Explaining The Book

Tag: Old Testament Narrative

  • Esther 3 Sermon

    In this sermon on Esther 3, the focus is on Esther and Mordecai living faithfully despite God’s unseen presence. Haman’s promotion leads to conflict as Mordecai refuses to bow, revealing his Jewish identity. Haman, enraged, plots genocide against the Jews, while King Ahasuerus unwittingly supports Haman’s plan.

    Esther 3 Sermon
  • Esther 2 Sermon

    In Esther 2, King Ahasuerus, reflecting on his anger towards Vashti, orders the selection of beautiful virgins to find a new queen. Among them is Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by Mordecai, who conceals her identity. Esther wins the king’s favor and becomes queen, positioning her for future events crucial to her people’s survival.

    Esther 2 Sermon
  • Esther 1 Sermon Bible Study

    The sermon on Esther 1 highlights the opulence of the Persian Empire and its ruler, Ahasuerus, emphasizing the power dynamics and the drama of the queen Vashti’s refusal to comply with the king’s command. This incident illustrates the fragility of Ahasuerus’s authority, revealing deeper themes of providential placement and reversals of fortune within the narrative.

    Esther 1 Sermon Bible Study
  • Esther Bible Study

    As we begin this Esther Bible Study, let’s consider the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. In those books we saw a large group of Jews who returned to Judah and Jerusalem after the Exile. And we can imagine the kind of questions this group might have been asking – “Our fathers and we have sinned against…

    Esther Bible Study
  • Nehemiah 13 KJV Sermon, About, Explanation, Sunday School Lesson

    This is our 16th lesson in our study through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. And if you’re keeping track, today we’re on the last chapter of Nehemiah. Next time I plan to have us overview the book of Esther. And then we’ll spend 5 more lessons studying through that book in its entirety. I’m…

    Nehemiah 13 KJV Sermon, About, Explanation, Sunday School Lesson
  • Nehemiah 12, KJV Sermon, About, Explained, Sunday School Lesson

    OK, now on to Nehemiah 12. And what do we have but more lists! Nehemiah 12:1-11 So, what are these lists enumerating? Read 12:1. Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua… So we’re going back to the time covered at the beginning of…

    Nehemiah 12, KJV Sermon, About, Explained, Sunday School Lesson
  • Nehemiah 11 KJV Sermon, Meaning, Commentary, Bible Study

    Alright, now let’s get into our lesson for today. We’ll be studying Nehemiah chapters 11 and 12. That means we’re in the 2nd major act of the 2nd major section of the book of Nehemiah. The 1st major section (chapters 1 through 6) dealt with Nehemiah coming to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. And that’s…

    Nehemiah 11 KJV Sermon, Meaning, Commentary, Bible Study