Esther 10

In this very short chapter, we learn how high Mordecai rose and how powerful he became.

He did very, very well.

Esther 9

Here's what bothers me about the book of Esther. First, these were Jews who didn't return to the Promised Land. Second, as far as we know their plans were made entirely independent of God. As an example, Queen Esther's marriage was forbidden under the law. Third, the killings in this chapter were revenge, and that's something God reserved for himself.

I'm not saying Esther doesn't belong in the Bible. I'm saying that I don't understand.

Esther 8

Hating Mordecai was a waste of time.

Everything Haman had became Mordecai. From his home to his job, everything he had was given to his worst enemy. Even his plan to destroy the Jews failed.

Esther 7

It's good to keep some eunuchs around. They're a near-inexhaustible source of useful information. In this chapter, it's a eunuch who knew that Haman had built a gallows and who he planned to hang.

It's still no excuse for gelding people, but it is a nice side-effect.

Esther 6

Be careful what you wish for. Someone else might get it.

In his arrogance, Haman assumed the king was talking about him. But the king really wanted to honor the one person Haman hated most in the entire world. And Haman had to carry it out.

Esther 5

In the Book of Proverbs it says to cut your own throat before sitting down at a king's table. That would have been good advice for Haman to follow. He thought he was being honored by eating with the king and queen.

Instead, it turned out he was being set up.

Esther 4

Though Mordecai offered Esther a theological reason for helping the Jews -- it may have been her entire reason for being, after all -- he also appealed to her sense of self-preservation.

The Jews would be saved even if she didn't help, but she would still die.

Esther 3

The Jews didn't even see it coming.

Haman shows what one smart, crazy person can do. There were Jews throughout the empire, and Haman had every intention of killing them all. Why? Because one Jew had insulted him.

Esther 2

Much has been made of the fact that the Book of Esther contains no reference at all to God. Remember that these are the Jews who didn't go back to the Promised Land, though many discern the Hand of God behind everything.

Especially in these early chapters, though, it seems to show what people can do apart from God.

Esther 1

If you should happen to be King of Persia, don't try to show off your queen.

If you find yourself Queen of Persia, don't refuse the king. He's just going to replace you. It may not be right, but the Bible doesn't always approve of what it records. It just records it.