That’s odd. I had been taught that the book of Esther was probably Apocryphal and historically inaccurate, with no redeeming features for use as an example for the Christian believer...?
What gives here? I’m not so sure I like the Idea of Sarah Palin being inspired by the Book of Esther.
Been taught by who? Let me guess... some athest leftist college "region" professor? That's like getting taught rocket science by a 10 year old that built a model rocket in his backyard.
It made the Cannon where as the books of the Maccabees did not. This being in a time much closer to the events described. In a world of Higher Criticism our understanding of these texts can lead to the loss of faith or an increase of it.
As a document of history, the Bible has been slowly proving more accurate than not which is kind of shocking, except that folks don't allow that the people who compiled its text had records and writings to base their work from.
Its popular to dismiss this greatest of works for the fact we can find human finger prints on it. This is a great error. This text brings information and instruction out of time that the bibles compilers were extraordinarily careful about preserving even when they couldn't understand it. This has made sections of the document confusing and difficult, but in the end wondrously instructive. Rabbi's and sages have noted this "out-of-time" nature to these texts which is partially due to the narrative being written in present tense hundreds of years after the actual events.
The Book Deuteronomy being the most powerful example of this. It may be the key book of the whole Bible and yet it was most probably written at the very end of the First Temple period. Without it, Judaism and very probably Christianity would never have occurred. In fact, one theory is that with its completion and the accumulation of the texts of the history of the Kings and Prophets the work of the first Temple was completed paving the way for its Destruction.
The book of Ester has been kept just like the Book of Job because it has message and meaning that justifies its inclusion. This choice has been made over and over and it has made the cut through the ages so its inclusion has been deemed intensely important.
Why? It is an inspirational story. "God may have placed you in this position for such a time as this." It is all about rising to the challenge to do what is right even if it might mean great personal risk.
Who taught you Esther was not accurate?
I suggest that you youself should re-read the story of Esther, perhaps accompanied with a good commentary or guide.
I find it to be an inspiring example of how to conduct oneself with honor and tenacity in times of great difficulty and peril, and a great example for both men and women of God.
As for the innacuracy part - it’s in the Bible, and it’s there for a reason. Personally, that’s all I need.
You have been given bad advice. The story of Queen Ester is one of the MOST important stories in the Bible to set the example of a properly lived Christian life. Every Christian who sets his heart on God first, and living their lives out as God has placed them, can take direct understanding of God's hand in our personal lives. The hand of God in Queen Esters life is exactly the same pattern of the hand of God in every God fearing Christians life.
By all means study Ester, the time spent will be priceless. And besides, the shocking parallel between Hadassa and her rise to the position of Queen Ester and Sarah Palins life is stunning.
Martin Luther wanted it cut because it “seems” to not have the word “God” or “Lord” in it.
The book of Esther is in Hebrew, and the name of God is encrypted throughout the text.
See Khouse.org for more.