How Should We Approach The Book Of Esther?

Q: How should I approach the book of Esther since it was not found among the Dead Sea Scrolls? It seems more secular than other biblical books. Could it have been included more by tradition than inspiration?

A: I don't think so because the book of Esther was part of the collection of recognized scripture that Jesus and the apostles would have acknowledged. If Esther didn't belong, Jesus would have said something about it, or the apostles would have indicated that they recognized all these books of the law and the prophets except this one. They didn't.

You're absolutely right that Esther is unique in the Bible because it's the only book of the Old Testament and the New Testament that doesn't specifically mention God. Yet, what's amazing about the book of Esther is how the hand of God is all over it. From beginning to end, the hand of God is at work. It's almost as if God inspired the author of Esther with a smile, weaving His presence and work throughout the book without making a direct reference to Himself.

This is a remarkable demonstration in the book of Esther. You can say something similar about other unique books of the Old Testament. For example, the Song of Solomon is completely unique in the Old Testament. There's nothing else like it. Does that mean it doesn't belong? No, it just means that it has a unique place.