Book of esther god's name

When we read the book of esther, we never read gods name. The story of esther is a great testimony to gods might, protection and faithfulness to his people and also to the whole world. In the book of esther we encounter some remarkable surprises. The greek septuagint remedied this situation by adding six passages which include the name of god. Note that this was not a form of secret bible code but of literary composition. Interestingly, it appears john is telling us in john 5 that jesus celebrated purim so that is possibly another link between esther and christ. How amazing is it that while the death sentence was in effect against the jews, people were converting to judaism. Such is the book of esther, and it is the reason why this account is so incredibly helpful for us today. The book of esther is the only one not found in the dead sea scrolls. The book of esther, like much of the bible, tells the story of gods involvement with his people. The following lengthy quotation from bill cooper is well worth our time and consideration.

Bullinger, published in 1999, by the same title the name of jehovah in the book of esther, which has added information on this subject, the least being, that there is abundant proof that these acrostics are no more the mere work of man than are the acrostics in the other parts. Gods grace in life of esther first presbyterian church. The purpose of the book of esther is to see the providence of god even when his name is not mentioned. But the book of esther is like an unsigned painting, challenging us to search its pages to discover the existence of the one who remains elusive.

Gods sovereignty in esther the first act of gods sovereignty in the book of esther, reading chronologically, is the fact that queen vashti refused to come into king xerxes presence. The coincidences, the amazing reversals, and the poetic justice that led to the deliverance of the jews in persia all proclaim the presence of god. Gods name is not even mentioned once in the book of esther. Esther a2 classic bible study guide 2 introduction the book of esther is a graphic narrative, which relates how gods people were preserved from ruin during the fifth century b. The book of esther is one of two biblical books that never mention god. Whereas, in its 167 verses the persian king is mentioned 190 times, no explici. The book of esther in hebrew is secular in nature, in that the name of god, the temple, and prayer are not mentioned. Jul 18, 2018 the name esther gives us another clue. Here are some reasons why gods name may not have been referenced in esther. See list under precept ministries inductive study on esther the book of esther is unusual god s name is not mentioned once, yet god s hand is clearly present and active throughout the book, to the extent that many see the book of esther as a veritable treatise on the doctrine of divine providence see separate study. Still today, the book is read in its entirety in synagogues. Esther further teaches the tragic realities of sin, challenges believers to faith that embraces obedience, dependence on god and responsibility, and speaks to the importance of distinctness and remembrance.

When god seems far away book of esther unlocking the bible. Morde chai is teaching esther the most important lesson of leadership. The absence of the name of god in the book of esther has for centuries caused many to doubt god s hand upon its main characters, esther and mordecai. General information four acrostics are of the word yhwh, on of the word ehyh i am that i am. Mordecai is a man of integrity, and esther is a selfsacrificial heroine. The prayers of esther and mordecai are especially noteworthy. This has led some modern scholars to claim that the book was originally intended as a purely secular history. This summary of the book of esther provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of esther. The book of esther, also known in hebrew as the scroll megillah, is a book in the third. Students of the bible know that fasting was done to draw closer to god and was accompanied by heartfelt prayers daniel 9.

It has been observed by many that no divine name or title is found in the book of esther. Mar 05, 2017 the name of jehovah in the book of esther e w bullinger on. The book of esther is rather odd because it is the only book of the bible in which the name of god appears to be missing martin luther considered excluding it from the bible for this reason 1. Yet actually, god is mentioned throughout the account. But the satanic spirit of amalek has not given up its vendetta against gods chosen people. The name of god is hidden several times in acrostics in the book of esther.

There are 192 references to the king, kingdom, or name of ahasuerus. Her failure to do so caused the king the become very angry angry to the point of divorcing her and seeking a. Among these women is a jewish orphan named esther, who was raised by her cousin or uncle, mordecai 2. And although the book doesnt mention god by name, it mentions that esther prayed and fasted for three days before asking the king to save the jewish people and she also asked the jews to also do the same esther 4.

However, as deep as antisemitic sentiment might be, gods. Indeed, there is no direct reference to god at all. The name of jehovah in the book of esther e w bullinger on. Although we do not know who wrote the book of esther, from internal evidence it is possible to make some inferences about the author. The book of esther and purim secrecy and hiding god. The book of esther has 167 verses there are 192 references to the king, kingdom, or name of ahasuerus. Throughout this volume, we are reminded of the incredible providential care of god for his people during their darkest and most difficult times. The massorah contains a note calling attention to the acrostics of the names of god in esther, which are found four times in the book. We know that prayer and fasting is certainly a religious act associated with gods worship. Even without directly mentioning god or his name, it provides us sterling. The book of esther may not have gods name stated directly, but his involvement is felt in many ways throughout the story, especially when esther implored the people to seek help through fasting. Why is god not mentioned in the book of esther answers. But many of the things that happen in the book could not be just luck.

Unlike the rest of the bible, however, this book shows gods work indirectly. Sep 22, 2016 the unique feature of the book of esther is that it is the only book in the prophets and writings that takes place completely outside of israel. The image of god that appears in the national, canonical book. Take, for instance, the time that king ahasuerus could not sleep and his servant just happened to read the records of the time that mordecai saved the kings life esther 6. However, it is fascinating to learn that gods name is actually found in at least three ways throughout this text.

Jul 17, 2014 how does a book get in the bible without it ever mentioning god. Many wonder why the book of esther is in the bible, because the name of god is not mentioned in it. Perhaps since sunday school, i had known the book of esther as being the only book in the bible in which the name of god is missing. The book of esther, though divinely inspired scripture, doesnt mention god by any name or title. The hidden name of god in esther randy white ministries. Yet esther, of all the biblical books outside of the torah, is the only one that addresses the origin of a new festival. The 2 books of the bible that dont mention god overview bible.

For the same reason we have the divine title the god of heaven as characterizing the book ezranehemiah. How does a book get in the bible without it ever mentioning god. In the story of esther, youll meet a beautiful, young queen who risked her life to serve god and save her people. Gods justice causes unbelievers to believe in him see esther 8. His name is not written in the book, but his fingerprints, as we say, are all over it.

For the same reason we have the divine title the god of heaven as characterizing the book ezra nehemiah. For traditional jewish commentators, the absence of gods name did not mean that god was absent from the book. Even though the name of god is not mentioned in it, no book of the bible teaches his providence more forcefully. The book of esther is one of only two books in the bible named for women. For the religion of the jews, god appears as a character in the national book, the hebrew bible. Yet in the old testament, a story is told of a woman who experienced god s faithfulness in an unexpected way. The book of esther shows us what the author of ecclesiastes says, there is nothing new under the sun ecclesiastes 1. Martin luther favored eliminating it from the bible on this basis.

Lessons from the name of god in the book of esther mark tabata. The book of esther is one of the two books in the bible where gods name is not mentioned. It can be seen arising in the inexplicable hatred of jews throughout the ages even from the church at times. Dec 25, 2011 perhaps since sunday school, i had known the book of esther as being the only book in the bible in which the name of god is missing. The book of esther focuses on a ten year period 483473 b. There are those who want to say that the book of esther is neither inspired nor beneficial but is simply a beautiful legend. The 26 times the book of esther mentions god click to tweet take your. Jul 23, 2017 though gods name is not mentioned, all of the events the downfall of vashti and rise of esther, mordecais discovery of the assassination plot, the shortlived exaltation of haman, the insomnia of the king, the book read to the king reminding him of mordecais heroics and the exaltation of the jewish people reflect the providential.

The book of esther records no miracles and no direct. Waldman and appeared in volume one of the graphic canon, edited by russ kick and published by seven stories press. Esther the book of esther is one of the most beautiful stories in all literature. Satans work through the nephilim of which hamaan was a descendent was continuing, and thus satan was working to destroy the jewish nation and hinder the fulfillment of the promise of a redeemer.

Although my hebrew name is hadassah,which comes from our name for the myrtle tree,most people know me by my persian name,esther. Perhaps what people remember most about the book of esther is that it is one of two books in the bible where gods name is not mentioned the other is song of solomon. Whatever you believe, you can glean many moral lessons from the book of esther. God s justice causes unbelievers to believe in him see esther 8. The book of esther is one of only two books in the hebrew bible that never mention god the other is the song of songs. Esther, purim and why it all still matters jews for jesus. Jun 18, 2019 the book of esther is one of only two books in the bible named for women. Esther is the most secular of the biblical books, making no reference to gods name, to the temple, to prayer, or to distinctive jewish practices such as kashrut keeping kosher.

Messianic symbols, message in the book of esther hallel. Why is the name of god not mentioned in megillat esther. The names are indeed unattested in persian texts as gods, however the talmud sanhedrin 61b and rashi both. Due to behind the scenes planning by queen esther and her uncle mordecai, the jews are saved and even are victorious over their enemies. The hidden god of esther acts providentially and faithfully maintains covenant. Take, for instance, the time that king ahasuerus could not sleep and his servant just happened to read the records of the. Gods providence in the book of esther 1616 words bartleby. The unique feature of the book of esther is that it is the only book in the prophets and writings that takes place completely outside of israel. As a result of the use of acrostics, the name of god is indeed found. The book of esther is a 20 movie starring jen lilley as queen esther and joel smallbone as king xerxes. Gods name in the book of esther his kingdom prophecy posted on december 25, 2011 by angus mackillop september 10, 2012 perhaps since sunday school, i had known the book of esther as being the only book in the bible in which the name of god is missing. I remembered reading once that god s name appears in esther in.

To make the book even more kosher, the entire book of esther is written in hebrew and is located in the back of the book. Mordecai and esther act in faith throughout the book. Mark tabata evangelist one of the most informative and faithbuilding books in the bible is the book of esther. Many have noticed that god is not once mentioned in the book of esther. I remembered reading once that gods name appears in esther in. Gods rescue of his people unfolds in a book in which god is never mentioned. Esther a2 classic bible study guide 2 introduction the book of esther is a graphic narrative, which relates how god s people were preserved from ruin during the fifth century b. Jan 02, 2020 this fact has caused some to question its place in the biblical canon, but, in reality, the absence of gods name fits perfectly with the theme of the book. This is the more remarkable, since, in this short book of only 167 verses, the median king is mentioned 192 times, his kingdom is referred to 26 times, and his name 1 ahasuerus is given 29 times. Gods name is never mentioned explicitl y in the book of esther but is hint ed at throughout. Mar 01, 2001 martin luther favored eliminating it from the bible on this basis. In 2012, a graphic adaptation of the book of esther was illustrated by j. Dear students of gods word, there is a study by professor e. Bible book number 17esther watchtower online library.

An acrostic can be a mechanism for including a hidden message. This is the story of how irose from an orphaned captive jewish girl to. It is a blueprint of the dangers jews face when in exile, at the hands and mercy of nonjewish rulers. Nonetheless, on every page his hand is seen and his providence manifested. Despite all that, however, esther shows god s work in preparing for the coming of the messiah.

Apart from the fact that gods name does not occur in esther 1 a quality the apocryphal book shares only with the song of solomon the purim story is used as a prime example of how god operates in a concealed manner to perform miracles on behalf of the jewish people. The divine name is hidden, but the secret is revealed in the acrostics. Gods providential hand at work in the book of esther part one the rise of haman the word providence in english means. Unlike the many other books in the bible, throughout whole book of esther, the word god is not mentioned once. What are the literary devices found in the book of esther. It is one of the five scrolls megillot in the hebrew bible. Despite all that, however, esther shows gods work in preparing for the coming of the messiah. Gods name in the book of esther by angus mac killop. Gods grace in life of esther first presbyterian church of. The book of daniel provides accounts of jews in exile being assigned names relating to babylonian gods and mordecai is understood to mean servant of.

The book demonstrates how god works in the lives of his people, both then. But words from god would make a good foundation for those beliefs. The absence of the name of god in the book of esther has for centuries caused many to doubt gods hand upon its main characters, esther and mordecai. We dont know for sure if mordecai had gods promises to abraham and david in mind when he claimed that the jews would be delivered es 4. Though gods name is not mentioned, all of the events the downfall of vashti and rise of esther, mordecais discovery of the assassination plot, the shortlived exaltation of haman, the insomnia of the king, the book read to the king reminding him of mordecais heroics and the exaltation of the jewish people reflect the providential. What is the importance of the book of esther, and why is. Gods providential hand at work in the book of esther. In fact, gods name is not mentioned once, though his influence permeates the narrative. Stedmans book the queen and iwas a major source of inspiration for this series of articles on the book of esther.

Why doesnt the book of esther directly mention god. In this essay i will prove that gods sovereignty over his people is. God, in fact, is not mentioned, esther is portrayed as assimilated to persian culture, and jewish identity in the book. The book contains several historical, chronological and cultural details, which would lead us to believe that it is intended to be read as actual history, rather than as a parable. Purim, rooted in the book of esther, celebrates the exceptional theme of secrecy and hiding. The book covers a period of about 12 years, falling somewhere between the events recorded in the sixth and seventh chapters of ezra. Hidden acrostics an acrostic is when the initial letter of each line spells out a word, and it can be used as a mechanism for including a hidden message. The main people in the book also are symbols for god, gods messiah, israel and the adversary, aka hasatan. Sep 19, 2017 purim, rooted in the book of esther, celebrates the exceptional theme of secrecy and hiding. The book takes its name from the beautiful, orphaned jewess who became the queen of the persian king ahasuerus. Because of gods promise, he is obligated to overrule all efforts to destroy the jewish nation, and he will do so, though often with a hidden face. The hidden name of god in esther the background the book of esther has 167 verses.

See list under precept ministries inductive study on esther the book of esther is unusual gods name is not mentioned once, yet gods hand is clearly present and active throughout the book, to the extent that many see the book of esther as a veritable treatise on the doctrine of divine providence see separate study. Feb 28, 2011 when we read the book of esther, we never read gods name. The book of esther, also known in hebrew as the scroll megillah, is a book in the third section ketuvim, writings of the jewish tanakh the hebrew bible and in the christian old testament. The book of esther may not directly mention god, yet it clearly reveals god at work. Lessons from the name of god in the book of esther mark. Nonetheless, in this short book consisting of just 167 verses, the median king is mentioned 192 times, his kingdom is referred to 26 times, and his.