Karen jobes esther commentary
Karen H. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, ISBN As stated in the introduction to this volume, the express purpose of the commentaries in this series is "to help you [i. In order to fulfill this aim the discussion of each passage is divided into three parts: "Original Meaning," "Bridging Contexts," and "Contemporary Significance. The challenge for such a combination of tasks is to do each part well, particularly the biblical exposition.
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Esther (The NIV Application Commentary)
In this analysis, I argue that the progression of the dialogue between Esther and Mordecai plays a significant role in the narrative. This progression instils a glimpse of hope in the reader that the Jews, working in solidarity, will perhaps overcome their crisis as the narrative progresses. Beginning with a brief overview of the historical and literary context of the text, this article presents a detailed reading of Esther —17 based on the Masoretic Text MT.
Understanding the perilous situation of the Jews is crucial in interpreting Esther 4. Jews had been taken into Persia as exiles They were no longer in their land where the Temple and everything connected to the worship of God was based. The Esther story is found among the Writings in the Hebrew Bible. Esther ended up in the position of queen after the dethronement of Queen Vashti whose only crime was refusing to appear before her husband, King Ahasuerus, and his guests Esther — Located in the first half of the narrative, Esther 4 captures the defining moments when decisions are made around the appropriate action to take in response to this arising crisis.
As such, Esther 4 is crucial to the narrative. Not only does it depict how a group of people in dire circumstances reacted to a crisis in the ancient past, it sets the tone on the direction of the narrative as it progresses. The second is the dialogue between Esther and Mordecai — Below is an analysis of both episodes. While chapter 3 of Esther ends with Haman and the king feasting after the issuing of the edict , chapter 4 begins with the fasting and mourning of the Jews. It has been suggested that Mordecai may have felt self-reproach for having provoked Haman.
Whatever the case, Mordecai appears now to have been on a mission to find a solution. Through her attendants, Esther heard about Mordecai. Hence, the sooner he stopped his public acts the better it would be for both of them. It seems Esther had no knowledge of what was happening outside the royal household. In order to ensure Esther understood the situation, Mordecai sent Hathak with three pieces of information and one instruction.
How Mordecai got this much detail is not explained. Perhaps he would frequent the gate so much that he got to know things. Having provided the reason behind his lament, Mordecai finished by instructing Esther to approach the king and plead for the lives of the Jews.
Having just heard that the lives of her people were in danger, Esther emphasises that approaching the king would also put her own life in danger. As it was, Esther had not been invited by the king for thirty days — It seems that life was not all that easy in the royal household. Her hesitation and fear were indeed not unfounded.
This is an unsettling statement and commentators have wondered why Mordecai would say that to Esther and what exactly he meant. As such, it is not unusual that he would be concerned for her. At this point, convinced by Mordecai, Esther implicitly agrees. She then instructed Mordecai to call all the Jews in Susa to a three-day intercessory fast before she approached the king.
Chapter 4 presents a shift in the character of Esther who is now making decisions. However, in chapter 4, despite earlier hesitation, she resolves to approach the king even if it costs her own life. Moreover, she also gives instruction to her uncle to call a fast. The reader is left wondering, what will happen? Will the Jews escape this impending genocide? The two ultimately settle that Esther will seek human assistance by approaching the king but only after Mordecai and the Jews seek divine help through an intercessory fast.
With all parties fully aware of what is at stake, and in solidarity on the way forward, the reader senses a glimmer of hope for the Jews.
And rightly so, for as the narrative progresses, the annihilation is foiled, and the Jews managed to defend themselves against their enemies — The events recorded in the book of Esther are far removed from our time. It is estimated the story was written as early as and as late as BC. In this section, I reflect on three ways in which Esther 4 can speak to believers in a crisis.
Firstly, it speaks of the role of lament. Finally, it reminds us that times of crisis call for solidarity. This passage highlights the necessity and appropriateness of mourning or lamenting in times of crisis.
Mordecai and the Jews did not hide their pain and their fears over the impending annihilation of their people.
Believers are called to prayer and fasting in trying times. Jesus fasted Matt —3 and expected his followers to fast, hence, he advised them what to do and what not to do when fasting Matt — While Esther had to be brave to face the king, she would only do so after the intercessory fast by Mordecai and all the Jews in Susa. The Jews had to depend both on divine help as well as their solidarity to overcome their crisis.
Many countries, including New Zealand, have closed their borders to stop the spread of the disease. People are in lockdown and only allowed to leave the home for essential goods and services. Day by day, the death toll and infection rate have been rising internationally. It is estimated that many people will be affected in one form or another. In this time, the book of Esther reminds us that it is appropriate to lament; to lament the pain of sickness, the loss of loved ones, the loneliness of being isolated in lockdown, the loss of income, and the freedom to engage in activities that are part of normal life.
As we do so, let our lament be addressed to our loving God who is ever-present Ps 23; ; our Saviour, Jesus Christ who is well acquainted with suffering Heb and who intercedes for us Heb , Rom ; and to our comforter, the Holy Spirit who is also always interceding for us John , 26; Rom Through prayer and fasting, we can express our pain.
However, that is not all. Just as in the book of Esther, some have to be in the front line—the nurses, doctors and other practitioners who courageously risk their own lives on behalf of others—let us support them through our prayers that God would protect them and heal the sick they care for.
This is a clarion call to everyone, for, we each have a part to play in our different spheres of influence. This could be leading or working in churches or other organisations, attending to our own families, friends, and neighbours in need, or providing financial or other support to organisations involved in solidarity with the fight against COVID, locally and internationally. We are all called, in our various ways, for such a time as this!
Her doctoral research is on the Old Testament, focusing on the book of Esther. Her other research interests include the New Testament, theology, African theology and culture, postcolonial criticism, as well as womanism and feminism.
Tekweni also works part-time as a graduate teaching assistant at Laidlaw College in Auckland, New Zealand. She was born and raised in Rusape, Zimbabwe then migrated to New Zealand with her husband over a decade and a half ago. Together they have two teenage sons and a younger daughter. Carol M. Charles R. Holmstedt, and John Screnock.
BBR 2 : E Nykolaishen and Andrew J. Historical and Literary Context Understanding the perilous situation of the Jews is crucial in interpreting Esther 4.
Reflection: Esther 4 in Times of Crisis The events recorded in the book of Esther are far removed from our time. Lament This passage highlights the necessity and appropriateness of mourning or lamenting in times of crisis. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther , No results :. Opps, something went wrong : Retry.
Women Biblical Scholars
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Faculty Profiles
In this analysis, I argue that the progression of the dialogue between Esther and Mordecai plays a significant role in the narrative. This progression instils a glimpse of hope in the reader that the Jews, working in solidarity, will perhaps overcome their crisis as the narrative progresses. Beginning with a brief overview of the historical and literary context of the text, this article presents a detailed reading of Esther —17 based on the Masoretic Text MT. Understanding the perilous situation of the Jews is crucial in interpreting Esther 4. Jews had been taken into Persia as exiles They were no longer in their land where the Temple and everything connected to the worship of God was based. The Esther story is found among the Writings in the Hebrew Bible. Esther ended up in the position of queen after the dethronement of Queen Vashti whose only crime was refusing to appear before her husband, King Ahasuerus, and his guests Esther — Located in the first half of the narrative, Esther 4 captures the defining moments when decisions are made around the appropriate action to take in response to this arising crisis.
Esther: The Unseen Hand of Providence
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NIV Application Commentary: Esther (NIVAC)
The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. This commentary shows how Esther is perfect guidance for us when we find ourselves in a situation where right and wrong are not so clearly defined and every choice we have seems to be a troubling mixture of good and bad. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's context, each passage is treated in three sections:. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written. Karen H. The author of several works, she has also been involved in the NIV Bible translation. She and her husband, Forrest, live in Philadelphia and are members of an Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Ordering more than 2,?
These chapters bring about a resolution to the themes of the book, tell us the purpose of the book, and show us the resolution of the most In this regard I have found most helpful Karen Jobes commentary on the book The Feasts of Xerxes II.
Watch out if someone asks you to teach adult Sunday School! I was firmly established in a career in computer science when I realized that I was enjoying preparing for and teaching my adult Sunday School class in Bible more than I was enjoying my job. The decision to leave my career in computer science for seminary and eventually for a doctoral program was not quickly or easily made, but was inevitable once the Lord developed in me a passion for teaching the Word of God to the next generation. I realized that if I did not heed his calling, I would reach old age with the regret of a misspent life. Teaching biblical studies and ancient languages has not only satisfied that calling, but because biblical exegesis is a multi-disciplinary task, it affords the exciting opportunity to work with theology, hermeneutics, history, linguistics, philosophy, sociology, and more. And because God's word speaks to every generation, biblical studies and Greek are where the ancient and the modern worlds meet.
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