Hellooo! Welcome to the book of Esther! This is easily one of the most interesting books in all the Bible. It includes political espionage, betrayal, plotting, and all the other parts that make for a good read. But what makes it particularly interesting is that this is the only book in the canon that does not mention God's name even a single time. WHAT? A book in the Bible that doesn't mention God? Then why in God's name (lol) is it in the Bible? That's the question that I want you to sit with today and tomorrow as we work through the book. Let's begin!
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this reveal was happening at the time that this is in response to?
What, if anything, feels applicable to today? What does it challenge me to do in response?
Specifically for Esther - as of now, what is my initial hypothesis about why this book was included in the canon?
Instead of sharing my thoughts I invite you to listen to Bible Project's overview of Esther. They do a great job at connecting the characters and answering the lingering question of "why Esther?"
Prayer
Our prayer for today is inspired by hymn 208 in our United Methodist Hymnal - The Canticle of Zechariah. The canticle is found in Luke 1:68-79, the Canticle of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is prayed each morning in the Liturgy of the Hours, hailing the coming of the Christ, "the dawn from on high".
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel He has come to his people and set them free He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, From the house of his servant David.
Blessed be the Lord The God of Israel Hallelujah—Blessed be the Lord!
Through his holy prophets he promised of old He would save us from our enemies, He promised to show mercy to our fathers And remember his holy covenant (to refrain)
Blessed be the Lord The God of Israel Hallelujah—Blessed be the Lord!
He swore an oath to our father to set us free from the hands of our enemies Free to worship him fearless and holy in his sight All the days of our life (to refrain)
Blessed be the Lord The God of Israel Hallelujah—Blessed be the Lord!
You, my child shall be The prophet of the Most High God And you’ll prepare his way To tell his people they are saved
In his tender compassion the dawn shall break on us To shine on those in darkness and death His light will guide our feet into the way of peace Hallelujah! Blessed be the Lord!
Blessed be the Lord The God of Israel Hallelujah—Blessed be the Lord!