Bible's Book of Esther is Full of Mysteries

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The book of Esther is full of mysteries that has grasped the attention of Biblical scholars and audiences throughout ages and still presents some challenges to the contemporary audiences. It is important to understand the purpose and theme of the book in order to better understand the text in its context. Many Christian scholars and audiences’ alike eisegesis the text instead of using exegesis therefore there have been many misconceptions regarding Esther. The book of Esther is a very important book for it is the only book in the bible to be without the name of God in its entire text. Though there is no reference to God or Torah in the text does not necessarily mean that God is not revealed through circumstances and challenges faced by His people the Israelites. The purpose of the book of Esther is to keep alive the Feast of Purim’s celebratory tradition of their forefathers, and to give a historical background for the reason and celebration of Purim. Esther exhorts its audiences that God is in control even if the situation seems impossible. The text reveals that God is above fate, coincidences and situations. Esther is read during the Feast of Purim by the Jewish populace to honour and remember the joy of the victory of their forefathers over their oppressors.
The story of Esther is a historical account regarding the Jews who stayed in Persia, even though the “Edict of Cyrus” from 539 B.C., allowed them to return to their respective homeland. An event in the Persian city of Susa threatens the very existence of the Jewish populace, calling into question the faithfulness, redemptive act and promise of God towards His people. The book of Esther juggles the question whether the Jewish populace who are under Haman’s persecution woul...

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... Esther reveals that God is in control and He uses various means to reveal Himself as the protector and deliverer of Israel without any need for human help. There are various purposes for the book of Esther; (1) to provide a historical motive for the commencement and perpetual celebration or observation of the Feast of Purim (2) to celebrate the victory of the Jews over their ongoing struggle against their enemies and near extermination because of Haman, (3) and to encourage the Jewish populace everywhere what has befallen to them and how they were delivered which was to be used to exhort the Jews to put their trust on God’s faithfulness for their welfare and preservation. Esther is an important book of the Bible and it has relevant message that can still inspire and teach the contemporary world on the faithfulness of God over His people be they Jews or Christians.

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