Book Review Friday

Book review

I have been doing a study on the book of Esther. Here are my thoughts, please share any thoughts you have, even if they conflict with mine. I am using The Message translation primarily and using crosswalk to do word studies and translation comparisons.

The book is a historical account of events during the reign of King Xerxes also called King Ahasuerus in other versions. The main theme is God will use his people to stop evil.


In doing my studying, I have come up with more questions than answers but that is OK. I have some new observations as well.

*First of all, it seems really BOLD to me that Vashti refused the King's invitation. Was she aware that he just wanted to show her off like a child does a new toy for show and tell? Or was she annoyed that she was asked to leave her own party? Or something else?

*The King, oh where to begin? He appears to drink to much and encourage others to do the same. He also seems to question his own judgment after the drinking is done. He is conceited about his wealth and wastes money. He seems smart enough to ask for advise before making new laws, however I think is judge of character is lacking.

*One thing that really jumps out at me is a really random issue: Why in ch. 1 does the King send 7 eunuchs to get Vashti? Why not 1, or maybe 2 to keep each other company? But he sent 7. ODD.
Also in ch. 1, the King uses 7 advisors. That number again! Out of the 7, only one is known to offer a (I use the term lightly) solution and the King goes with the first suggestion he hears?

Brief over view by chapter:
1. The King bans Queen Vashti from his presence for refusing his invitation.

2. a.The King makes Esther his new queen.
b.Mordecai is used to stop the plot to assassinate the King.

3. Haman makes plans to massacre all Jews.

4. Mordecai and Esther make plans to try to counter Haman's plans.

5. Esther risks her life in an attempt to save her people.

6. King realizes that Mordecai needs to be honored for saving his life.

7. At a dinner with the King and Haman Esther exposes her racial background. Haman is hanged.

8. A new law is written to counter Haman's plot allowing the Jews to defend themselves to the death.

9. After 2 days of killing in the city and 1 out in the country an annual celebration starts celebrating their victory.

10. Mordecai is second in command.