Why the Book of Esther?

The book of Esther is an interesting one in the fact that we don’t really know what to do with it. But, I have an idea of why it is important for us and the reason it is in the canon of Scripture.

A few facts about this book: No mention of God Not mentioned in the NT It was not found among the Dead Sea Scrolls The festival of Purim is celebrated but this not instituted by God This was the book that the Nazi’s forbid the Jews from reciting in the concentration camps on the threat of immediate death

What is it about Esther that gives so much hope to the Jewish people and, at the same time, strikes fear and hatred in those who persecute them?

The story itself is odd in the way that it is not about a chastened people turning back to YWHW. The enemies themselves are not afraid of God but the Jews. Esther 8:17 God is not directly intervening. The people mourn and fast but they do not pray. What about this proclaims the glory of God?