Articles
The Book of Myrtle
The Book of Myrtle
Somehow with that title the book of Esther loses some of its charm (sorry, Myrtle). Esther is her Persian name from their word meaning 'Star'. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, which translates to 'Myrtle' (Esther 2:7). 'Myrtle' is from Latin and means 'evergreen'. Hence the word was translated 'Myrtle tree' in other passages of the OT. I think I will just stick with 'Esther'.
The Medes/Persian Empire replaced the Babylonian Empire. They quickly established their rule from area known as India, over all of Turkey, the whole of the northern Arabia from the Persian Gulf to the Nile River. Esther was thus a part of one of the greatest kingdoms that has existed among men.
The events of the book of Esther take place during the reign of Xerxes. He was also known as Ahasuerus and ruled from 486 to 465 BC. This would be in the time between the completion of the temple under Zerubbabel (516BC) and the return of Ezra in 458 BC. Esther and her family were part of those Jews who did not return to the homeland.
It is an interesting book in that while it is firmly a story about God, it doesn't mention God or prayer. God is there but is always 'behind the scenes'. Through the intrigue of this book we watch as the devious plots, the turbulent relationships, and the resolute character of the different characters unfold. God provides for His people even before the need arises. God works through the lives of even the ungodly to bring about His purpose and plan. This allows for their freedom of choice and yet produces the desires of God.
It is obvious to God's people that the outcome was not of men but by the hand of God.
It is from the book of Esther that we learn of the Jewish Feast of Purim. "Purim" comes from the Persian word for 'lot' (as in the casting of lots). In 3:7 we see Haman casting lots to determine the best day to carry out his plans that would result in the extermination of the Jews. In memory of Esther 'saving the people' the Jewish celebrated this feast. It is normally celebrated on the 14th day of Adar (that corresponds to our February/March). The feast is not mentioned in the New Testament, although some scholars think the 'unnamed feast' in John 5:1 may be the feast of Purim.
Through the deliverance of His people, God assured the existence of the Jewish people through whom he brought Jesus, the Christ, the son of God.
Hugh DeLong
