Bible study course
An advanced, chapter-by-chapter academic study of the Book of Esther exploring God unseen providence, diasporic Jewish survival in the Persian Empire, the ancient feud between Israel and Amalek, courageous sacrificial advocacy, dramatic ironies of retributive justice, and the institution of the Feast of Purim.
An orienting academic introduction to the Book of Esther, exploring its historical setting in Persian Susa, the theology of God hidden providence (hester panim), the ancestral feud between Mordecai and Haman, and its literary architecture of dramatic reversal.
An in-depth exposition of Esther 1 and 2, examining the 180-day feast of Ahasuerus, Queen Vashti courageous refusal, the imperial divorce decree, the introduction of Mordecai and Hadassah, Esther ascent to the Persian throne, and the discovery of the regicidal plot.
An advanced theological exposition of Esther 3, examining the sudden rise of Haman the Agagite, Mordecai principled refusal to bow, the casting of Pur, Haman genocidal decree against the Jewish people, and the chilling contrast of Susa in confusion.
An advanced exposition of Esther 4 and 5, exploring Mordecai public lamentation, the immortal theological challenge of "such a time as this", Esther heroic resolve ("If I perish, I perish"), the three-day fast, the golden scepter, and the banquet diplomacy.
An advanced theological exposition of Esther 6 and 7, analyzing the cosmic turning point of the king insomnia, the mortifying humiliation of Haman honoring Mordecai, the dramatic reveal at the second banquet, and Haman execution upon his own gallows.
An advanced theological exposition of Esther 8, 9, and 10, examining the legal conundrum of unalterable Persian law, the counter-decree of defense, the victory of the Jewish people, the institution of the Feast of Purim, and the peaceful, benevolent rule of Mordecai.