The Bible in a Nutshell VIII: Esther & Job

We pause here to take a break from the large-scale story of Israel to narrow our focus upon two individuals. Although their stories are not of national importance, their biblical and moral value is great. Fianally, we'll take a look at some of the key the book of Psalms.

Ester

The book of Ester is a narrative set in Persia after Jews had been allowed to return to Jerusalem. Like Nehemiah, Ester's family stayed in Persia even though they were free to go. King Xerxes I was throwing a drunken party when he called out Queen Vashti. Much to the king's embarrassment and anger, she would not come, and Xerxes divorced her. Later, Xerxes decided to find a new queen. As young women were brought before Xerxes, Ester, a Jew, was chosen to be queen. Not long after she began to get comfortable in her new position of power, Haman, an official who had favor with the king, plotted to destroy all Jews because he hated Mordecai who would not bow to him. Not knowing that Queen Ester was Jewish or that Mordecai was her relative, Haman was devastated when heard Ester reveal her Jewish identity. The Jewish feast of Purim now celebrates the foiling of Haman's plot.

Job

Job is a man who was greatly blessed by God. This book narrates his experience as Satan obtains permission from God to tempt Job to curse God. Satan, apparently restless, came to God explaining that he had been searching the Earth (presumably, seeking whom he might devour). God put forth Job, but Satan, as is typical of his character throughout the Bible, challenged God saying Job was heavily blessed and protected by God. God allowed Satan to do as he wished with Job, anything except strike Job himself. Satan went and destroyed Job's most prized blessings, his children and his wealth. Yet, Job refused to curse God. Satan went back to God, and said that Job would not curse God because he still had is health. God allowed Satan to bring disease upon Job, and despite bad advise from his misguided friends and his wife, Job would not curse God. In the end, God had all of Job's friends and acquaintances restore his wealth two times over, and gave Job ten more children for his faithfulness to the Lord.