Big Ideas · 29 · The Queen
Maybe the most biblical book
By stripping away theology, observance, and homeland, Esther reduces peoplehood to its essentials, and makes room for a broader community.
The power of peoplehood, even when God is hidden.
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Esther promotes fasting and feasting, public reading, women in leadership, solidarity across borders, gifts, and feeding the poor. The rabbis said a Jew is one who shows up to hear Esther read at Purim. Exodus tells of escape; Esther teaches how to live in the world as it is.
Bible reference: Esther 9:22
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 461–462
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