ATSS: Laurence Turner, “Where Is God in the Book of Esther?”
28 June 2023
The topic for our seminar this week focuses on a single biblical book—Esther. However, the implications arising are much broader and potentially profound. These include questions such as, How should we read the Bible? What presuppositions should we bring to our reading? What should we do when traditional interpretations do not seem to be supported by the biblical text itself? What do we mean when we say the Bible has “authority”?
The book of Esther is a conundrum. As many people know, it is unique among biblical books in never mentioning God (although Song of Solomon comes close). This obviously creates a problem for assessing its place in the biblical canon. What theological or spiritual purpose can Esther serve if it is silent about God? However, it gets worse. Not only is God absent but also the characters in the book, whether Jewish or Persian, are not religiously observant. There is not a word about circumcision, personal prayer, public worship, observance of annual feasts or weekly sabbaths, etc. Nothing.
However, the issue is even more complex than this initial summary indicates. The problem of God’s absence relates specifically to the Hebrew version of Esther, accepted by Jews and Protestants as canonical. This is the version familiar to Adventist Bible readers. Esther also exists in two Greek versions. One of these, the Septuagint (LXX), is canonical for Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox believers. There is another shorter Greek version, the Alpha-Text (AT), known only from four medieval manuscripts. In contrast to the Hebrew version of Esther, the LXX and AT include numerous references to God and human piety. Yet it is the “godless” Hebrew text that is canonical for Adventists. How should we read it?
Historically, interpreters of the Hebrew version of Esther have suggested basically two approaches to the book. The majority claim that God and human piety can be found quite easily. It is simply a matter of following the implicit clues the author has embedded in the narrative. That is, if you have the reading competence, God’s presence and human devotion in Esther is obvious. A (growing) minority of readers are not convinced by these arguments. They contend that its “godlessness” must be accepted as an integral part of Esther, not hijacked by strained attempts to shoehorn God into the book. Yet, some of these readers argue that it is precisely the book’s omission of God that has deep theological significance. By avoiding God’s absence, they claim, the book’s potential for devout Christian readers is vetoed. So, whether God is present or absent from Esther, both views see God as central. But what is seen differs radically.
In our Adventist Today Sabbath Seminar we will explore the book of Esther and seek answers to at least two questions. First, if God can be found easily, what purpose is served by readers having to search for him in the first place? Second, if God is absent, what purpose is served by such divine silence?
In preparation for our discussion, try reading Esther. Do you find God anywhere? Are the characters obviously religious? And how do your answers to these questions affect what you see as the significance of the book?
Teacher:
Laurence Turner is Principal Lecturer Emeritus in Old Testament at Newbold College of Higher Education.
Moderator:
Tamick Bonnick is a teacher who lives in Roanoke, Virginia.
How to join:
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83026648876
Passcode: ESTHER
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Because of time changes in various parts of the world, please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, put people down, or judge the state of their salvation.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
- Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
Coming up:
- Bryan Ness
- Matthew Korpman
- Austin Archer
- Lindsey Abston Painter
- Rolf Pohler
