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Gospel According to the Old Testament
Inconspicuous Providence: The Gospel According to Esther
Esther often seems like an anomaly—a book of the Bible that never mentions God or his direct intervention. Yet the book feels closest to many Christians’ own experience; few of us have experienced divine intervention, and our world seems just as secular as Esther’s. We are tempted to ask, of her world and ours—where is God in all this? If he is real, why doesn’t he show himself?
Bryan Gregory shows us how Esther’s literary techniques depict God’s “absent presence” and “hidden involvement,” encouraging us that while God appears uninvolved, he is at work under the surface to accomplish his purposes and deliver his people—ultimately revealing his hidden presence in Christ.
Bryan Gregory shows us how Esther’s literary techniques depict God’s “absent presence” and “hidden involvement,” encouraging us that while God appears uninvolved, he is at work under the surface to accomplish his purposes and deliver his people—ultimately revealing his hidden presence in Christ.
- GenresOld Testament
208 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
9 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 3, 2020
Esther is a book of the Bible that most people seldom or never read. The name of God never appears in the book, it deals with the Jewish people in exile, and parts of it may at first glance appear to be unseemly. Consequently, people tend to avoid it.
But given that Christians live in a world that is just as secular and antithetical to the faith as Esther's world, and given that we sometimes wonder where God is and what he is doing, we would do well to read and understand this book. Bryan Gregory does a masterful job of demystifying and explaining the book of Esther. And as with all books in this series, he shows how the book points us to Christ.
The introductory first chapter gives us a great framework in which to understand and appreciate the book. He gives us a theological perspective in which to read the book; explains a number of literary techniques the sacred writer uses to point to God's working behind the scenes; shows us how the story of Joseph bears some striking similarities to Esther; and shows us how to read Esther Christologically.
Drawing on an impressive array of conservative evangelical scholars and Jewish rabbinical perspectives, he proceeds methodically through the narrative, giving us wonderful insights into what is happening, and in each chapter showing us how God is at work in the events and how we are pointed toward Christ's Messianic work, particularly his saving of his people, as God used Esther and Mordecai to preserve the Jewish people. Irony, plot twists, "coincidences", reversals of fortune, and deliberate framing of the narrative: Gregory shows us how the sacred writer, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, uses all these literary tools to press home the message that the true king sits not on the throne in Susa but on the throne of the universe in heaven.
The book is filled with all kinds of interpretative clarity, interesting comparisons with other parts of Scripture, and solid evidence of God's manifold ways of working in and through various people to accomplish his purposes.
Highly recommended!
But given that Christians live in a world that is just as secular and antithetical to the faith as Esther's world, and given that we sometimes wonder where God is and what he is doing, we would do well to read and understand this book. Bryan Gregory does a masterful job of demystifying and explaining the book of Esther. And as with all books in this series, he shows how the book points us to Christ.
The introductory first chapter gives us a great framework in which to understand and appreciate the book. He gives us a theological perspective in which to read the book; explains a number of literary techniques the sacred writer uses to point to God's working behind the scenes; shows us how the story of Joseph bears some striking similarities to Esther; and shows us how to read Esther Christologically.
Drawing on an impressive array of conservative evangelical scholars and Jewish rabbinical perspectives, he proceeds methodically through the narrative, giving us wonderful insights into what is happening, and in each chapter showing us how God is at work in the events and how we are pointed toward Christ's Messianic work, particularly his saving of his people, as God used Esther and Mordecai to preserve the Jewish people. Irony, plot twists, "coincidences", reversals of fortune, and deliberate framing of the narrative: Gregory shows us how the sacred writer, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, uses all these literary tools to press home the message that the true king sits not on the throne in Susa but on the throne of the universe in heaven.
The book is filled with all kinds of interpretative clarity, interesting comparisons with other parts of Scripture, and solid evidence of God's manifold ways of working in and through various people to accomplish his purposes.
Highly recommended!
January 3, 2019
Solid exposition and thoughtful applications (notwithstanding some fanciful connections)
March 20, 2019
To be fair, the book is probably closer to a 4.5, but it's better than a 4 so I upped it to a 5. All in all, a fantastic, enjoyable and informative commentary on Esther. It's short enough to be read quickly, but long enough to provide solid insights and challenging questions about how to make the story of Esther and Purim meaningful to 21st century Christians.
December 16, 2019
This is a very helpful and accessible study of Esther. A Great resource for small group bible study. Each chapter ends with a few discussion questions.
The book also does a great job balancing scholarly engagement and pastoral application. I highly recommend.
The book also does a great job balancing scholarly engagement and pastoral application. I highly recommend.
May 8, 2019
Great insight and very pastoral, with solid gospel-centric application. I read this in planning a sermon series, but it could just as easily be read devotionally.
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December 22, 2024I learned the book of Esther is a chiasm! :)
December 23, 2015
This was an amazing commentary on the book of Esther. I learned a lot about Esther as a result of reading it. It is one of those rare commentaries that is great for devotionals and the expositor as I explain below.
First off this commentary is great for the expositor since it is a rich treasure trove of literary insights into the book of Esther. Originally I read this book as a devotional but soon realized that the amount of literary insights found within it pages makes this work a great resource for those teaching and preaching through Esther. From the footnotes and the bibliography one can tell that the author did his homework by consulting the best resources on Esther from a wide range of sources such as historical books, journal articles and monographs. The author utilizes in a redemptive way the tools of literary criticism, canonical criticism, Jewish studies and employed redemptive historical “preaching” all in a way that is easy to grasp and inviting. This book is a good example of how to pull the best insights from those one may disagree with while still holding on to a Conservative and a biblically faithful perspective. Again, the biggest thing I like about this commentary is its literary observation and I felt I appreciated him pointing out the vast amount of literary devices in Esther that I wouldn’t have picked up on my own. For instance, the author pointed out almost in every chapter the multiple instances of irony in the story of Esther. The king of Persia wants a queen who listens to him, but ends up listening to Queen Esther. The advisors to the king didn’t want the word to get out about the bad example of Queen Vashti to negatively influence the women in the empire but then they go ahead and make a public proclamation. Readers will appreciated the social and cultural background information the commentary provided along with the author’s observation of the many great reversals throughout the book, the chiastic structure of the book and the literary role of feasts in carrying the story forward.
Yet the author manages to write this commentary in a way that serves God’s people as a devotional. I appreciate the fact that the author is first and foremost a pastor and one sense the pastoral side coming out in his commentary. Even in the first chapter that talks about the introductory matters of Esther, which can easily be presented by other commentators in a dry manner, Gregory makes the point that Esther’s lack of reference to God explicitly is something the Christian can relate to in today’s world where there is not immediate miracles and God seem to be distant. Every chapter of the book the author leads us to Jesus which is great redemptive historical preaching. The author is aware of the need to apply God’s Word to our lives and each chapter ends with questions for further reflection. I can honestly say I was blessed to worship God as I read every chapter in the book.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by P&R Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
First off this commentary is great for the expositor since it is a rich treasure trove of literary insights into the book of Esther. Originally I read this book as a devotional but soon realized that the amount of literary insights found within it pages makes this work a great resource for those teaching and preaching through Esther. From the footnotes and the bibliography one can tell that the author did his homework by consulting the best resources on Esther from a wide range of sources such as historical books, journal articles and monographs. The author utilizes in a redemptive way the tools of literary criticism, canonical criticism, Jewish studies and employed redemptive historical “preaching” all in a way that is easy to grasp and inviting. This book is a good example of how to pull the best insights from those one may disagree with while still holding on to a Conservative and a biblically faithful perspective. Again, the biggest thing I like about this commentary is its literary observation and I felt I appreciated him pointing out the vast amount of literary devices in Esther that I wouldn’t have picked up on my own. For instance, the author pointed out almost in every chapter the multiple instances of irony in the story of Esther. The king of Persia wants a queen who listens to him, but ends up listening to Queen Esther. The advisors to the king didn’t want the word to get out about the bad example of Queen Vashti to negatively influence the women in the empire but then they go ahead and make a public proclamation. Readers will appreciated the social and cultural background information the commentary provided along with the author’s observation of the many great reversals throughout the book, the chiastic structure of the book and the literary role of feasts in carrying the story forward.
Yet the author manages to write this commentary in a way that serves God’s people as a devotional. I appreciate the fact that the author is first and foremost a pastor and one sense the pastoral side coming out in his commentary. Even in the first chapter that talks about the introductory matters of Esther, which can easily be presented by other commentators in a dry manner, Gregory makes the point that Esther’s lack of reference to God explicitly is something the Christian can relate to in today’s world where there is not immediate miracles and God seem to be distant. Every chapter of the book the author leads us to Jesus which is great redemptive historical preaching. The author is aware of the need to apply God’s Word to our lives and each chapter ends with questions for further reflection. I can honestly say I was blessed to worship God as I read every chapter in the book.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by P&R Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
January 27, 2015
Inconspicuous Providence The Gospel According to Esther Gospel According to the Old Testament by Bryan R. Gregory is written as part commentary, part devotional. The first chapter sets the context in which this work understands and interprets the story of Esther in the Bible. The remaining chapters go through the text of Esther in units, as exegetical commentary, a theological commentary, a Christological commentary, life applications, and questions for reflection.
The theological position taken by Bryan, in my perspective, is a moderate Evangelical one. He takes as actual history the story of Esther as found in the Bible. He does not discuss some of the issues about the historicity of the story that have been raised by recent biblical scholars. He also takes the position that Christ is intentionally foreshadowed in the Esther story, hence the subtitle "The Gospel According to Esther." Finally he takes the Calvinist position of God's omniscience and omnipotence; i.e., that God is fully in control of human affairs.
Where Bryan diverges from the more conservative or fundamentalist Evangelical traditions is that in his discussions he presents a number of alternatives in interpretation that are sometimes at odds with the more traditional ones. For example he describes the cultural and social situation of commoners during the time and suggests that it was more than likely that Esther was a willing participant, perhaps even voluntary in her acceptance of going into the king's harem; and that later interpreters, uncomfortable with Esther's complicity, tried to find ways to "preserve her purity." Another example is that he sees in Esther a very strong female "type" of Christ. Bryan also sees in Esther a leader of the Jews, not merely a political one but a spiritual one who inaugurates a new celebration for the Jews in the midst of exile; and in this way follows in the footsteps of Moses, the liberator and law-giver.
Even though I do not share all of Bryan's theological positions through which he writes, I found this book informative and helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of Esther and how it found support among the Jews and early Christians. Even though it does not explicitly mention "God" anywhere, his presence is assumed through the various literary allusions to earlier Old Testament stories and characters. It is a story of a hidden God who is nevertheless present with his people, to comfort and to lead them through trials and sufferings.
(This review is based on ARC supplied by the publisher through NetGalley.)
The theological position taken by Bryan, in my perspective, is a moderate Evangelical one. He takes as actual history the story of Esther as found in the Bible. He does not discuss some of the issues about the historicity of the story that have been raised by recent biblical scholars. He also takes the position that Christ is intentionally foreshadowed in the Esther story, hence the subtitle "The Gospel According to Esther." Finally he takes the Calvinist position of God's omniscience and omnipotence; i.e., that God is fully in control of human affairs.
Where Bryan diverges from the more conservative or fundamentalist Evangelical traditions is that in his discussions he presents a number of alternatives in interpretation that are sometimes at odds with the more traditional ones. For example he describes the cultural and social situation of commoners during the time and suggests that it was more than likely that Esther was a willing participant, perhaps even voluntary in her acceptance of going into the king's harem; and that later interpreters, uncomfortable with Esther's complicity, tried to find ways to "preserve her purity." Another example is that he sees in Esther a very strong female "type" of Christ. Bryan also sees in Esther a leader of the Jews, not merely a political one but a spiritual one who inaugurates a new celebration for the Jews in the midst of exile; and in this way follows in the footsteps of Moses, the liberator and law-giver.
Even though I do not share all of Bryan's theological positions through which he writes, I found this book informative and helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of Esther and how it found support among the Jews and early Christians. Even though it does not explicitly mention "God" anywhere, his presence is assumed through the various literary allusions to earlier Old Testament stories and characters. It is a story of a hidden God who is nevertheless present with his people, to comfort and to lead them through trials and sufferings.
(This review is based on ARC supplied by the publisher through NetGalley.)
February 9, 2015
The Old Testament is a gold mine of New Testament truth. For me, studying the Old Testament helps me better to understand the Gospel, the cross and the work of Christ. These particular studies The Gospel According to the Old Testament has been a blessing to me. I have a shelf of these books that I have read and would encourage others to consider reading.
This particular study on Esther is a great addition to these books. The book of Esther is a book of contrast and tension. Without mentioning God, it shows the providence of God and how he cares and keeps his promise to his people. The book of Esther is very theological and with the guidance of Bryan Gregory, we can uncover the theology under the surface. Many times in our own lives God can be hidden. It is these times there can be great tension, God does not intervene in our behalf but as a Christian we know that He holds all things. It is interesting that Esther‘s name means hidden. She herself hid from her own identity until she came to pivotal time that she had to claim her identity.
Esther herself is a reflection of Christ. Because of her faithfulness, she brings a salvation to her people. When God seems hidden from us, Jesus can help us make sense of our circumstances by the way of the cross. Jesus himself cried out Abba Father, why hast thou forsaken me.
Each chapter goes thru the book of Esther with deep exhortation of the word that draws out the context of the time and ends how Christ is revealed in the life of Esther.
I also learned some new insights to Esther as well. In many ways she compromised who she was with self –protection but when needed; she had conviction and with responsibility set out with great thought to be a vessel of salvation to her people. Like Esther, when we see ourselves part of a larger providential plan, we have conviction and stand firm in the faith, we can see the delivering hand of God.
A special thank you, P & R Publishing
and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This particular study on Esther is a great addition to these books. The book of Esther is a book of contrast and tension. Without mentioning God, it shows the providence of God and how he cares and keeps his promise to his people. The book of Esther is very theological and with the guidance of Bryan Gregory, we can uncover the theology under the surface. Many times in our own lives God can be hidden. It is these times there can be great tension, God does not intervene in our behalf but as a Christian we know that He holds all things. It is interesting that Esther‘s name means hidden. She herself hid from her own identity until she came to pivotal time that she had to claim her identity.
Esther herself is a reflection of Christ. Because of her faithfulness, she brings a salvation to her people. When God seems hidden from us, Jesus can help us make sense of our circumstances by the way of the cross. Jesus himself cried out Abba Father, why hast thou forsaken me.
Each chapter goes thru the book of Esther with deep exhortation of the word that draws out the context of the time and ends how Christ is revealed in the life of Esther.
I also learned some new insights to Esther as well. In many ways she compromised who she was with self –protection but when needed; she had conviction and with responsibility set out with great thought to be a vessel of salvation to her people. Like Esther, when we see ourselves part of a larger providential plan, we have conviction and stand firm in the faith, we can see the delivering hand of God.
A special thank you, P & R Publishing
and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews