The editors of the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible paint an interesting portrait of Esther.

“Simple though its story and purpose are, no other book of the Hebrew Bible has received such mixed reviews from good, God-fearing people -both Jews and Christians – as Esther. Some have criticized the book for what it contains; others, for what it lacks. The Persian king, for instance, is mentioned 190 times, but the God of Israel not once – nor are such basic Jewish practices and institution as the Law, covenant, prayer, dietary regulations, or Jerusalem….. Nonetheless, Esther is still a religious work. For although the Deity is not seen or even heard on its stage, God is standing in the wings, following the drama and arranging the props for a successful resolution of the play.”

Enjoy this story of faith.

Esther 8:1-2

8 On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, and Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. ² Then the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. So Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

Prayer

Let us be conscious of your constant presence in our lives, Wonderful God. Poke, prod, and peacefully and powerfully embrace and lead us, we ask. Amen.