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Great Lives From God's Word
Esther: A Woman of Strength & Dignity
Everyone loves a transforming story. Rags to riches. Plain to beautiful. Weak to strong. Esther's story is that, and much more. It is a thought-provoking study of God's invisible hand, writing silently across the pages of human history. Perhaps most of all, it is an account of a godly woman with the courage, wisdom, and strength to block an evil plot, overthrow an arrogant killer, and replace with joy in thousands of Jewish homes. Through Esther's courageous struggle to help her people, Swindoll explains the power of divine providence in volume 2 of the best-selling "Great Lives" series.
203 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Charles R. Swindoll
819 books777 followersCharles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
August 18, 2017
Esther is one of my favorite people from the Bible. And while it's always nice to see a different perspective on a favorite, this book was just okay to me. Their were quite a bit of quotes that I liked, agreed and identified with, but as a whole this isn't one that I would recommend.
At times I felt disengaged from the book(I think it got a bit wordy in some places) and it seemed to run together. Their were also a few points, the author mentioned, that I didn't agree with or that left me confused. In those moments I found what he was saying to be one-sided and rude.
For example on page 83, the author states, "Furthermore, chances are good you don't live under a cloud because of the race into which you were born and there's no king sitting on a throne at whose whim you live or die." I'm a POC, we've always been "under a cloud", so did he not expect a person "like me" to read this or was he under the assumption that oppression no longer exists? And while I know this book is old(20 yrs) just looking at the news recently would cancel out this statement. To be honest, I don't think a statement like this would ever be relevant unless you intend to have a limited audience.
Their was another passage that made me pause, however, I forgot to mark it and haven't yet found it again. So I won't harp on it because I don't want to misquote it.
I don't hate this book, I just think it could have been better. I also think he should have considered this book reaching an audience that didn't all look like him.
At times I felt disengaged from the book(I think it got a bit wordy in some places) and it seemed to run together. Their were also a few points, the author mentioned, that I didn't agree with or that left me confused. In those moments I found what he was saying to be one-sided and rude.
For example on page 83, the author states, "Furthermore, chances are good you don't live under a cloud because of the race into which you were born and there's no king sitting on a throne at whose whim you live or die." I'm a POC, we've always been "under a cloud", so did he not expect a person "like me" to read this or was he under the assumption that oppression no longer exists? And while I know this book is old(20 yrs) just looking at the news recently would cancel out this statement. To be honest, I don't think a statement like this would ever be relevant unless you intend to have a limited audience.
Their was another passage that made me pause, however, I forgot to mark it and haven't yet found it again. So I won't harp on it because I don't want to misquote it.
I don't hate this book, I just think it could have been better. I also think he should have considered this book reaching an audience that didn't all look like him.
July 2, 2018
A very good commentary on the book of Esther in the Bible. Swindoll brings out much understanding of the book which makes it an interesting reading. Every verse is explained and shown in conjunction with other Bible verses.
August 25, 2019
Read this for Purim and as an end to National Women's Month (March). It gave a more humble description of a women in power than the other biographies of powerful women I read that month.
In the bible Book dedicated to Esther -name of my beautiful 6yo neice, the sole carrier of my fluttering heart, whose pure joy is palpable- the woman whose intuit belief that God's will will prevail -, there is surprisingly little focus around Esther's personal contrivances. So why did they name a Bible story after her? Her steadfast presence in the face of the Persian Empire's Xerxes, her loving and murderous husband king, is what little we can attest to her greatness.
Esther alone had the gall to protest great Xerxes' decree: "kill all the Jews in Persia". Xerxes came back disgruntled from a long campaign of conquering his neighbors and took Haman's bigotist advice on regaining respect in his nation. Esther would not have it. The last woman who dared disobey Xerxes was beheaded. Esther who took said defector's place, was on slippery footing. How to coax Xerxes to her bidding thoughts without tempering his wrath? By having a party of course; entertaining all of Persia in celebration of "her Man", and there may she curry his favor.
Then the time came. The party was coming to an end. No debauchery was left untouched. Should she curry her Man's thoughts now? No, another party shall be in store. Still drunk and rolling in his bed with flitting emotions of the night, Xerxes lay awake thinking of how he rose to be the man he is today. "Ahh, yes the Jew Mordechai saved my life one day by telling of a plot to quell it. Had it not been for the claw-like hand of the Jew that gripped my neck before my assassins could, I would not be as great and powerful as I am. We should honor this Jew at the party rather than only honoring me. "
The next day Xerxes asked plotter against Jews officer Haman, how to remit honor to a most deserving liaison of his. "Liaison.... ," Haman thought, "The only Liaison deserving of praise can be my fortuitous, level-headed, sexy, Oxford-comma-aplenty self, of course". "Why, good king! Give the man one of the horse you rode to victory. Give a encrusted sword, broken but will be made swift again. Send him to the castle with a train of women, horses, and fans. That will surely validate your trusted liege."
So Xerxes followed suit and gave Mordechai, Esther's foster father, a procession more lovely than his wildest imagination. Haman grew bitter and despondent and hung himself.
Dust to dust. As it was in the beginning and will be in the end. God above all.
In the bible Book dedicated to Esther -name of my beautiful 6yo neice, the sole carrier of my fluttering heart, whose pure joy is palpable- the woman whose intuit belief that God's will will prevail -, there is surprisingly little focus around Esther's personal contrivances. So why did they name a Bible story after her? Her steadfast presence in the face of the Persian Empire's Xerxes, her loving and murderous husband king, is what little we can attest to her greatness.
Esther alone had the gall to protest great Xerxes' decree: "kill all the Jews in Persia". Xerxes came back disgruntled from a long campaign of conquering his neighbors and took Haman's bigotist advice on regaining respect in his nation. Esther would not have it. The last woman who dared disobey Xerxes was beheaded. Esther who took said defector's place, was on slippery footing. How to coax Xerxes to her bidding thoughts without tempering his wrath? By having a party of course; entertaining all of Persia in celebration of "her Man", and there may she curry his favor.
Then the time came. The party was coming to an end. No debauchery was left untouched. Should she curry her Man's thoughts now? No, another party shall be in store. Still drunk and rolling in his bed with flitting emotions of the night, Xerxes lay awake thinking of how he rose to be the man he is today. "Ahh, yes the Jew Mordechai saved my life one day by telling of a plot to quell it. Had it not been for the claw-like hand of the Jew that gripped my neck before my assassins could, I would not be as great and powerful as I am. We should honor this Jew at the party rather than only honoring me. "
The next day Xerxes asked plotter against Jews officer Haman, how to remit honor to a most deserving liaison of his. "Liaison.... ," Haman thought, "The only Liaison deserving of praise can be my fortuitous, level-headed, sexy, Oxford-comma-aplenty self, of course". "Why, good king! Give the man one of the horse you rode to victory. Give a encrusted sword, broken but will be made swift again. Send him to the castle with a train of women, horses, and fans. That will surely validate your trusted liege."
So Xerxes followed suit and gave Mordechai, Esther's foster father, a procession more lovely than his wildest imagination. Haman grew bitter and despondent and hung himself.
Dust to dust. As it was in the beginning and will be in the end. God above all.
September 18, 2014
One of my most favorite books is "Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity," by Charles Swindoll (Thomas Nelson, 1997). I'll never forget the day a woman told me about this jewel of a book! She couldn't say enough about taking it along with her to the park each day to read while her children played. She admitted she couldn't put this book down until she finished it.
So off I went to purchase a copy of this book about the life of Esther---and everything she said is true! Dr. Swidoll uses his legendary use of language, his knowledge of the Bible, and his gift of applying the truths of Scripture to lead readers like you and me through the book of Esther. It is thrilling and inspiring to see God at work in the shadows of this woman's life---and to see her faith and trust in God bloom and grow in spite of horrendous circumstances. It's no wonder God used her so mightily. Not only was she the most beautiful woman in the land, but her days were filled with the courage and strength only God can create in a woman's heart. And best of all, God is at work doing the same for you and me as we trust Him through our trials.
So off I went to purchase a copy of this book about the life of Esther---and everything she said is true! Dr. Swidoll uses his legendary use of language, his knowledge of the Bible, and his gift of applying the truths of Scripture to lead readers like you and me through the book of Esther. It is thrilling and inspiring to see God at work in the shadows of this woman's life---and to see her faith and trust in God bloom and grow in spite of horrendous circumstances. It's no wonder God used her so mightily. Not only was she the most beautiful woman in the land, but her days were filled with the courage and strength only God can create in a woman's heart. And best of all, God is at work doing the same for you and me as we trust Him through our trials.
December 26, 2015
3,5. Gostei do livro! O autor estuda de forma minuciosa o livro de Ester (Bíblia), mostrando de forma clara que mesmo que Ester seja o único livro da bíblia que não cite o nome de Deus, mesmo assim Ele está presente, agindo segundo a sua perfeita vontade. E isso é lindo!!!!ELE ESTÁ PRESENTE, Ele sempre está presente, mesmo quando não sentimos, ou estamos ausentes. Deus não se atrasa, não se confunde, não erra. E a história de Ester, junto com Mordecai nos mostra isso, nos ajuda a aprender a confiar e depender mais de Deus! Ensina sobre a Sua perfeita soberania, que age no seu tempo, segundo a sua vontade, e utiliza de seres tão limitados como nós para participar da sua glória. Nos ensina também sobre humildade e acima de tudo é uma mensagem de esperança: no fim Deus vence! ALELUIA!
________________
"No fim, nunca esqueça, ele vence. Quer você creia ou não, Deus vence. Quer aceite ou não, Deus vence. Quer você volte a ele arrependido ou não, Deus vence. Quer se curve perante ele como Salvador e Senhor ou não, Deus ainda vence."
Ainda há tempo para se entregar ao seu amor maravilhoso! Vem.
________________
"No fim, nunca esqueça, ele vence. Quer você creia ou não, Deus vence. Quer aceite ou não, Deus vence. Quer você volte a ele arrependido ou não, Deus vence. Quer se curve perante ele como Salvador e Senhor ou não, Deus ainda vence."
Ainda há tempo para se entregar ao seu amor maravilhoso! Vem.
July 12, 2019
Fantastic book with plentiful historical/theological insight, as well as an abundance of life-application. Would love to read another book in this series.
May 14, 2024
Not the best of the three in the series I've read.
Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor moth, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
pg 44 Swindoll said Mordecai was her uncle. this is wrong, per scripture.
57 pain is inevitable, misery is optional
64 if God tells you to do something - DO IT!
102 sit quietly with God, (not making your mind empty like pagans)
129 Luck has no place in a Christian's vocabulary
135 Get into God's word, don't try to read the stars or palm reading or astology/horoscopes or crystals
165 do not retaliate, vengeance belongs to God
167 we are not to conform to the world
Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor moth, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
pg 44 Swindoll said Mordecai was her uncle. this is wrong, per scripture.
57 pain is inevitable, misery is optional
64 if God tells you to do something - DO IT!
102 sit quietly with God, (not making your mind empty like pagans)
129 Luck has no place in a Christian's vocabulary
135 Get into God's word, don't try to read the stars or palm reading or astology/horoscopes or crystals
165 do not retaliate, vengeance belongs to God
167 we are not to conform to the world
February 23, 2017
I read Charles Swindoll's book on David many years ago which was incredible. I can't tell if this book is different or if I have just changed. I enjoyed the closer look at the life of Esther but I would recommend anyone to read the book of the bible and treat this like one person's commentary on the story because I definitely don't agree with all the conclusions Swindoll draws in this book. That being said, I appreciated his intentionality in sharing his thoughts. He draws some conclusions out of his Southern Baptist Tradition that I would disagree with, but for the thoughtful reader who doesn't just believe everything in writing, this is a great discussion on the timeless story.
March 13, 2020
It is probably Swindoll's style of writing that leads me to rate this book so low. He recapped so much at the beginning of every chapter that the book ended up feeling long and monotonous. I also thought he spent more time talking about Mordecai than he did about Esther. To be fair, Mordeacai is more prominent than Esther but still, the book was supposed to be about her. I also thought it was odd that he didn't even mention the part of the story where Hamman begs Esther to spare his life.
I did like that he used illustrations in many of his chapters to help get his points across. I also like that he applied the lessons to modern life, men or women.
I did like that he used illustrations in many of his chapters to help get his points across. I also like that he applied the lessons to modern life, men or women.
June 30, 2010
Charles Swindoll tells and comments on the book of Esther and what her life was like, how and why she acted as she did.
April 29, 2018
Excellent reading. Clearly you can understand how God worked in every detail!
March 16, 2019
Livro inspirador
November 27, 2020
Nunca esta de más aprender sobre un personaje de la Biblia con profundidad, ver detalle por detalles y como impacta hasta el día de hoy su vida.
Ester es una persona contemporánea al día de hoy, siempre se puede aprender algo nuevo sobre ella para aplicar en el día a día.
Ver como Dios actuó en silencio en esos días nos da una perspectiva mas amplia a las dificultades que enfrentamos actualmente.
Ester es una persona contemporánea al día de hoy, siempre se puede aprender algo nuevo sobre ella para aplicar en el día a día.
Ver como Dios actuó en silencio en esos días nos da una perspectiva mas amplia a las dificultades que enfrentamos actualmente.
January 29, 2023
It took me long enough to finish this, haha!
My church went through the book of Esther in a sermon series during late 2019, and my pastor referenced this several times. The writing style wasn’t always my jam (could have been tightened up a bit in editing) and not all of it has aged super well (dated references, inevitable for a book published a couple decades plus ago!), but the actual commentary on Esther itself was informative, insightful, and helpful.
My church went through the book of Esther in a sermon series during late 2019, and my pastor referenced this several times. The writing style wasn’t always my jam (could have been tightened up a bit in editing) and not all of it has aged super well (dated references, inevitable for a book published a couple decades plus ago!), but the actual commentary on Esther itself was informative, insightful, and helpful.
January 17, 2024
this book was good but not great. Some parts felt like it was explaining Christianity to a newer believer or someone who had very little context or insight about the book of Esther or Christianity in general. I felt like the book also didn't need to be as long as it was. Many chapters had a certain "focus" but often would get sidetracked about the same topic that had already been covered or a topic that should've been talked about later in the book. I thought the book was insightful and had some helpful notes about Esther and helpful exhortations, but it wasn't my favorite book that I've read on Esther.
September 4, 2022
At first blush, Esther is an odd book in the Bible. Where is God? Yet Swindoll shows how, even when He's not directly mentioned, God is at work behind the scenes. Read this book to learn how to take a stand for what's right and to learn to trust that God will prevail in the end.
February 15, 2024
Although he takes a bit more creative license with the biblical account than I would prefer, Swindoll showcases God's sovereignty as he insightfully unpacks the drama of a queen who boldly spoke up to save the lives of her people.
November 21, 2022
Es uno de mis libros favoritos de la Biblia y el autor explica y lleva a la práctica los principios de una manera muy didáctica. Muy recomendado.
September 16, 2021
Such a great read! Swindoll has a God-given gift for bringing the Biblical narrative to life.
March 1, 2013
My first thought was: what right does a man have to write a book about Queen Esther? I wasn't sure how relevant it was going to be for a girl to read a book written by a man about a woman. But, it was suggested reading and I trusted the source, so I jumped in.
Too often, the story of Queen Esther is ONLY about Queen Esther. I went through an excellent book from Beth Moore with a study group...but at times that book pretty much centers on the women of the story and I wondered: What would the king be thinking about this? So Haman is the villain of the story - but why was he so especially villainous? How could Mordecai have asked Esther to risk everything - didn't he love her, or was she just a necessary sacrifice?
I bought an Artscroll Meghilla and read that to get more details from Jewish tradition..and even made some authentic Hamantaschen.. but I was left with the questions and decided I would never really know.
This book steps back and basically asks you to un-know or unlearn all that you already know or think you know about the story and to read it as if you're hearing it for the first time.
I did just that, and it wasn't too hard of a task because this book doesn't really feel like you're reading about historical figures. It feels very much as if you could be reading a book about people very much like us who lived in a world not unlike our own. Esther became a real girl who didn't get caught up in the desire to "win" a beauty pageant with the crown of a queen as the prize...she was sorry to have left the security of her beloved cousin that had taken her in when she'd been orphaned. The king became lesser of a stuffy king and a bit more of just a guy (perhaps with an inflated ego at times, surely) who happened to wear a crown and sometimes lost his temper after he'd been drinking and didn't know how to choose good friends. Haman? Well, he's still the bad guy - but you find out more of why he hated Mordecai so very much. Mordecai, I owe that man an apology.. His love was never lacking for the cousin he raised as his own daughter. All of these characters come together in the story and with Chuck Swindoll's help, you can begin to see the nearly invisible shuttle weaving God's providence through every paragraph of the story.
I was captivated by how this story can be used as a guide for learning to see when God is at work in our own lives. This book is worth your time and worth the read. Even if you've read Beth Moore's book and been through her lessons - this isn't like getting a "repeat" of the same ol' same. By the end, you get to see the king actually become much more "kingly" and you actually (in my opinion) get to witness possible evidence I'd never seen pointed out before that there truly was a love story for Queen Esther and she wasn't doomed for the rest of her life to be just another girl with pretty face that won her a crown.
Too often, the story of Queen Esther is ONLY about Queen Esther. I went through an excellent book from Beth Moore with a study group...but at times that book pretty much centers on the women of the story and I wondered: What would the king be thinking about this? So Haman is the villain of the story - but why was he so especially villainous? How could Mordecai have asked Esther to risk everything - didn't he love her, or was she just a necessary sacrifice?
I bought an Artscroll Meghilla and read that to get more details from Jewish tradition..and even made some authentic Hamantaschen.. but I was left with the questions and decided I would never really know.
This book steps back and basically asks you to un-know or unlearn all that you already know or think you know about the story and to read it as if you're hearing it for the first time.
I did just that, and it wasn't too hard of a task because this book doesn't really feel like you're reading about historical figures. It feels very much as if you could be reading a book about people very much like us who lived in a world not unlike our own. Esther became a real girl who didn't get caught up in the desire to "win" a beauty pageant with the crown of a queen as the prize...she was sorry to have left the security of her beloved cousin that had taken her in when she'd been orphaned. The king became lesser of a stuffy king and a bit more of just a guy (perhaps with an inflated ego at times, surely) who happened to wear a crown and sometimes lost his temper after he'd been drinking and didn't know how to choose good friends. Haman? Well, he's still the bad guy - but you find out more of why he hated Mordecai so very much. Mordecai, I owe that man an apology.. His love was never lacking for the cousin he raised as his own daughter. All of these characters come together in the story and with Chuck Swindoll's help, you can begin to see the nearly invisible shuttle weaving God's providence through every paragraph of the story.
I was captivated by how this story can be used as a guide for learning to see when God is at work in our own lives. This book is worth your time and worth the read. Even if you've read Beth Moore's book and been through her lessons - this isn't like getting a "repeat" of the same ol' same. By the end, you get to see the king actually become much more "kingly" and you actually (in my opinion) get to witness possible evidence I'd never seen pointed out before that there truly was a love story for Queen Esther and she wasn't doomed for the rest of her life to be just another girl with pretty face that won her a crown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2019
Perfect timing!! Dr. Swindoll has his hands on my heart. Esther’s story has truly spoken to me with exactly what I need to (not necessarily want) hear. Thanks for your wonderful message.
March 26, 2012
Again Swindoll has written a book that is clear and practical without a need to "seem" profound. The book was filled with Biblical information and principles for living. Lots of gems of wisdom:
"Restraint and control always work in your favor." "Pain is inevitable. Misery is optional." "Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." "Hindsight yields insight." "God is God and He will have His way when He pleases and for His glory." "Don't talk so much. Believers who are maturing not only respect God's silence, they model it as well."
One of the big lessons I've learned from studying the life of Esther this year is learning to wait.
"Esther had a sensitive ear, a wise heart; she sensed something wasn't quite right. So, she didn't push it. She knew when to act -- and she knew when to wait." Swindoll lists four things that happen when we wait: (l) we gain new strength (2) we get a better perspective (3) we store up extra energy (4) we will deepen our determination to persevere.
"Restraint and control always work in your favor." "Pain is inevitable. Misery is optional." "Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." "Hindsight yields insight." "God is God and He will have His way when He pleases and for His glory." "Don't talk so much. Believers who are maturing not only respect God's silence, they model it as well."
One of the big lessons I've learned from studying the life of Esther this year is learning to wait.
"Esther had a sensitive ear, a wise heart; she sensed something wasn't quite right. So, she didn't push it. She knew when to act -- and she knew when to wait." Swindoll lists four things that happen when we wait: (l) we gain new strength (2) we get a better perspective (3) we store up extra energy (4) we will deepen our determination to persevere.
May 9, 2012
Wow, an excellent book and a timely one at that...our family has been through some struggles these last 8 years of every kind on every level - God is good but sometimes it's books like this that just bring new focus and refresh your weary spirit. :) God always has perfect timing and it's been sitting on my shelf for an age...just decided to read it recently and it was just what I needed. A reminder to all that God is working in those silent quiet moments, the mundane everyday moments, and in the hardships and storms of life.
"In the midst of the struggles and the storms and the sufferings of life, we can advance our thoughts beyond today and see releif...triumph...victory. Because, in the end, God does indeed win." (p.187)
"Esther is a story of triumph that grew out of tragedy, ecstasy out of agony, celebration out of devastation. Yours can be the same." (p.184)
And those are only a couple of the wonderfully encouraging words you will find in this book. :)
Recommend to all!
"In the midst of the struggles and the storms and the sufferings of life, we can advance our thoughts beyond today and see releif...triumph...victory. Because, in the end, God does indeed win." (p.187)
"Esther is a story of triumph that grew out of tragedy, ecstasy out of agony, celebration out of devastation. Yours can be the same." (p.184)
And those are only a couple of the wonderfully encouraging words you will find in this book. :)
Recommend to all!
December 29, 2015
For some time I've been interested in learning more about Esther. When I saw this book on a reduced Kindle list, I thought I'd give it a try. It was a fast read with lots of insights about Esther and the incidents surrounding her experiences as a Queen when she was instrumental in saving her Jewish people. Swindoll shares many points of historical background, as well as his own interpretations and lessons learned; many which I thought were very insightful. The negatives, if any, were that much of what he wrote became very repetitive and I found myself skimming some sections because it was just that; more words about what he'd already discussed for several pages. I gleaned a lot from the book and have a deeper appreciation for the processes the Lord allows us to go through to accomplish His will. Esther had great courage, and she also had great faith that whatever the Lord required of her, she was ready to do; no matter what the final outcome.
February 24, 2007
This is the first book I read in this series, even though it is book two. Swindoll does a great job of going through the scripture bit by bit and disecting it as a whole. Did you know God's name is never mentioned in the book of Esther? Did you also understand the rituals of what Esther went through to become a queen? This book made me both angry and happy. Angry because of the king's heart, and happy because of the miracles that God did with the kings heart. Amazing stuff. I also liked how Swindoll writes in this. It is as if he is talking to you. I read,"Did you see that? Did you see what just happened here?" He is talking to us! It is such a great way to write. He also asks us to stop, close the book and look up some verses in your bible, then come back to this page and continue reading. He does an amazing job and I can't recommend this book enough!
June 30, 2016
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the history Swindoll includes in this book to really put some things in Esther's story into context. Though I'm well-versed with the book of Esther, there was plenty historically that I wasn't previously aware of. I also enjoyed the many parts where Swindoll takes lessons and events from Esther's life and applies them to our modern lives. I also enjoyed the many WWII references (personal preference...I'm OBSESSED) and found they tied in well with the messages Swindoll was trying to convey or parallels he was trying to make.
Ultimately, I liked this book (and Esther is probably my personal heroine), but I had a hard time getting into it. I think it was a little redundant which made it less riveting to read in some parts. Otherwise, I'd still recommend it for someone who wants a little more information on Queen Esther.
Ultimately, I liked this book (and Esther is probably my personal heroine), but I had a hard time getting into it. I think it was a little redundant which made it less riveting to read in some parts. Otherwise, I'd still recommend it for someone who wants a little more information on Queen Esther.
June 15, 2019
This book overall was average. The writing style and the author's narrative throughout was not my favorite. The information presented about the strength, dignity, and grace of a woman was good.
I did appreciate the content shared starting with chapter 2 and going forward. The information presented demonstrated the true elegance of a woman. It gave me comfort to understand and continue to practice these behaviors and attitudes.
My take away is that women have power without being aggressive, controlling, and manipulative...all of which are derived from anger.
More importantly, the presence of an active, strong, and spiritual father is essential. Esther had that in Mordecai. The importance of a father bonding with i.e. raising, teaching, and yes molding their daughter is often times missing -- in the late 20th century and current 21st century family structures.
I did appreciate the content shared starting with chapter 2 and going forward. The information presented demonstrated the true elegance of a woman. It gave me comfort to understand and continue to practice these behaviors and attitudes.
My take away is that women have power without being aggressive, controlling, and manipulative...all of which are derived from anger.
More importantly, the presence of an active, strong, and spiritual father is essential. Esther had that in Mordecai. The importance of a father bonding with i.e. raising, teaching, and yes molding their daughter is often times missing -- in the late 20th century and current 21st century family structures.
August 25, 2011
If you caught me while I was younger, in Sunday School, and asked me who my favorite biblical character was, I would have definitely said Esther. It is the whole, penniless girl becomes royalty. That is what Esther is to lots of girls.
Skimming thru this book, I see lots of smart things that Swindoll says. The opening chapter even states 'God's presence is not as intriguing as His absence'. Smart sentence. I think that is why people like reading Swindoll. He seems to have good one liners.
As a book on Esther, I seemed to love doing Beth Moore's study on her. Her's is more of a historical and emotional study. I think this book follows the same flow of a theological book. Its facts and sentences about the bible, not only about Esther.
Skimming thru this book, I see lots of smart things that Swindoll says. The opening chapter even states 'God's presence is not as intriguing as His absence'. Smart sentence. I think that is why people like reading Swindoll. He seems to have good one liners.
As a book on Esther, I seemed to love doing Beth Moore's study on her. Her's is more of a historical and emotional study. I think this book follows the same flow of a theological book. Its facts and sentences about the bible, not only about Esther.
November 4, 2007
From the Book of Esther, the story of a young girl who is chosen to be the next queen (After the first queen, Vashti, refused to be put on display). When the Jews are in trouble and her uncle, Moredcai says to her: "Who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?", she ends up saving the whole race.
Studying the book helped me realize that God has a plan for our lives and we can look back on it and see exactly what he had in mind, even if we didn't realize it a this time.
Studying the book helped me realize that God has a plan for our lives and we can look back on it and see exactly what he had in mind, even if we didn't realize it a this time.
June 3, 2010
I found this book very interesting since I had never delved very deep into the story of Esther. It was easy to follow. However, one thing I found odd and amusing was the how the writer would be talking about Esther then would share an anecdote about something that had a similar message, but was otherwise completely unrelated. This was good because it allows you to see the ways Esther's story applies to real life, but from a more literary point of view it can seem rather random.
Good book overall.
Good book overall.
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