Of the Old Testament story of Esther, the book to which we now arrive in our current study, Dr. Tom Constable notes several unique features: "No New Testament writer quoted or referred to it. No church father wrote a commentary on it, as far as we know. It never mentions prayer. It mentions nothing explicitly supernatural." At first glance, then, this section of Scripture seems rather unimpressive, unimportant, and even unnecessary. However, the same commentator goes on to clarify its great worth: "Like Ruth, the Book of Esther is an illustration. It records a slice of life out of the exilic period that illustrates a great revelation. Ruth illustrates redemption. Esther illustrates providence." And, as we'll be reminded in the conversation today, God's sovereign providence is a beautiful, timely, and comforting reality! 

To help us unpack Esther's fascinating ten chapters we welcome to the podcast a familiar voice, Lew Worrad. Lew has been part of the Oakridge Bible Chapel family for years and has been involved in pastoral ministry, missionary work, and theological education for longer than that. He wields a wealth of knowledge, a shepherds' heart, and a particular interest in Hebrew narrative. (He's also preached on Esther recently at Oakridge!)