Esther – Sacred or Secular?

In this Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els introduces the Book of Esther, posing the question of whether it should be considered a sacred text or a secular historical narrative. He highlights the unique nature of Esther, noting that it is one of only two books in the Bible named after women (the other being Ruth) and that it is historically situated between the fourth and fifth centuries BCE, making it roughly 2500 years old. The speaker finds this historical depth fascinating.

The authorship of Esther is uncertain, with some commentators suggesting Mordecai, a key figure in the story and a scribe, as the writer. Ultimately, it is affirmed that the book is part of the scriptures, with the belief that God was the ultimate author, providing it for study. Interestingly, for the first seven centuries after the ascension of Jesus, there were no known commentaries on the Book of Esther within Christian communities, according to commentator Karen Jo.

Vander Els delves into why this might be the case, mentioning that prominent figures like Martin Luther openly disliked the book and questioned its place in the Bible. John Calvin, despite his extensive preaching on other biblical texts, never preached on Esther. A primary reason for this hesitancy among some conservative Christians is the book’s seemingly secular style. Unlike many other biblical books, God is not explicitly mentioned in the Hebrew version of Esther. There are no accounts of direct dialogue with God, no prayers recorded for Esther or Mordecai in the Hebrew text, and no references to other books of the Bible. The narrative unfolds in a pagan land, the Persian Empire, focusing on a Judean family who has assimilated into the culture rather than returning to Jerusalem.

Furthermore, the book lacks explicit character motivations beyond self-preservation at times, and the moral integrity of the protagonists is open to interpretation. The story reads more like a historical account, leaving readers to infer and discern the underlying meanings. This secular presentation could lead one to mistake it for a non-religious story about a Judean family, a king, a conspiracy, bravery, and a reversal of fortune.

The speaker contrasts Esther and Mordecai with Daniel, another Judean living in exile. Daniel is depicted as a religiously observant Jew who refused to compromise his faith and even declined to eat the king’s food. In stark contrast, Esther willingly participated in a process to become the king’s wife, consuming non-kosher food and seemingly embracing aspects of pagan culture. Their names themselves, Mordecai possibly derived from the Babylonian deity Marduk and Esther potentially from the Persian goddess Ishtar, suggest a significant degree of assimilation. This has led some to question the piety of Esther and Mordecai, noting the absence of any indication that they kept the Sabbath, observed kosher laws, or were actively concerned with the Temple in Jerusalem.

Interestingly, the Greek version of Esther, written around the second century BCE, includes numerous prayers, including a lengthy prayer by Esther that reflects a strong abhorrence for paganism, a sentiment seemingly at odds with her actions in the main narrative. This suggests later additions aimed at aligning the story more closely with traditional religious expectations. The speaker emphasizes that the Hebrew text presents Esther and Mordecai as fully assimilated into pagan culture, choosing to remain in the Persian capital rather than returning to Jerusalem when permitted.

Despite its secular nature and the questionable religious zeal of its main characters, the speaker firmly believes that Esther is a vital part of the Word of God. He argues that if we try to force the Bible into a mold of what we think it should be, we risk perverting God’s work. Just as Samson, despite his flaws, holds a place in scripture, so too does Esther. The absence of explicit divine intervention or religious piety in Esther serves a purpose, reflecting the reality of many believers’ lives today.

The narrative of King Ahasuerus (identified as Xerxes I, a powerful Persian king who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces around the 5th century BCE) is central to the context of Esther. Xerxes is portrayed as an exceptionally wealthy and powerful ruler, a “god-king” figure who demanded glory and offered his subjects whatever their flesh desired. The speaker draws a parallel between Xerxes’ pursuit of glory and the human tendency to seek worldly validation. Xerxes’ lavish six-month-long feast for his officials and servants, followed by a seven-day feast for all the people in Susa, highlights his immense power and desire for admiration. This extravagant display is contrasted with the true King, Jesus (Yeshua), who possesses ultimate power and authority in heaven and on earth, having already given everything for humanity. The story prompts self-reflection on which king individuals truly serve: one who caters to fleshly desires in exchange for submission, or one who has already made the ultimate sacrifice.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Self-Reflection on Allegiance: Examine which “king” you are truly serving in your life – the one who promises worldly fulfillment for submission, or the King of Kings who has already given everything.
• Auditing Priorities: Consider whether your pursuits align more with the glory-seeking of Xerxes or the selfless love exemplified by Jesus. Are you chasing status, material possessions, or other things to fill a void that only God can fill?
• Recognizing God’s Hidden Work: Understand that God’s faithfulness is present even when His direct intervention is not obvious. Look for His “silhouette” in your life’s circumstances.
• Embracing God’s Faithfulness: Take comfort in the truth that God remains faithful despite personal shortcomings, struggles, and feelings of distance from Him.
• Understanding Salvation and Celebration: Recognize that salvation comes from the Lord and should lead to celebration, as exemplified by the festival of Purim.
• Caution Against Superficial Interpretations: Be wary of sensational or poorly cited information, especially when interpreting scripture or historical contexts. Seek truth through reliable sources.
• Appreciating the Bible’s Diversity: Accept that the Bible contains a variety of literary styles and addresses different aspects of the human experience, even those that might seem uncomfortable or secular.

References

• 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Implied theme of giving glory to God)

Books and Resources Mentioned

• Esther by Karen Jobes
• Esther and Her Elusive God: How a Secular Story Functions as Scripture by John Young
• Esther and Ruth by Iain Duguid
• The Bible
• Writings by Martin Luther
• Sermons by John Calvin
• Histories by Herodotus
• Epic of Gilgamesh
• The Talmud