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Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Esther: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
The biblical queen Esther is one of Scripture's most fascinating persons, and the drama of the book bearing her name is clearly captured in this superb commentary. Carol Bechtel expertly explores the historical settings, literary structures, and theological themes that emerge in the book of Esther. A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
120 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2002
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About the author
Carol M. Bechtel
11 books1 followerProfessor of Old Testament at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan.
Before joining Western’s faculty in 1994, Carol Bechtel taught at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. She has also served as a teaching fellow at Yale Divinity School and as interim pastor of Turn of River Presbyterian Church in Stamford, Connecticut. Dr. Bechtel preaches and teaches widely and is a General Synod Professor of Theology in the Reformed Church in America. She served as President of the RCA’s General Synod from 2009-2010. She also serves as the Executive Director of the American Waldensian Society.
Dr. Bechtel grew up on a farm in Fulton, Illinois. She attended Hope College, Western Theological Seminary and received her Ph.D. in Old Testament from Yale University in 1992. She now lives in Holland, Michigan with her husband, Tom Mullens. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Her hobbies include singing, cooking, gardening, and the Celtic harp.
Before joining Western’s faculty in 1994, Carol Bechtel taught at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. She has also served as a teaching fellow at Yale Divinity School and as interim pastor of Turn of River Presbyterian Church in Stamford, Connecticut. Dr. Bechtel preaches and teaches widely and is a General Synod Professor of Theology in the Reformed Church in America. She served as President of the RCA’s General Synod from 2009-2010. She also serves as the Executive Director of the American Waldensian Society.
Dr. Bechtel grew up on a farm in Fulton, Illinois. She attended Hope College, Western Theological Seminary and received her Ph.D. in Old Testament from Yale University in 1992. She now lives in Holland, Michigan with her husband, Tom Mullens. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Her hobbies include singing, cooking, gardening, and the Celtic harp.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 9, 2017
This commentary in the Interpretation Bible Commentary series by Carol Bechtel is another option for those looking for a critical commentary on the Book of Esther. Strangely enough, it’s strongest competition is another book by the same publisher, WJK, in the OTL series by John Levenson. While not as astute or lengthy as the OTL volume, it does in some ways build upon it.
Bechtel begins her Introduction by examining what she calls the vital statistics of Esther. In that section, she discusses versions of Esther, date and historicity to which she is hostile, followed by discussion of form and structure. She summarizes well other scholar’s opinions and even shares Levenson’s fine chart on structure. She decides Esther is a work of historical fiction, and turns to theological themes without really developing her own exact structure. Her points on theological things are unique and interesting. She sees a discussion of “a healthy sense of proportion” as the main theological thrust of Esther. Next, she discusses the theological implications of the challenge of living a faithful life in an unfaithful culture, followed by one on the power of the written word. I found these insights to make a real contribution to our thinking about Esther. I didn’t, however, get as much out of her final section on reading, preaching, and teaching the book of Esther.
The commentary proper was well written. Though it didn’t have the theological punch of the Levenson volume, it would still serve as a fine backup volume to it if you are studying the point of view of the critical camp of scholarship.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Bechtel begins her Introduction by examining what she calls the vital statistics of Esther. In that section, she discusses versions of Esther, date and historicity to which she is hostile, followed by discussion of form and structure. She summarizes well other scholar’s opinions and even shares Levenson’s fine chart on structure. She decides Esther is a work of historical fiction, and turns to theological themes without really developing her own exact structure. Her points on theological things are unique and interesting. She sees a discussion of “a healthy sense of proportion” as the main theological thrust of Esther. Next, she discusses the theological implications of the challenge of living a faithful life in an unfaithful culture, followed by one on the power of the written word. I found these insights to make a real contribution to our thinking about Esther. I didn’t, however, get as much out of her final section on reading, preaching, and teaching the book of Esther.
The commentary proper was well written. Though it didn’t have the theological punch of the Levenson volume, it would still serve as a fine backup volume to it if you are studying the point of view of the critical camp of scholarship.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 23, 2015
A fair commentary that shines a light on the story of Esther, but leaves many theological questions unanswered.
I do not think Esther Interpretation is a bad commentary. It does provide insightful historical and contextual information that will help all readers visualize the story behind the story. The only problem is that where the book has decided to focus its attention, it subsequently neglects to extract key theological meaning to the detriment of teachers and preachers (like me).
The result is that you ... http://www.chesadaphal.com/esther-int...
I do not think Esther Interpretation is a bad commentary. It does provide insightful historical and contextual information that will help all readers visualize the story behind the story. The only problem is that where the book has decided to focus its attention, it subsequently neglects to extract key theological meaning to the detriment of teachers and preachers (like me).
The result is that you ... http://www.chesadaphal.com/esther-int...
November 17, 2012
Bechtel provides a well-written and engaging introduction to the book of Esther. This short book is accessible for any reader and will be helpful for most preachers. It lacks some of the citations and interactions with the Hebrew text that might be helpful for more in-depth study. However, this is not its goal. It successful draws one into the narrative of Esther and cultivates a love for God's Word in Esther. Overall, I recommend it as a worthwhile commentary.
December 7, 2011
Bechtel provides many insights into one of the most interesting Bible stories. I used the story of Esther to create a link between two of my characters - Esther Catalan and Lucrezia de Medici - in my new novel, The Pope's Conspiracy, which I hope will be published in 2012. Lucrezia, the mother of Lorenzo the Magnificent, actually wrote a poem in Italian based on the Biblical story.
November 27, 2012
In this commentary Bechtel gives an engaging introduction to the Book of Esther. It's very accessible and Bechtel's delight in the text comes out in her writing.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews