Esther (Bible #17), ESV

Bible #17

by Anonymous

The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge.
Subjects: Bibles / King James Version / General; Bibles / Other Translations / General; Religion / Biblical Studies / General; Religion / Biblical Commentary / Old Testament; Religion / Biblical Criticism

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Classics, Scripture, Christianity, History

Unknown Binding

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther is among the greatest heroines of the Bible. Though the book never explicitly mentions God--in fact, it's the only one in the Word that doesn't--if you read between the lines, you'll see Him on every page. It's no surprise that this story has gotten the celluloid treatment multiple times, from VeggieTales to One Night With the King. A dramatized audio version really helps it leap off the page.

[Diamond Cowboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shall give a full review at a later date.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther is truly one of the great characters in the Bible, and the way God crafted her story is nothing short of beautiful and miraculous. She has a wonderful testimony of gentleness and courage, and the Lord used her truly mighty ways.

“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

[Grace Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

I love the book of Esther! It is so intriguing to me that God's name is never mentioned in the book, yet we can see His hand so clearly throughout!

[Emily ✞ || [fallon's vrs] · Rating 5 out of 5]

˚｡⋆💗˚｡⋆Verses

🌸Esther 2:4: "And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so."

🌸Esther 2:17: "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vasthi."

🌸Esther 3:2: "And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence."

[Arman]

کتاب استر درباره چيست

کتاب استر، داستان چگونه ملکه شدن استر را روایت می کند. در این میانه، هامان وزیر خشايارشاه که از مردخای (عموزاده ی استر) کینه به دل دارد، پادشاه را راضی می کند که دستور به قتل عام یهودیان دهد.
اما با هوشمندی استر و مردخای، آن ها رای خشايارشاه را عوض کرده، دستور باز پس گرفته شده و هامان دار زده می شود.

داستان یا تاریخ

اگرچه کتاب مشخصا به دوران پادشاهی خشايارشاه، تبعید یهودیان از اورشلیم و شوش، پايتخات زمستانه هخامنشیان اشاره دارد، اما هرگز نباید از منظری تاریخی به آن (و نه هیچ روایت و کتاب مقدس دیگری) نگریست.
روایت های دینی، فکت هاي تاریخی نیستند و نبایستی از این منظر خوانش و نقد شوند.
کتاب استر، يک درام تاریخی ست که بستر تاریخی مشخصی را بهانه ای می کند برای روایت یک داستان قهرمانی-تمثیلی خودش.
در اینجا نیز مانند جای جای کتاب مقدس، قوم یهود با مشقتی روبرو می گردد و قهرمانانی قومی با عنایت خداوند، بر آن و دشمانان شان فائق می آیند.

نسخه شناسی

از اين کتاب دو نسخه وجود دارد؛ یک نسخه عبری و نسخه ترجمه یونانی آن که دارای آیاتی اضافی می باشد.

روایت عبری(مورد تایید یهودیان و پروتستان ها)، تاکید زیادی بر قهرمانی استر و مردخاي دارد. اما در روایت یونانی که نزدیک ۵۰ بار از خدا نام برده می شود، کلیت کار را به خداوند نسبت می دهد و دو قهرمان یهودی را واسطه های خدا می داند(مورد تایید کلیسای رومی و ارتدوکس).

از منظر عبادی

کتاب استر را در شمار طومارهای عبادی می خوانند و گاهی به اختصار، طومار می خوانندش.
در پایان کتاب استر، یهودیان به پاس رهایی شان از خطر نسل کشی، عید پوریم را برپا می دارند و جشن می گیرند.
به همین دلیل، سنت بر این است که همه ساله یهودیان به قرائت کتاب استر می پردازند و به سفارش تلمود، آنقدر نوشخواري می کنند که نتوان "لعن فرستادن بر هامان" و "درود فرستادن بر مردخاي" را از هم تشخیص داد.

بنابر آنچه در وبلاگ کنيساي پل چوبی آمده، طومار را باید یکسره و بدون حرف زدن در میانش و بلند بلند خواند. هر زن و مرد یهودی موظف است به روخوانی طومار گوش فرا دهد، اگر در این میان، حواسش پرت شد یا خوابش برد، باید طومار را از ابتدا دوباره بخواند.

از منظر داستان پردازی

کتاب استر، آرامی هوشمندانه و ظریف می باشد. نویسنده به خوبی از آيرونی و عناصر متناظر (مثلا تناظر ضیافت ابتدایی و ضیافت پایانی آن) بهره برده، و در جای جای آن خواننده عنصر تعلیق را احساس می کند.
در نسخه یونانی، الهام روياگونه ی مردخای تصوير می شود که به لحاظ نمادپردازي و نشانه شناختی بسیار غنی و زیباست.


پ ن: پیروز سیار در کتاب "قانون ثانی"، ترجمه عبري را ارائه کرده و اضافات نسخه یونانی (مانند رویای مردخای) را با حروف ايتاليک مشخص کرده و در متن آورده است.
ترجمه فارسی مورد تایید يهوديان(بدون اضافات یونانی) را می توانید در وبلاگ کنیساي دل چوبی پیدا کنید.

پ ن2: به روال بقیه کتاب مقدس، به این کتاب هم امتیاز ندادم.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and in fact haven't picked up my Bible since June 2015! It became so heavy going and somewhat depressing to read, so I kept putting it off.

The good news is that it was just a rather extended temporary avoidance, and as of today I am continuing my challenge to complete reading the Bible. I will do this!

However, I've decided not to put a time limit on it this time. I'll continue to read it regularly for as long as my interest remains, and if I need to take a break then so be it.

Esther is where my journey continues, and this was quite an interesting read.

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther is actually quite an interesting historical account. I think I enjoyed it even more this time reading it, because of just having finished Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt! :)

But in any case, its a grand tale. God's name isn't mentioned (I think this is the only book of the Bible that it isn't); but you can definitely see evidence of His hand in how the story played out.

Obviously, there's a lot I can't understand in Old Testament books. Like the violence! But I know there was a reason for all that happened.

Read this short story of a common Jewish girl that rose to be queen and save her people! :)

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved the books of Esther and Ruth. The book of Esther has a very special place in my heart.

[Nekah (Jesus's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther is one of my favorite books in the Bible to read.So awesome how God used her to save her people!

Esther 4:14
“…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

[Catherine]

Read for July's BOTM in NLBS. I love how this book highlights that God uses e v e r y b o d y, no matter past, age, ethnicity, social status, etc. Great reminder that I am so, so lucky, and I need to use the gifts I've been given for the glory of God:)

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the book of Esther. I can never get enough of how God used Esther and Mordecai in this time.

Esther 4:13-14 "Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Don not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
‭‭Esther‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther is a beautiful story that demonstrates “If God is for you, who can be against you?”. I love how the hand of the Lord is portrayed through this book.

Esther is a book about honour vs dishonour, sacrificing your life for Gods people, pride and deliverance.

Definitely one of my favourites :)

[Isabella Leake]

Such an interesting book -- skillful in storytelling, unflagging in rhythm, with more sustained dramatic and comic force and a tighter plot following a single character and incident than any of the narrative books (Genesis, Ezra, Nehemiah, Matthew, Acts) I've been reading lately. All these other books seem pieced together from a series of stories or documents -- beautifully and artfully pieced, as in a skillful patchwork, the seams still showing and enhancing the whole. But Esther seems like a narrative cut and shaped from one single piece of cloth. There is an economy of character, incident, and setting; there is a lot of rich irony; the pace never lags or jumps ahead and leaves us trying to get our bearings. For all these reasons, I think it's more readable, closer to conforming to modern assumptions about literature than many a biblical book. It's a delight to read and ends up -- just like Ruth -- in scarcely more than the space of a vignette, providing a vivid picture of God's sovereignty and care. If you needed to explain the doctrine of Providence to a child, the story of Esther might be the most straightforward way.

[Adae Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

God's word will always be 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I really liked this book, it was more of a story then a lecture, which I enjoyed.

[BespectacledBookGirl]

ACOTAR of the Bible

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament! Esther's courage is always inspiring, and I'm challenged by Mordecai's humility. That said, I wonder if my favorite part isn't when the king asks Haman to give him advice on how to honor a worthy man. Haman assumes that the worthy man is himself, and he lists several things that would particularly satisfy his ego. To his chagrin, he finds out that Mordecai is the man the king wants to honor: and Haman had to lead Mordecai through the streets on the king's horse, calling out, "This is the man who the king delights to honor!" Is there a better illustration of "A haughty spirit [goes] before a fall"?

[Maida]

Re-read May 10, 2015

[that girl 🧋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite stories in the Bible ever since I was a little girl! Esther is so brave, and the story is so compelling. I love it just as much today as I did back then!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also read the extended version of Esther which was interesting and gave the book a different feel.
I read the book of Esther alongside The Bible Binge podcast.

[Tintarella]

خشایارشا -که 127 استان با زبان‌ها و فرهنگ‌های متفاوت تحت سیطره‌اش بودند- به مناسبت سومین سال سلطنتش جشن برگزار می‌کنه و ته‌اش -وقتی پاتیلِ پاتیل بوده- از زنش می‌خواد بیاد و جلوی بقیه رُخ نشون بده که زنش قبول نمی‌کنه... پادشاه هم زنشو طرد می‌کنه و با مشورت وزرا و وکلا -از ترس این‌که: نکنه بقیه‌ی زن‌ها تو روی شوهراشون بلند شن؟- یه قانون جدید تصویب می‌کنند، به خط و زبون هر استانی می‌نویسن و می‌فرستن که: مردها باید رئیس خانه باشند!
بعد یه مدت فراخوانی بین تمام دختران امپراتوری پخش می‌شه و همه خوشگلاشونو می‌فرستن برای مسابقات انتخاب ملکه... شاه «اِستر» رو -که خواهرزاده‌ی مُردخای بوده- می‌پسنده بدون این‌که از اصالت یهودی‌ش خبر داشته باشه... یه مدت دیگه می‌گذره و یه روز هامان (نخست وزیر) که از مردخای خوشش نمیومده، به شاه پیشنهاد می‌ده که: بیا کار این قوم رو تموم کنیم. شاه قبول می‌کنه و قرعه‌کشی می‌کنند (پوریم) و روز 13‌ام ماه ادار (مثلاً 13 به در) به عنوان روز کشتار تعیین می‌شه. این وسط‌ها مردخای قضیه رو به استر می‌گه و استر جواب می‌ده: اون با من. لباس مخصوص می‌پوشه می‌ره پیش شاه، و طی صحنه‌ای شبیهِ قضیه‌ی سالومه (انجیل و اسکار وایلد) شاه می‌گه هرچی می‌خوای بخواه، حتی اگه نصف مملکتم باشه. استر می‌گه حکم رو عوض کن و شاه می‌گه نمی‌شه حکم رو عوض کرد ولی یه حکم جدید می‌نویسم که شما حق دفاع از خود دارین... نهایتاً مردخای هامان و ده پسرش رو می‌کشه، یهودیا تو همه‌ی شهرها بقیه رو از دم تیغ می‌گذرونند و یهوه خوشحال و خندان پیروزی قوم محبوب‌ش رو تماشا می‌کنه.

[Pablo (Cicatricesdelibros) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro corto y pocas veces citado y analizado y que lo hace pasar desapercibido y quizás, al leerlo en otro contexto, o sea el libro solo, no me habría fijado en estas cosas, pero al leer la biblia desde el comienzo, fue inevitable analizar más y encontré cosas fascinantes.

Primero que no se menciona a Dios en todo el relato, solo pocas costumbres judías (no todas). Esto es debido a que se lleva a cabo unos 100 años después del exilio de los judios y ahora establecidos en Persia, son un remanente olvidado que sólo se hace referencia acá.

Lo curioso es que aún así, aún lejos de todo lo que los ataba a Dios, éste aún los tiene en consideración y los protege porque aún mantienen su confianza en él aunque estén lejos.

Además está escrito como un relato espejo, dónde los detalles de un comienzo, son expuestos de la misma manera pero con cambios para hacer énfasis en sus protagonistas. Excelente libro.

[Christy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of two books of the Bible that never mentions God's name. Yet throughout this book, God's hand of providence is seen in every single chapter. His presence is unmistakable.
Favorite verse:
4:14 Mordecai boldly challenges Esther, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to this royal position for such a time as this?" God has a purpose and a plan in every place he has put us. Where has he placed me in this moment? May I walk in what he has called me to.

[layla✧ (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

slay esther

[CandiCane · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 , brave woman

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book that inspired Purim a Jewish holiday that celebrates mass murder.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Did you know that the name of God is never mentioned.

[John Stanifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

6/7/22: We are living in a time when it is easy to become discouraged by the evil around us. Watch the news for 5 minutes--or fill up your gas tank and your grocery cart--and you're either fuming, crying, or both.

Whatever you believe about who or what is most responsible for the misery many are feeling, it's easy to feel that we are at the mercy of forces beyond our control.

To some extent, we ARE at the mercy of forces beyond our control. But that's just the point. We're not the ones fighting the real battle.

According to the book of Esther, Haman the Agagite had such hatred for the Jewish people that he came up with an elaborate plot to execute every Jew--men, women, and children all--throughout the Persian empire.

He came so close to succeeding that King Ahasuerus even stamped his seal on an order giving the enemies of the Jews permission to kill them all later that year.

"The couriers left, spurred on by royal command, and the law was issued in the fortress of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, while the city of Susa was in confusion."
~Esther 3:15

Read that verse again. The king had just ordered the genocide of an entire race, and he followed this up . . . by sitting down for a drink while the city freaked out around him.

(A political figurehead conveniently ignoring the consequences his own actions had on real people? Imagine that!)

Of course, if you've read it, you know that this story has a happy ending for the Jewish people. The Jewish queen Esther, married to Ahasuerus, follows her uncle Mordecai's advice and not only saves her people . . . she sees Haman, his family, and his supporters punished for their crimes using the very same scheme they had tried to use against the Jews.

One of the most important lessons of Esther is that, in the end, evil loses, no matter how intricate the schemes of the evildoers.

The Benedictine monk Rabanus Maurus (780 - 856 A.D.) expressed what Haman's fate means in a way that is both profound and speaks to our seemingly hopeless situation hundreds of years later:

"Often people's evil schemes turn out differently than they had hoped and the trap they had placed to capture others ensnares them [ . . . ] Therefore also Haman, who prefigures the enemies of the church, was obligated to suffer the death that he had prepared for Mordecai. The lot [Haman] cast [ . . . ] represents the machinations of the human mind; but the result of such machinations entirely depends on divine judgment. Therefore it is said through Solomon, 'The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the Lord's alone' [Pr 16:33].
~Rabanus Maurus, Explanation on the Book of Esther 13

The world is full of would-be Hamans. It always has been. But none of them--NONE OF THEM--have the final say in how their schemes turn out.

No, not every Haman ends up hanging from his own gallows, but the point is . . .

We are not at the mercy of human beings. We are at the mercy of God alone. And that makes all the difference!

5/2/19: Esther is one of the most familiar--and most readable--portions of the Old Testament. Most of us who have spent any length of time in church or around church people have heard the phrase, "For such a time as this," for instance.

And obviously, for those of Jewish heritage, this one holds particular significance since it explains the roots of the Jewish holiday of Purim. This time around, I happened to be re-reading Esther at the same time I was listening to the audiobook of "The Tattooist of Auschwitz."

So as much as it would be nice to say that the threat to the Jewish people has dissipated over the last few thousand years (since the events described in Esther), the sad truth is that this isn't the case. In the last few days, we have been hearing about the fallout from the synagogue shooting in Poway, CA, and there have been other tragedies in all-too-recent memory.

No wonder this book is so cathartic--and sad, since history has so rarely given oppressed people groups this kind of "happy" ending.

Aside from its emotional and spiritual significance, Esther is an interesting book simply for its exotic trappings. The setting and the characters are reminiscent of The Arabian Nights and The Horse and His Boy (or any other popular story with a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean setting).

Plus, it's short. No exhaustive rules telling you what to do if you have a skin rash or mold in the walls of your house. No endless genealogies. Just a story about the Jewish people being saved by God and a well-placed queen who was in the right place at the right time.