Esther

The book of Esther helps the believer live in the secular world where power, racism, and sexism crush any hope of freedom and liberation. How do we outlive oppression? How can we refuse the unacceptable without being immediately rejected? Confronted by the genocide of their people, Esther and Mordecai stayed lucid; in faith and with courage and integrity, they used the opportunities God laid before them. This commentary analyses each chapter in the light of the whole book. Esther's strategy to undo the irrevocable deadly decree is carefully analysed and will stimulate our wisdom. The wise know the difference between patience and passivity, diligence and precipitation, controlled temperament and explosive contestation. With skill, Esther uses her charm and femininity to master an irresponsible king