Esther by Albert McShane

The book of Esther stands as a remarkable narrative that weaves together themes of bravery, identity, and Divine providence. Albert McShane shows how this ancient text is rich with profound teaching. He points out that “perhaps the most amazing feature of this strange book is its evidence of God working yet remaining in the shadows.”

As the back cover states, “The writer deals with the historical perspective of the narrative, then with its practical aspect for Christians today – this is its main objective – and, finally, in its dispensational setting as it prefigures events yet future.”
In his introduction, the writer sets the Book of Esther during the reign of King Ahasuerus (whom he identifies as Xerxes I) of Persia, a time when the Jewish people were living in exile.

Mr McShane admits dividing the book is difficult. However, he suggests it can be viewed as having one person prominent in each of its different parts:
• The king and his wives (chapters 1-2)
• The exaltation of Haman (chapters 3-5)
• Mordecai honoured (chapter 6)
• Esther’s successful efforts to deliver her people (chapters 6-8)
• The Jews victory with its celebration (chapters 9-10)

The narrative is well known. The adversary is Haman, the king’s chief advisor, who has a deep-seated hatred for the Jews, particularly Mordecai, who refuses to bow to him. This animosity culminates in Haman’s plot to exterminate the Jewish population across the Persian Empire, and a decree is signed by the unsuspecting king. In the face of this impending genocide, Esther is pressed to speak to the king. Risking her life, she approaches the king unsummoned, a transgression punishable by death. In view of this, Mr McShane comments, “we know it was God who turned the king’s heart towards her” and he quotes “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Prov 21.1) as confirmation.

Esther then invites him to a series of banquets. It is at the second banquet that Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman’s plot and the king, enraged by this betrayal, orders Haman to be executed. The writer unfolds how Esther and Mordecai work swiftly to counteract the original decree, and the king allows them to issue a new edict permitting the Jews to defend themselves. Mr McShane tells us that “those acquainted with prophecy will have no difficulty in conceding this story is a shadow of the great tribulation or the time of Jacob’s trouble”.

In conclusion, I warmly commend brother McShane’s commentary, knowing it will be a blessing.