⌛ Symbolism In The Book Of Esther

The Ministry of Healing. That night King Ahasuerus could Symbolism In The Book Of Esther sleep. Dialogue also serves Symbolism In The Book Of Esther move plot along Charters ; however, Esther uses "far less dialogue than other narratives in Hebrew Scripture, and the storyteller sometimes attributes statements to groups rather than wife in the bath individuals as in ; " Sasson Two feasts for the Jews: one for the Jews of all the provinces 14 th of Adarand the other, a special feast for the Jews of Shushan 15 th of Adar. Mordecai told Queen We Still Like Ike Rhetorical Analysis of the plan and she told the king. Cecil Roth, et. God used both Mordecai and Esther in a powerful way to deliver the Jewish people from obliteration. Henry R.

Esther in 6 Minutes

In Esther the writer "adopts the style of an archivist, giving dates for specific activities and providing genealogies for his main characters" Sasson And one aspect of style involves the author's use of symbols, a symbol usually being "defined as something that stands for something else" Charters Interestingly, some of the most complex symbols in the book of Esther are the characters. Esther herself is a symbolic representation. She is "above all a national heroine. Her importance as a person is completely subordinated to her status as a representative of the Jewish people" Ryken, The Literature She has also been called a "type or pattern of the Virgin Mary, and the gigantic gallows built by Haman is supposed to foreshadow the cross of Jesus Christ the Hebrew word for 'gallows' most often means 'tree' " Fuerst Mordecai also became a symbol for "the Jew who will not be bowed by circumstances and who will seize unforeseen opportunity" Sasson Ryken maintains that a biblical literature introduction is not complete without insisting on the archetypal content of the Bible.

An archetype is a symbol, character type, or plot motif that has recurred throughout literature" Ryken, The Literature In summarizing the narrator's stylistic use of motifs, Berg points out that, "The dominant motifs help to unify the book of Esther by potently anticipating or recalling their other occurrences through conscious uses of parallel and contrast" Berg Word choice is another aspect of style. In Esther, the narrator "is careful to use a language with a restricted vocabulary only when narrating action. However, when lingering on descriptions of specific scenes such as the banquet or the search for a new queen he uses a cataloguing style," which is "rich in vocabulary for luxurious living, often without conjunctions" Sasson The author also uses some "rare words intended to dazzle the reader" Jones Stylistically, the narrator's limited vocabulary for action and rich vocabulary for description is further thrown into contrast by the storyteller's alternating of description and action passages, although the whole story can be read in one setting Sasson Carefully chosen phraseology is another stylistic characteristic evidenced in Esther.

To ensure that the readers do not miss the careful structuring of the antithetical pairs, the narrator uses identical, or nearly identical, phraseology," with his "repetition of similar phrases'' establishing the connection "between earlier and later events," thus emphasizing "the counterpoint between them" Berg To heap up "superfluous synonyms" is yet another literary device the narrator uses to highlight excessiveness in the story: "the Jews are to be destroyed, slain and annihilated. They are all used a third time when the edict is reversed ; cf. Indeed the narrator's artful use of stylistic options reveals a craft-conscious storyteller, capable of manipulating language to advance plot and to emphasize themes.

THEME : "Theme comes last in a discussion of the elements of fiction because all the other elements must be accounted for in determining it. And very divergent views exist concerning the themes of Esther. The SDA Commentary summarizes the "religious character and moral teaching of the book of Esther" into four themes: God's providence; the feast of Purim origin; the "transitory nature of earthly power," with God humbling the proud and exalting "those who trust in Him"; and the union of "divine power" and "human effort'' Nichol, "Esther" Berg mentions other main themes of power, "loyalty to the Jewish community," and "themes of inviolability and reversal" Berg 96, 98, , concluding that "Esther may be considered a didactic work, even if its primary purpose was to entertain'' Berg Scholars defend numerous themes for numerous reasons.

Several agree with Thompson that, "Esther makes a positive statement about life in exile" Thompson Both Mordecai and Esther prove that high position is "not incompatible with living the life of a Jew in exile," the life "in exile as a distinctive people" Thompson Using the same diaspora perspective, Jones maintains a purpose "is to reconcile Jewish readers to their status as a minority among gentiles, whose attitudes toward Jews may vary unpredictably from honor to persecution" Jones Fuerst feels the diaspora theme helps account for the popularity of Esther in Judaism.

The Jewish reader does not Fail to identify with Mordecai; he is "the Jew" in the book. He prevails because he is Jewish ; and his victory is the victory of the Jewish people. Yearnings, pleasures, and fears of centuries are touched by the story of Esther and Mordecai; the book directly addresses the problems of life and existence for those Jews who were scattered over the world-in the dispersion or Diaspora as it is often described without a national security.

Fuerst Other scholars discuss the theme of Purim, there being "general agreement that the major purpose of the book of Esther is to provide the historical grounds for the celebration of the feast of Purim" Childs The most troublesome themes, however, concern the absence of obvious religious elements. No references are made to God or even crying aloud to God, nor is any religious significance attached to fasting, "essentially a religious practice" Metzger, An Introduction Perhaps God's name was omitted on purpose because when Esther was read at Purim by a drunk reader, God's name would not have been desecrated Gordis Others defend these omissions.

Although no mention is made of "prayer, praise, or the direct worship of God," it would be a "palpable mistake to regard the composition as being purely secular" since fasting carries religious connotations and "an awareness of the divine purpose in securing the survival of the Jews in Persia appears to underlie" Mordecai's conviction that if Esther would "not intervene on their behalf, the Jews would be delivered nonetheless" Harrison Fuerst holds that "the objective of the book of Esther would seem to be to encourage the reader to remain confident that Jews and Judaism will prevail over their enemies" Fuerst Esther is a simple version of the Jewish expectation that "those with the right beliefs of attitudes would emerge on top with their now powerful enemies rendered impotent.

Although God's name is absent, thematically "The election and protection of Israel remain" Murphy Clarke agrees with the divine providence theme: "Providence seemed to have advanced her [Esther] on purpose for this work" Clarke Streane mentions the theme of emphasizing, "upon the Dispersion those lessons as to the Divine providence" Streane xvii. In commenting on Esther, White observes that "the experience that brought Esther to the Medo-Persian throne" shows that "God was working for the accomplishment of His purposes for His people. That which was done under the influence of much wine worked out for good to Israel" Nichol, "Ellen G. White Comments" In summary, although Harrison acknowledges problems with the divine providence theme, he nevertheless believes it is present:.

Esther is Unique among the Old Testament Scriptures in the way in which it deals with religious, and moral issues. The writer certainly seems to have stressed the value of political intrigue and human intellectual acumen, and to underplay, if not actually to disregard, the possibility of divine intervention. At the same time, the literary skill of the author leaves the reader in little doubt that he is observing the operation of divine providence as the narrative proceeds, and that the indestructible nature of the Covenant People will ultimately be made evident. Harrison Although the chauvinistic attitudes toward women in Esther have been a source of contention, yet White and Paddock find in the story positive role models for women. White stresses that Esther story as illustrating the important part "converted women can act" in accomplishing God's purposes Nichol, "Ellen G.

Of course, she must have been in touch with Heaven daily, or she would not have had the confidence to go to God for guidance" at a "time of emergency" Paddock 7. In urging parents to educate children correctly, White suggests Esther as a role model for all youth, not just ladies: "'who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Young men should be gaining solidity of character, that they may be fitted for usefulness" White, Testimonies , No matter how correct and complete any literary analysis, such as the foregoing analysis of the book of Esther, no discussion of a literary work ever suffices for the actual READING of that work, as Tolstoy points out:. And this focus must not be able to be completely explained in words. This indeed is one of the significant facts about a true work of art--that its content in its entirety can be expressed only by itself. And although an analysis of a literary work never equals a reading of the work itself, as Tolstoy so correctly observed, yet knowledge of a literary work's elements and how they function will surely heighten a reader's appreciation, increasing awareness of stylistic and thematic issues often missed in a plot-oriented reading.

White speaks against literature that "encourages the habit of hasty and superficial reading, merely for the story" White, The Ministry , But superficial reading becomes almost impossible with analysis. In his article, "Literature in Adventist Schools," Gibbs makes a strong case for the importance of how a literary work is read, mentioning four places in the Bible where Jesus asks, "'How readest thou? In keeping with Gibbs' suggestion to consider both the how and what of reading, what follows are some suggested pedagogical uses of the literary analysis of the book of Esther for the academy or college Bible or English teacher when teaching biblical or secular literature, particularly narration.

In general the literary analysis of the book of Esther can be used pedagogically as follows:. Therefore, a reader should never demand more of a work than it purports to do. For example, the book of Esther should not be faulted for it's failing to give a definitive statement on dating practices, pagan Christian marriages, or premarital sex. In fact, Esther could be approached from any or all of the six ways, with each approach emphasizing the analysis of the six elements differently. No author then is totally objective, even ones using history. Berg devotes a section of her dissertation to comparing the Esther story with the Joseph, David, Ruth, and Jonah stories Berg , a comparison that can raise such questions as "Why couldn't Daniel's king have issued a counteracting edict as did Ahasuerus for Esther?

For instance, the SDA Commentary provides fascinating information on the spacing of horse stables to facilitate the speed of the Persian postal system Nichol, "Esther" The Protestant world today see in the little company keeping the Sabbath a Mordecai in the gate," whose "character and conduct, expressing reverence for the law of God, are a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling upon His Sabbath" White, Testimonies In summary, Frye says that a teacher "is not primarily someone who knows instructing someone who does not know.

But it just so happens , a freak storm arose and forced the Persian ships into a different path. The Persians were overcome; the weather sunk half of the ships. Of course, the upset brought the world power from the east to the west. The Spanish ships were ringing the North Sea coastline, and there was no way for the British to be victorious. However, remember that God said the world power would move from the east to the west. What happened that early morning? The British sent one flaming ship through, ready to throw out fire brogans. Once the Spaniards saw this ship, they opened their sails to maneuver themselves. However, when they did so, guess what happened? A strong, freakish wind blew in against the contrary wind patterns, and drove the Spanish Armada up and around England and to the top of Ireland and Scotland.

Another storm blew in and finished them off. I am sure that was God's providence ; otherwise, the story would have ended differently. If he had landed, what religion would he have brought to the United States? The same religion he took to other countries: Catholicism. Columbus was a master sailor and navigator, and he skillfully navigated a direct line. But then something happened. The sailors saw a lot of pigeons, and Columbus thought The pigeons must be going to land. He turned south and took Catholicism away from what is now known as the United States. Was that just a coincidence?

No, it was God's providence. Major Andrea generally knew where the British lines were, but not exactly. He came to a fork in the road, and he did not know which direction to turn. If Major Andrea had gone to the right, he would have made it to the British lines. Instead, he flipped a coin, he went to the left, and whom do you think he encountered? The American Colonists. Clearly, it was God's providence. The earliest date of the book would be a little while after the events were told, for instance, about B. It is also thought that the festival of Purim had been celebrated some time before this book was written. The author's main purpose was to write about how the yearly festival of Purim started and to make people remember the saving of the Jewish people during King Xerxes' reign.

In the book, the author repeatedly talks about the conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, [1] a conflict that began during the exodus and continued through Israel's history. The author of Esther views them as the symbol of all the powers of the world against God's people. Now that Israel has been released from captivity , Haman's dangerous edict is the final try in the Old Testament time to get rid of them. When Haman is defeated, Israel enjoys a time of rest. Feasting is another important theme in Esther, as seen in the picture on the left. Banquets are the setting for important parts of the story. There are ten banquets. Repetition is one of the main stylistic features of the book of Esther. The three groups of banquets come in pairs; there are two lists of the king's servants; [1] two reports that Esther hid her identity; [1] two gatherings of women; two houses for the women; two fasts; two talks by Haman with his wife and friends; two sudden visits to the king by Esther; two coverings of Haman's face; two royal commands; two cool-downs of the king's anger ; two days for the Jews to protect themselves and take vengeance ; and two letters about how Purim started.

Another important feature of this book that has often been wondered about is that it never directly talks about God , worship, prayer , or sacrifice. This has made some people think the book is not as religious as other books.

Do you not see it? No references are made to God or even crying aloud to God, nor is any religious significance attached to fasting, "essentially a religious practice" Fatherhood In To Kill A Mockingbird, An Introduction She had lost both her father and her Cause Of Joint Pain and was raised by her older cousin, Mordecai Esther PLOT : The first narrative element a reader should understand is plot, "the sequence of events in a story and their relation to one another" Charters Symbolism In The Book Of Esther Giving the ring to Mordekhai; Mordekhai's letters; dressing of Symbolism In The Book Of Esther in royal garments; feast for the Jews. Here we see Haman pleading for intercession by the Church as it is at Symbolism In The Book Of Esther request that the Holy Spirit is empowered to act by God in the name of Christ.