurd example give by one of my seminary professors: "Are we supposed to laugh at God like Sarah?") Nobody seriously suggests anybody circumcise 200 men at once like David did -- the question would rather be what character traits and virtues David exhibited in such an episode and whether those qualities are worth imitating. Ethical questions like that aren't necessarily imposed on the text; they're foundational to the narrative concepts of protagonist and antagonist. Wenham's book, Story As Torah is a helpful counterargument to the denigration of ethical hermeneutics by contemporary evangelicals. We don't have to choose between ethics and typology when we read the Bible.
That said, this is honestly a minor complaint about Jobes' commentary. Even she actually slips into ethical hermeneutics when she draws application from the fact that characters behave at times in ways that are morally gray.
Second Read-Through: This commentary really is a masterpiece. Unapologetically (perhaps even Winsomely) Reformed in its theology, and eminently approachable in its tone and style.
My only complaint is that I think Jobes is a little less than fair to exemplary methods of exegesis (a trait characteristic of her generation of evangelical scholars). She offers a reductio ad absurdum critique of exemplary hermeneutics, insisting that readers surely aren't to imitate David bringing Saul 200 Phillistine foreskins as a brideprice for Michal. (This reminds me of a similarly absurd example give by one of my seminary professors: "Are we supposed to laugh at God like Sarah?") Nobody seriously suggests anybody circumcise 200 men at once like David did -- the question would rather be what character traits and virtues David exhibited in such an episode and whether those qualities are worth imitating. Ethical questions like that aren't necessarily imposed on the text; they're foundational to the narrative concepts of protagonist and antagonist. Wenham's book, Story As Torah is a helpful counterargument to the denigration of ethical hermeneutics by contemporary evangelicals. We don't have to choose between ethics and typology when we read the Bible.
That said, this is honestly a minor complaint about Jobes' commentary. Even she actually slips into ethical hermeneutics when she draws application from the fact that characters behave at times in ways that are morally gray.
April 30, 2022
Dr. Jobes once again shows her unbelievable skill and expertise not only in the ancient near eastern world, in the Old Testament, but understanding the cultural dynamics at play in the settings. By far, she is my favorite commentator on the biblical text. Her point of emphasis on application is simply fantastic. You will enjoy anything that she writes.
July 1, 2020
Careful and thoughtful. Lots of help in most places.
September 28, 2021
4 Stars
Very interesting and well thought/worked through. Although I’m unsettled on some of the theological views presented, it was a good read and gave me a lot to think about.
Very interesting and well thought/worked through. Although I’m unsettled on some of the theological views presented, it was a good read and gave me a lot to think about.
September 14, 2017
The NIVAC commentary series has successfully found a niche as a resource to pick up after you’ve studied the major exegetical commentaries and now need to think about application and contemporary significance. This commentary on Esther by Karen Jobes fulfills the aims of the series effectively.
In the Introduction the author begins with a somewhat subversive illustration to turn our minds toward the subject of the Book of Esther, but becomes much more helpful when she discusses the Book of Esther itself. The style is more succinct, and even breezy, than in some other series, yet the main points are still well covered. The historical background, as well as authorship and date, are all well covered before the author asked the question: is Esther reliable history? I appreciated, especially after having read as many commentaries on Esther as I have, her saying that the objections raised against the historicity of Esther are not “beyond explanation”. She approaches genre in a section about ancient storytelling and argues that Esther has great value whether it’s historically accurate or not. I’m a firm believer in the historicity of Esther, but love seeing her say that the relationship between biblical narrative and history “consciously rests on the concept that God has in fact worked in history through events that really happened”.
Her love of Esther’s story becomes clear in the section on literary structure. Again, this section is not as lengthy as in some of the larger commentaries, but the bases are still well covered. The same could be said of the section on the theology of Esther. Even more in line with the design of this series is the final section on contemporary significance. You will gain some helpful insights.
After a bibliography, she jumps right into the commentary itself. As with every volume in this series, it is divided into original meaning, bridging contexts, and contemporary significance. That design can’t help but have some repetition, but the author did a good job with it. I rate this volume as a success and a worthy addition to your library.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In the Introduction the author begins with a somewhat subversive illustration to turn our minds toward the subject of the Book of Esther, but becomes much more helpful when she discusses the Book of Esther itself. The style is more succinct, and even breezy, than in some other series, yet the main points are still well covered. The historical background, as well as authorship and date, are all well covered before the author asked the question: is Esther reliable history? I appreciated, especially after having read as many commentaries on Esther as I have, her saying that the objections raised against the historicity of Esther are not “beyond explanation”. She approaches genre in a section about ancient storytelling and argues that Esther has great value whether it’s historically accurate or not. I’m a firm believer in the historicity of Esther, but love seeing her say that the relationship between biblical narrative and history “consciously rests on the concept that God has in fact worked in history through events that really happened”.
Her love of Esther’s story becomes clear in the section on literary structure. Again, this section is not as lengthy as in some of the larger commentaries, but the bases are still well covered. The same could be said of the section on the theology of Esther. Even more in line with the design of this series is the final section on contemporary significance. You will gain some helpful insights.
After a bibliography, she jumps right into the commentary itself. As with every volume in this series, it is divided into original meaning, bridging contexts, and contemporary significance. That design can’t help but have some repetition, but the author did a good job with it. I rate this volume as a success and a worthy addition to your library.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 12, 2025
An excellent commentary on Esther. It's well written, applicable, and delves into the theological aims of Esther without going overboard on technical issues outside the scope of the NIVAC series. Jobes does a fine job bridging the context between the text and the modern day (the 90s) without getting overly sappy. Many commentaries on Esther are written from a feminist perspective or an a-historical presupposition which Jobes doesn't get into or falls into whatsoever. She's solidly coming at the book from a Reformed and Evangelical idea seeking to let the book speak for itself. It's also quite hard to find solid, applicable commentaries on Esther alone since most commentators write on Esther and Ruth combined. One drawback is I found some of the application (the 3rd portion of each pericope) to be a little broad in terms of applying the text to the reader. It also can get repetitive towards the end in particular. If you're preaching, teaching, or doing a deep study through Esther this book is an excellent addition to your reading.
July 6, 2023
This was my favourite commentary on Esther as I preached through the book. The commentary as a whole is well organized, giving helpful exposition, drawing out some key themes, and offering modern applications. (the three sections of each chapter: "Original Meaning," "Bridging Contexts," and "Contemporary Significance")
Jobes writes in a clear, engaging manner. While grappling with the academic debates and literature on the book of Esther, she is able to communicate these discussions in a clear way. She engages well with the historical, literary and theological elements of Esther, making this a well rounded commentary.
This commentary is a must for anyone preaching or teaching on Esther
Jobes writes in a clear, engaging manner. While grappling with the academic debates and literature on the book of Esther, she is able to communicate these discussions in a clear way. She engages well with the historical, literary and theological elements of Esther, making this a well rounded commentary.
This commentary is a must for anyone preaching or teaching on Esther
December 21, 2018
Overall Jobes does a great job showing the significance of the Book of Esther to the Jewish Population after the exile and then in turn to modern readers. Jobes explains and explored the text in a literary way that repels much of excessive hermeneutic that might bias and read into the text. That being said there is still much more detail and analysis that could have been explored. It is a great commentary to begin within a study of Esther and does really satisfactorily highlight the more important ideas and themes. Jobes uses strong scholarship and remains accessible for readers.
March 6, 2017
Excellent Commentary. It seemed to have the right balance of interpretation and application, and answered the questions that I had on the text. I am glad that I used it in conjunction with a few other commentaries, including the Tyndale OT Commentary on Esther, as the Tyndale Commentary had a comprehensive introduction section and an appendix that included the additional text used in the Septuagint and Apocrypha. However, this quickly became my main reference work.
March 26, 2021
I have looked through a lot of commentaries, books, Bible studies, and other resources on the book of Esther, and very few are as helpful and true to the text as this one. The writer does an excellent job of diving into the text, answering the questions raised against the books validity, accounts for the culture and political climate of the time, and presents a refreshing view of the book. This isn't like your run-of-the-mill book on Esther, telling you to "be brave--you were made for this!", but a commentary that says "Look at God and His providence."
It has been rare that I have seen a commentary of substance written by a woman, so I have great respect for the work of Karen H. Jobes in this volume, and am thankful for it.
It has been rare that I have seen a commentary of substance written by a woman, so I have great respect for the work of Karen H. Jobes in this volume, and am thankful for it.
November 15, 2021
Nicely short for a commentary so as not to be intimidating in size, yet I wish it was longer; it is really good. The format and style are very easy to read, yet Jones is thorough and deep when appropriate without getting bogged down in tangent information. Highly recommended for an “light/devotional” study that is still very immersive. I used this commentary as my primary source for a series of articles for my church and I received good words back from the congregation.
April 27, 2022
Thorough. Full of background. Wonderful cultural history. Much, much to glean here.
I'd give this book 5 stars if the replacement theology wasn't quite in your face in a few places...unnecessarily, I might add. Otherwise, this book is top notch.
I cannot fathom preaching through Esther without this in hand.
I'd give this book 5 stars if the replacement theology wasn't quite in your face in a few places...unnecessarily, I might add. Otherwise, this book is top notch.
I cannot fathom preaching through Esther without this in hand.
February 2, 2024
A helpful commentary that appreciates the book as narrative. Cites relevant background material on Persia from ancient writers like Herodotus and modern writers like Yamauchi. Provides interesting points of difference between the MT and the LXX. Also develops some thoughtful directions for application.
October 2, 2025
The introduction to this book alone will improve all aspects of your Old Testament reading skills. The rest is a helpful guide to understanding OT literature and that ordinary life is subject to God’s (quiet) intervention and redemptive work just as much as the “spiritual mountaintops” that Christians experience.
April 14, 2020
A readable commentary with good insight on the text. I appreciated the Christological connections made from the text in the application sections without reading those connections into the text itself. This is a good commentary for the devotional life and for preaching.
May 15, 2021
Best commentary I found! Very well researched, easy to read, backs up opinion with facts and other opinions. Full of extra information about the culture, time period, and how it relates to us today. Excellent and well worth the money.
November 21, 2023
Karen Jobes' take on the Book of Esther changed my understanding of one of my favorite books out of God's beloved word. Jobes' commentary reads like a beautiful novel yet reveals that even if God is not evidenced, He is always at work.
February 26, 2024
Great Commentary
Very helpful in understanding Esther and helping apply it today. Karen Jobes does an excellent job guiding the reader through Esther, its place in redemptive history and the modern day issues with which it connects.
Very helpful in understanding Esther and helping apply it today. Karen Jobes does an excellent job guiding the reader through Esther, its place in redemptive history and the modern day issues with which it connects.
September 2, 2025
Karen Jobes' NIV Application Commentary on Esther does a great job of tracing the book's 'reversal of destiny' theme. She is also right in her exhortation for believers to pray with "a confidence in God's powerful providence."
February 9, 2020
Second time through this commentary. It’s even more enriching this time around.
November 19, 2021
Divine Providence on display
Jobes continues to impress. A worshipful commentary on a narrative that highlights God’s complete governance of history for his covenant people.
Jobes continues to impress. A worshipful commentary on a narrative that highlights God’s complete governance of history for his covenant people.
November 12, 2022
Hands down the best commentary on Esther EVER!
July 1, 2023
Esther and Mordecai
Greatly written, giving understanding in a perspective of God’s eternal plan. Esther and Mordecai reveals Gods chosen people.
Highly recommend
Greatly written, giving understanding in a perspective of God’s eternal plan. Esther and Mordecai reveals Gods chosen people.
Highly recommend
January 2, 2024
Good, but got repetitive by the end.
January 25, 2024
An y excellent commentary. Well researched.
March 20, 2024
Best of the Bunch
As a pastor I have read many commentaries on Esther, this is the best I have read. Others are helpful, but Jobes is excellent!
As a pastor I have read many commentaries on Esther, this is the best I have read. Others are helpful, but Jobes is excellent!
March 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this commentary. The Theological Postscript: The Doctrine of Divine Providence was also helpful. This was my first full reading of an NIV Application Commentary. The format is helpful—making it easy to purchase the next commentary I plan to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews