Esther 8:15-17 • Biblical Social Activism
Saturday, July 17th, 2010—Esther 8:15-17 (NASB)
One of the repeated topics of discussion concerning the book of Esther is that there is no direct mention of Yahweh. It is the only Old Testament book not quoted by the New Testament, and curiously it is not found among what we call the Dead Sea Scrolls. But when the Old Testament canon was finally recognized by Jewish authorities, it was nonetheless included, and Jews greatly acknowledge while celebrating Purim on which these events were based that they are celebrating God’s deliverance. The rabbis of old associated Esther with the Day of Atonement. But I believe the strongest evidence of God is in the statement, “And many among the peoples of the land became Jews”. NO ONE goes through this process without having a very strong connection to God to motivate them.
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