The Book of Esther is one of the Bible’s most entertaining and surprising reads, a short, fast-paced narrative set in the Persian Empire, featuring a foolish king, a villainous schemer, and a Jewish orphan named Esther who becomes queen and saves her people from genocide. In this episode of Bible in a Year, hosts Dr. Jenny Wojciechowski and Rev. Katie Langston welcome Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker, Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary and author of a forthcoming commentary on Esther, for a lively and insightful conversation about this remarkable book.
Dr. Schifferdecker explores the Book of Esther’s humor and satire, its Persian Empire backdrop, the striking absence of God’s name from the text, and the famous phrase “for such a time as this.” She also reflects on the deeper current of mysterious providence running through the story and what the Jewish people’s historical survival says about the faithfulness of God. Whether you’re new to Esther or returning to it with fresh eyes, this episode is a wonderful guide into one of Scripture’s most beloved stories.
Bible Bingo Terms
Persia, Humor, Coincidence, Favor, Jews
Books & Resources Mentioned
- Esther: A Commentary by Jon D. Levenson
Scripture References
- Book of Esther
- Esther 4 (“for such a time as this”)
- Esther 9 (“the opposite happened”)
- Isaiah (reference to Cyrus the Great)
- Book of Daniel (court tales: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego; Daniel and the lions’ den)
- Genesis (Joseph in the Egyptian court)
- Book of Ruth
- Song of Songs
Summary in 7-Words or Less
“The opposite happened.”
