05.23.21 The Book of Esther

As we continue further into chapter 2 of Esther this Sunday, we nearly get whiplash at the pace of the story. We are barely introduced to our two protagonists, Esther and Mordecai, and the next thing we know she's queen of the entire Medo-Persian empire and Mordecai is risking his life to expose an assassination plot against the king! Whoa! Nothing less than the providential hand of God is at work. Look for it as you read this chapter in preparation for our conversation. Esther whose name is most commonly interpreted as "star" (her Jewish name Hadassah means "myrtle") is argued by some to be more appropriately interpreted as "hidden." An interesting foreshadowing to the complete absence of any overt reference to God. And yet, his presence is undeniable and his voice loud and clear.