Book of Esther: Only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God

While God (the Creator) is not mentioned in the biblical Book of Esther, His superintendence is noticeably present throughout the story... We see:

 

> God's interaction with man's will

> God's hatred of racial prejudice

> God's sovereignty and deliverance

> God's power to give wisdom and help in times of danger

Centuries ago, a young, Jewish girl unexpectedly became the queen of a vast empire. She was instrumental in saving her people from genocide. The Lord raised up Esther just as He had raised up Joseph, Moses and Joshua to deliver His people from destruction. 

Theme of the Book of Esther

In the story of Esther, you'll meet a beautiful young queen who risked her life to serve the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and saved her people [the Israelites/Jews]. The story begins with Xerxes I, king of Persia (reigned 486–465 BC), throwing a lavish party at the palace. On the last day of the festivities, the king called for his queen, Vashti, to appear before his guests but she refused to come. Wanting to flaunt her beauty to his guests, Xerxes became livid when she refused his request. The king removed her permanently from his presence and set out to find a new queen. Esther, who unbeknownst to Xerxes I was an Israelite woman named Haddassah, was chosen to be the next queen of the Achaemenid Empire (aka: Persian Empire). Haddassah, which means "myrtle", was an orphan raised by her cousin, Mordecai, who would eventually become a minor official in the Persian government of Susa. The king's highest official was a wicked man named Haman the Agagite and he is the main antagonist of the story. He hated the Israelites/Jews with a passion, especially Mordecai, who had refused to bow down to him. When Mordecai uncovered a plot to assassinate the king he told Esther about the conspiracy and challenged her with these brilliant words:

"Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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 your royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13-14)

Esther the queen encouraged the Israelites/Jews to fast and pray for deliverance, then immediately reported it to Xerxes I [giving the credit to Mordecai for the warning]. Not only was the plot thwarted and Mordecai's act of kindness was preserved in the chronicles of the king, Mordecai was promoted to the highest official in the kingdom after Haman was called out by Xerxes I and hung on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai. Haman's plot to kill all the Israelites/Jews failed and soon after the people were granted protection throughout the land. The Israelites celebrated God's colossal deliverance, and the joyous festival of Purim was instituted.

Timeline of Events

Around 486-465 B.C., over 100 years after the Babylonian captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar and a little over 50 years after Zerubbabel led the first group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem, many Israelites/Jews still remained in Persia. They were part of the diaspora of exiles that were scattered among the nations. It is unknown why some Jews returned to Jerusalem after King Cyrus made such a noble decree and why some chose to remain where they were. It is believed that some of the Israelites/Jews did not want to risk the dangerous journey back to their homeland. Regardless, Esther and her family were among those who remained in Persia.

Other Interesting Facts about the Book of Esther:

• The book was written between 460-331 B.C. (after the reign of Xerxes I and before Alexander the Great's rise to power).
• The author of the book is unknown, yet some scholars suggest Mordecai (Esther 9:20-22; 9:29-31), while other theologians propose Ezra or Nehemiah because of similar writing styles.
• The author of the Book of Esther displays an accurate knowledge of Persian customs and palaces.
• There are only four key characters: Esther, Xerxes I, Mordecai, Haman.
• Xerxes I was also known as Ahasuerus; this king seemed to have been an impulsive leader.
• After Haman’s promotion, King Ahasuerus ordered everyone to bow before him [Haman]... hence the reason Haman became so obsessed with wanting to destroy Mordecai when he refused to bow to Haman.
• Esther asked the Israelites to fast during Passover for one day, which was otherwise forbidden in Jewish culture. Yet, Esther reasoned it was better to fast on one Pesach lest they all be destroyed, never to celebrate the holiday again. (Esther 4:16)
• The story of Esther forms the historical origin of the Jewish festival of Purim, which translated in English, means, "Feast of Lots".

Moral of the Book of Esther

There a many moral lessons to be found in the Book of Esther, such as using the influence you possess to help others and to always do the right thing. Undeniably, Esther was a noble biblical figure, who when called by the Creator himself, saved the Jewish people of Persia. The moral of the story of Esther attests to many virtuous instructions...

1. Patience is a Virtue
2. The Dangers of Anger
3. The Right Way to Fight
4. How to Be a Good Leader
5. How to Have a Positive Attitude
6. The Importance of Good Advisors
7. Our Past Does Not Dictate Our Future
8. God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things
9. God Places Mentors in Our Life to Teach Us Wisdom
10. We Can Make An Impact for Generations to Come

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The following video sums up the story of Esther with great clarity...