The Message of Esther by David G Firth
In Persia in the fifth century BC, the Jews were threatened with genocide. The book of Esther describes how this crisis was averted through the bravery of Esther, the wisdom of Mordecai and the unity of the Jewish people. However, Esther is a rather strange book to find in the Bible. It is set entirely outside the Promised Land, and shows no interest in it. Furthermore, it is the only book in the Bible that definitely does not mention God, and it avoids any obviously religious language. Nevertheless, the book does have a developed theology. David Firth brings this out as he engages insightfully with the narrative. He shows how it invites us to reflect on what it is to know God within this world, where the miraculous is rare and yet in which the faithful continue to experience the reality of God's presence. This is of particular importance for those living out their faith within post-Christendom. God’s saving purpose in Christ is richer than Esther imagines; but Esther asks us how we continue to see God's work this side of the cross of Christ, and what our own part is within the ongoing story of his deliverance.
Firth, David G.: -
David G. Firth is director of research and lecturer in Old Testament at St. John's College in Nottingham, England. He is the author of 1 2 Samuel (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) and The Message of Esther, and coeditor of Interpreting the Psalms, Interpreting Isaiah, Interpreting Deuteronomy, Words the Word and Presence, Power and Promise.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781844744442 |
| ISBN 10 | 1844744442 |
| Title | The Message of Esther |
| Author | David G Firth |
| Series | The Bible Speaks Today Old Testament |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Inter-Varsity Press |
| Year published | 2010-04-16 |
| Number of pages | 160 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |