The author provides a helpful exposition of God’s providential dealings with Israel in captivity. The book of Esther is analysed and its background, politics and the people involved are clearly explained, with a wealth of practical application.
Here are some of the topics referred to: God’s silence, providence and purpose; man’s opulence and greed; alcohol; women’s rights; submission; sin; role models; temper; decision-making; marriage; oaths; the gift of beauty; morality; and much more. The treatment is sometimes tantalisingly brief but is always thought-provoking and a stimulus for further study.
Each chapter ends with a number of questions, making it suitable for personal or group Bible study – though the chapters are of unequal length. References to other works are given, including internet sources (even referring to a ‘Google search’!) A brief appendix gives a concise overview of the ‘festivals of Israel’.
I found the book particularly edifying in the way it shows how Old Testament Scripture speaks of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You are led to contrast King Xerxes’ pride with the Saviour’s humility, while Esther’s willingness to risk her life for her people leads to a consideration of Christ’s sacrificial love for sinners.
Her privileged access to the king develops into a review of the believer’s privilege of access to God in the beautiful robe of Christ’s righteousness. Her successful plea for her people’s lives points to the Saviour’s merit, intercession and power to save his own.

William Horsburgh
Evangelical Times
May 2006