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Flourish Bible Study
Esther: The Hidden Hand of God
"Here is a study intent on making disciples who know and worship their God."
--Jen Wilkin, Bible teacher; author, Women of the Word; None Like Him; and In His Image
The book of Esther reads much like a fairy tale: a young Jewish queen, her wise older cousin, an evil royal servant, and a self-centered king. But Esther is no fairy tale. From the beginning of the book to the end, God is the main character of the story--even though he's never mentioned.
Join Lydia Brownback as she digs deeper into the book of Esther and learn how God is faithful to keep his promises and deliver his people. This story ultimately points to the gospel, revealing the need for a better deliverer, a better king, and a better kingdom than any found in this world.
The Flourish Bible Study series equips women to study the overarching storyline of the Bible book by book. Designed for individual or group use, each 10-week workbook features conversational teaching that aims to make in-depth Bible study accessible to women in all seasons of life, along with practical application questions and additional recommended resources.
--Jen Wilkin, Bible teacher; author, Women of the Word; None Like Him; and In His Image
The book of Esther reads much like a fairy tale: a young Jewish queen, her wise older cousin, an evil royal servant, and a self-centered king. But Esther is no fairy tale. From the beginning of the book to the end, God is the main character of the story--even though he's never mentioned.
Join Lydia Brownback as she digs deeper into the book of Esther and learn how God is faithful to keep his promises and deliver his people. This story ultimately points to the gospel, revealing the need for a better deliverer, a better king, and a better kingdom than any found in this world.
The Flourish Bible Study series equips women to study the overarching storyline of the Bible book by book. Designed for individual or group use, each 10-week workbook features conversational teaching that aims to make in-depth Bible study accessible to women in all seasons of life, along with practical application questions and additional recommended resources.
128 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2020
33 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Brownback
52 books130 followersLydia Brownback (MAR, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as a senior editor at Crossway in Wheaton, Illinois, and an author and speaker at women’s conferences around the world. Lydia previously served as writer in residence for Alistair Begg and as producer of the Bible Study Hour radio program with James Montgomery Boice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 18, 2023
(3.5) I think Jen Wilkin ruined me for all other Bible studies. This was faithful, biblical, and worthwhile! But I felt it did not thoroughly connect the dots between text & takeaways.
August 21, 2020
God fulfills his promises thru ordinary providence in everyday life. Nothing is wasted. No pain, no circumstances, nothing is wasted to bring about God's will.
Esther is a Old Testament book of the bible where the Jewish people were in captivity. There is history that leads to how God moved during that time. What is interesting and has been noted before is that God is not mentioned in the book of Esther. Is the hidden hand of God. From beginning to end, the plot takes a twist in the setting of banquets and feasts. Brownback gives deeper insight in the significance of the feasts and banquets during a dark time in Jewish history. It was a time that a plot was developed to destroy the Jewish race thus destroy any chances of Jesus coming to redeem the world.
This is a bible study for both beginners and those that a have a few under their belt. It is short but it packs a punch. It is developed for you to discover truth of God's word for yourself. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Esther is a Old Testament book of the bible where the Jewish people were in captivity. There is history that leads to how God moved during that time. What is interesting and has been noted before is that God is not mentioned in the book of Esther. Is the hidden hand of God. From beginning to end, the plot takes a twist in the setting of banquets and feasts. Brownback gives deeper insight in the significance of the feasts and banquets during a dark time in Jewish history. It was a time that a plot was developed to destroy the Jewish race thus destroy any chances of Jesus coming to redeem the world.
This is a bible study for both beginners and those that a have a few under their belt. It is short but it packs a punch. It is developed for you to discover truth of God's word for yourself. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 30, 2021
Using her ten lesson book, the author, Lydia Brownback, led our study group through a deep look at this gripping Biblical narrative. The maps, timelines, commentary, and questions helped each student dig deeply. Reading the scriptures and answering the questions could be done easily in 20 minutes a day. Although, the student who wishes to extend his/her study is provided with the tools and titles of additional resources. Brownback settles us deeply in the context of the book as she highlights God's unfolding plan of redemption and rescue. Our discussion group was greatly challenged and inspired.
September 14, 2020
I am really excited about this series! This is the first of the Flourish Bible study series from Crossway on the Old Testament book of Esther. This study is on the lighter side for homework, but packed with good, solid content! Grab this for your bible study group this winter!
August 31, 2024
I’m not gonna lie - as a female youth pastor I oftentimes just create my own Bible study curriculums from scratch as girl/women Bible studies tend to be… lacking, in both scriptural basis and theological accuracy. I hate when Bible study authors feel the need to water down scripture and eisegete a passage for women and teen girl Bible studies.
This is one of the very few times I’ve read through a Bible study written for women and thought to myself “this is EXACTLY what I wanted.” If you’re looking for a study on Esther - as a man or woman - I cannot recommend this enough.
I’ll have to edit some parts about the harem when I use this (because, while accurate, I don’t know if middle school girls need those details) and I’ll have to downsize the number of questions (since it is a lot of questions for students to have to answer in a week) but that’s purely personal preference and definitely not anything that needs “fixed.”
This is one of the very few times I’ve read through a Bible study written for women and thought to myself “this is EXACTLY what I wanted.” If you’re looking for a study on Esther - as a man or woman - I cannot recommend this enough.
I’ll have to edit some parts about the harem when I use this (because, while accurate, I don’t know if middle school girls need those details) and I’ll have to downsize the number of questions (since it is a lot of questions for students to have to answer in a week) but that’s purely personal preference and definitely not anything that needs “fixed.”
December 23, 2020
When I received this ARC I was thrilled! I immediately could tell it was going to be different than other women’s Bible studies. Now, after completing the study I am incredibly impressed. I normally hate devotional/bible study books. As a seminary grad and undergrad degree in women’s ministry, I struggle with the market geared toward women. The market is filled with fluff and so many women have become dependent on “pre-chewed” studies instead of studying God’s word themselves, and often are left feeling empty. That is not this study.
This 10 week study (could easily be done in less time) through the book of Esther provides in-depth historical context, cross references, and reflection questions for application and bible study. It is easily the best women’s study on a book of the Bible I have found. It provides historical/cultural context in a way that invites the reader into the discovery of biblical truth and depth. It does not do all the work for you, but invites you into the process. Also, I LOVE that this study is not dependent on an audio or video teaching. It also wasn’t not designed to be for a group, it really felt like an individual study. I loved how I was guided to do bible study myself, and I didn’t feel the need to pull additional resources to get a deeper study. That is how a great Bible study is done! I learned so much myself, even with the background I have and that surprised and thrilled me! I have already begun recommending this to the ladies in my women’s Bible study. I am eager to do the other studies that will be coming from this series! This is the first of many!
While I loved this study, I do have a few notes. First, it is heavily influenced by reformed theology, which is to be expected due to the publisher. But I could really feel it with the content in Esther more the other works from Crossway, but it was not overbearing. I don’t fully align with either camp, so it did not bother me too much. Additionally, there were some days that I would finish in five minutes and others were thirty minutes. It felt inconsistent at times, so if there was a short day I would work ahead. I wish it had been more consistent each day. I also liked that it was a study I could work ahead or do a whole week in a day if I wanted to. But I did wish it was more even for each day. Reading content was evenly split, but the interaction each day was not. Third, there were some moments when I would answer the study question (non-application) and then hope for some sort of confirmation that I had gotten what the author wanted me to. This happened more so at the beginning of the study than the end, but it could be more of my personality type wanting to know I had done it correctly. This was a minor thing, but it also may have been intentional to encourage personal study instead of getting a “correct answer.”
I am eager to do more of these studies! Thank you Crossway for allowing me to read this work! Easily, my favorite Bible study! I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
This 10 week study (could easily be done in less time) through the book of Esther provides in-depth historical context, cross references, and reflection questions for application and bible study. It is easily the best women’s study on a book of the Bible I have found. It provides historical/cultural context in a way that invites the reader into the discovery of biblical truth and depth. It does not do all the work for you, but invites you into the process. Also, I LOVE that this study is not dependent on an audio or video teaching. It also wasn’t not designed to be for a group, it really felt like an individual study. I loved how I was guided to do bible study myself, and I didn’t feel the need to pull additional resources to get a deeper study. That is how a great Bible study is done! I learned so much myself, even with the background I have and that surprised and thrilled me! I have already begun recommending this to the ladies in my women’s Bible study. I am eager to do the other studies that will be coming from this series! This is the first of many!
While I loved this study, I do have a few notes. First, it is heavily influenced by reformed theology, which is to be expected due to the publisher. But I could really feel it with the content in Esther more the other works from Crossway, but it was not overbearing. I don’t fully align with either camp, so it did not bother me too much. Additionally, there were some days that I would finish in five minutes and others were thirty minutes. It felt inconsistent at times, so if there was a short day I would work ahead. I wish it had been more consistent each day. I also liked that it was a study I could work ahead or do a whole week in a day if I wanted to. But I did wish it was more even for each day. Reading content was evenly split, but the interaction each day was not. Third, there were some moments when I would answer the study question (non-application) and then hope for some sort of confirmation that I had gotten what the author wanted me to. This happened more so at the beginning of the study than the end, but it could be more of my personality type wanting to know I had done it correctly. This was a minor thing, but it also may have been intentional to encourage personal study instead of getting a “correct answer.”
I am eager to do more of these studies! Thank you Crossway for allowing me to read this work! Easily, my favorite Bible study! I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
February 11, 2022
Best Bible study I’ve read for Esther! Will be a lot of studies like to romanticize the story of Esther and keep things has very Sunday School, Lydia Brownback did an excellent job of getting in deep and dirty with the story. I do appreciate how she was honest about who King Ahaduerus really was (not a swoony Hollywood version), and thus the circumstances Esther was put into.
I loved how she tied Esther to the rest of Scripture, both Old Testament and New, and EVERYTHING points to Jesus!
If you are looking to dive deep into the book of Esther, I definitely recommend this study guide!
I loved how she tied Esther to the rest of Scripture, both Old Testament and New, and EVERYTHING points to Jesus!
If you are looking to dive deep into the book of Esther, I definitely recommend this study guide!
May 27, 2025
wow!! what a gift this book was to me these last few weeks! though God’s name is never mentioned, He is woven all throughout the story of Esther and his son is foreshadowed through the heroic efforts of the imperfect, immoral Esther and Mordecai. thank you Lord for having an intricate plan to save both your Jewish people in Persia so many years ago, and me today!!! this is my second Brownback book and i am once again so grateful for the way she ties so many other OT and NT scripture readings into the book we are studying. couldn’t recommend this book enough !
May 9, 2025
10 weeks of diving into the details of Esther and finding all the ways that God orchestrated the protection of His people!
September 10, 2020
( received complimentary e-book in exchange for review )
One of the stories in the Bible which I treasure the most is the Book of Esther. Whenever I find a resource which I have not seen before, there is always something new to pull from it. This title did not disappoint. Highly recommended for those who like to study in groups. Can easily see this used in a small group or online group study setting. Will certainly be revisiting this title in the future, for a more in-depth study.
One of the stories in the Bible which I treasure the most is the Book of Esther. Whenever I find a resource which I have not seen before, there is always something new to pull from it. This title did not disappoint. Highly recommended for those who like to study in groups. Can easily see this used in a small group or online group study setting. Will certainly be revisiting this title in the future, for a more in-depth study.
March 7, 2021
I received an ARC from Crossway, via NetGalley.This review is my personal opinion.
In this 10 weeks Bible study, Lydia Brownback takes us in an interesting and profound study of a known story for many. They are many things I like about this book and why I think you also need to do this Bible study.
It gives you a brief but clear explanation of the historical background of the book, this helps a lot during the weeks.
The questions are based on the text, which means you need a notebook, bible, and pencil. I know many feel intimated by a Bible study, but the approachable way makes it easier for everyone, you can be a stay home mom, a grandmamma, or a single woman.
On the website of the Bible study, you also find the guide for the leader, great for those who want to do it in groups.
My favorite and I must say that was a surprise for me in those 10 weeks, it’s the Sovereignty of God present in this book, and what happens when we take the time to go deep and see the threads woven by an amazing all-powerful God. I was and still am encouraged by the truth found in this book. In God, they are no mistakes, nothing left by chance. Great Bible study, great job to the author and all the team involved.
In this 10 weeks Bible study, Lydia Brownback takes us in an interesting and profound study of a known story for many. They are many things I like about this book and why I think you also need to do this Bible study.
It gives you a brief but clear explanation of the historical background of the book, this helps a lot during the weeks.
The questions are based on the text, which means you need a notebook, bible, and pencil. I know many feel intimated by a Bible study, but the approachable way makes it easier for everyone, you can be a stay home mom, a grandmamma, or a single woman.
On the website of the Bible study, you also find the guide for the leader, great for those who want to do it in groups.
My favorite and I must say that was a surprise for me in those 10 weeks, it’s the Sovereignty of God present in this book, and what happens when we take the time to go deep and see the threads woven by an amazing all-powerful God. I was and still am encouraged by the truth found in this book. In God, they are no mistakes, nothing left by chance. Great Bible study, great job to the author and all the team involved.
September 8, 2024
Loved this study of Esther! Introduction has lots of good information in it and I like the timeline of the place of Esther in Biblical History.
I love that each week takes on a chapter of Esther but they aren’t divided by days so you are more likely to work at your own pace, longer on the days I had more time to commit and shorter times on my busy days.
There are a lot of questions to answer. I’m not a fan of answering the obvious ones that seem to lead to nowhere. And many of them are back to back questions, so a lot to think about and respond to.
But I love how she shows how the story of Esther points us to the gospel of Christ!
My takeaways: 1. Reminder Gods protection and provision in my life. God is always at work behind the scenes in our lives just as he was in the lives of those in the Old Testament. 2. In the same way King A. made a new decree to save the Jews, God made a new way for us through Jesus Christ. We are no longer condemned by our sinful nature, we have been saved by his blood! 3. We do not fight holy wars the way they did before Christ. Our wars are spiritual and we are told in Eph 6 how we are to equip ourselves spiritually with the word of God and remember our ultimate victory is through Jesus Christ! God is in control and He is faithful!
I love that each week takes on a chapter of Esther but they aren’t divided by days so you are more likely to work at your own pace, longer on the days I had more time to commit and shorter times on my busy days.
There are a lot of questions to answer. I’m not a fan of answering the obvious ones that seem to lead to nowhere. And many of them are back to back questions, so a lot to think about and respond to.
But I love how she shows how the story of Esther points us to the gospel of Christ!
My takeaways: 1. Reminder Gods protection and provision in my life. God is always at work behind the scenes in our lives just as he was in the lives of those in the Old Testament. 2. In the same way King A. made a new decree to save the Jews, God made a new way for us through Jesus Christ. We are no longer condemned by our sinful nature, we have been saved by his blood! 3. We do not fight holy wars the way they did before Christ. Our wars are spiritual and we are told in Eph 6 how we are to equip ourselves spiritually with the word of God and remember our ultimate victory is through Jesus Christ! God is in control and He is faithful!
August 21, 2020
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Lydia Brownback's book on the psalms, I saw her latest release, Esther: The Hidden Hand of God, and I knew it would be a winner. Brownback is a trustworthy Bible teacher who leads readers to marinate their hearts and minds in God's Word. In this 10-week women's Bible study, Brownback provides a balance of cultural and historical background, personal Bible study and practical application. I appreciate most that the study is not full of fluff, but instead guides students to dig into God's Word for themselves. Readers will be delighted to see the Hidden Hand of God as they journey through the book of Esther discovering new insights they may have never noticed before. While it's designed as a group study, individuals will certainly find plenty to marinate on if they go it alone.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 12, 2020
"Esther" is a Bible study on Esther that is 10 chapters (or weeks) long. It seems targeted at individual study, though it could be used as a group study. The author worked through the book of Esther, bringing in historical background information and related verses from throughout the Bible. You look up and read the verses in your own Bible. She provided commentary on what was going on, reading comprehension questions, and application questions. She focused on how God was at work even though God isn't directly mentioned in Esther. Overall, I'd recommend this study to women who haven't taken a deeper look at Esther before.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine
February 8, 2023
Such an encouraging OT narrative about the Hidden Hand of God. His name is bit mentioned once, but the providence of God is evident in the the events and protection of his people. Mordecai is a foreshadowing of Jesus in that he brings peace to his people. Ex: see chapter 9 “near and far” is referenced in Isaiah 57 (peace near and far) and Acts 2 (gospel near and far) Ephesians 2:17 (Jesus has come preaching peace). A. Begg sermon states Mordecai is the “man for the moment” but Jesus is the “King for the Ages! Amen! Great Bible study for everyone. Content: clean except references to harem and the Kings use of concubines in selecting his next queen
July 19, 2020
As a first time user of a bible study, I found this very good as a solo study. You can really self reflect and relate this to your life and see what changes you could, or should, make. Personally, I think that this works better as a physical workbook, as opposed to an ebook. It is one thing to answer the questions out loud, entirely another to write things down. That said, I can see using this in a group setting - though whilst good for a beginner, a more advanced group may find it to hold your hand a little too much - I do think that this study opens to floor to some lively conversations!
June 3, 2025
Some books just don't make a good audiobook, and this is one. This Devo is full of good perspectives, historical context and contemplations that bring the story of Esther to new light, however requires pausing literally every five seconds to look up a verse referenced but not quoted or to pause and reflect on a great question. Maybe it's on me for trying a devotional audiobook but I think the user experience could have been vastly improved. 3.5⭐
August 13, 2020
This book covered the subject of Esther. I would have liked to see this as a print workbook rather than an ebook. Esther is one of my favorite books of the Bible and was well represented in this book. Even though God was never mentioned by name in the book of Esther it is understood that she followed God and exalted him.
August 19, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book.
Esther is one of my favorite books of the Bible, so I was excited to read this. Brownback introduces the study well, and includes helpful suggestions on how to go about the reading. Throughout the study, Brownback brought up points that I hadn't considered or thought through before, and I enjoyed the refreshing perspective.
Esther is one of my favorite books of the Bible, so I was excited to read this. Brownback introduces the study well, and includes helpful suggestions on how to go about the reading. Throughout the study, Brownback brought up points that I hadn't considered or thought through before, and I enjoyed the refreshing perspective.
July 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this study! The work and reading were straightforward, peaceful, and simple each week but loaded with helpful information and wonderful connections to other Scripture references that further enhanced the week's passage.
April 2, 2023
I really enjoyed the layout of this Bible study. It did a great job focusing on God’s hand in the story and keeping His promise to His people. I am very glad I was able to dig deeper into the book of Esther.
September 30, 2023
This is a much simpler book in terms of how simply it’s laid out than I though it would but I learned so much about Esther and Mordecai and especially how brave Esther was and is an inspiration in her faith.
May 8, 2024
Our multigenerational women’s Bible study enjoyed this study. We dove deeper than the book during our time together, but it was a great jumping off point and we found the homework generally manageable for busy ladies.
September 25, 2021
Brownback writes great Bible studies.
November 13, 2021
This is a wonderful study of Esther for those that are looking!
February 23, 2023
My first time in a Brownback study and I loved this! Eager to try out others from her!
December 13, 2023
One of my favorites of this series.
September 5, 2024
This is a fantastic first Bible study for beginners! The historical references and detail really help solidify your understanding of the severity of this time period and impact of Esther.
April 2, 2025
I greatly appreciate the historical view of the culture & kingdom of the Persian empire. This tends to be lacking in many Bible studies that I have done.
April 22, 2025
👍🏻: Really enjoyed a deeper look at this book of the Bible. Felt super timely & was a good reminder & encouragement.
👎🏻: Some of the questions were a bit confusing & others a bit surface-level.
👎🏻: Some of the questions were a bit confusing & others a bit surface-level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews