The author begins this chapter by writing about the usage of the book of Esther. How it it is read at the Feast of Purim in the twelfth month. It is interesting how Ruth is mentioned in the New Testament but there is no further mention of Esther neither are there any quotation from Esther used in the N.T. The author immediately highlights that the early church struggled to find value in the book of Esther. Quoting Martin Luther, the author writes, I am so hostile to the book [2 Maccabees] and to Esther that I wish they simply did not exist, for they Judaize too much and reveal much pagan behavior” (529-30). I found the response written by Bernhard Anderson an important concept. “The church should recognize the book for what it is: a witness to the fact that Israel, in pride, either made nationalism a religion in complete
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The book of Esther is filled with gratuitous acts of defilement and debauchery. The story is vivid in its description of the awful environment that surround both Mordecai and Esther; and yet they remain faithful and true to God. I liked how the author corolated together both Ruth and Esther. The story of Ruth occurring around the time of the Feast of Weeks and Esther with celebrating the Feast of Purim. The fact that each story is traditionally read in remembrance of the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt and then again from the hand of the Persians. Ruth celebrating the exodus from Egypt and Esther the freedom from Persia, and in the middle, is the betrayal of the Israel and the sinful nature that has seemingly consumed them. Time and again we have learned of the circular nature of the Jewish people’s history. They sin, and are given over to an enemy. They eventually cry out in repentance. God sends a deliverer; and there is peace for a time. Until, they sin again and the cycle begins all over
The book of Esther is filled with gratuitous acts of defilement and debauchery. The story is vivid in its description of the awful environment that surround both Mordecai and Esther; and yet they remain faithful and true to God. I liked how the author corolated together both Ruth and Esther. The story of Ruth occurring around the time of the Feast of Weeks and Esther with celebrating the Feast of Purim. The fact that each story is traditionally read in remembrance of the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt and then again from the hand of the Persians. Ruth celebrating the exodus from Egypt and Esther the freedom from Persia, and in the middle, is the betrayal of the Israel and the sinful nature that has seemingly consumed them. Time and again we have learned of the circular nature of the Jewish people’s history. They sin, and are given over to an enemy. They eventually cry out in repentance. God sends a deliverer; and there is peace for a time. Until, they sin again and the cycle begins all over