Daniel and Esther


Book Description

Many of God's people through the ages have been called to endure times of hardship, loneliness, and suffering. Some, such as Daniel and Esther, were even members of a race carried away to a foreign land that had never heard of the God of Israel. Their lives were not easy, but even in the midst of trials, these men and women discovered that God was with them—and that He was actively leading the events in their lives. In this study, pastor John MacArthur will guide you through an in-depth look at the historical period of Israel's exile, beginning with the prophet Daniel being carried off to Babylon, continuing through the rise of the Persian Empire, and concluding with Esther's reign as queen. Studies include close-up examinations of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Esther, Haman, and others, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as "Standing Boldly for God" and "God's Sovereignty Over the Future." —ABOUT THE SERIES— The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates: Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text. Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context. Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life. Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.




Esther & Daniel (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible)


Book Description

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible advances the assumption that the Nicene creedal tradition, in all its diversity, provides the proper basis for the interpretation of the Bible as Christian scripture. The series volumes, written by leading theologians, encourage Christians to extend the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition to our day. In this addition to the acclaimed series, two respected scholars offer a theological exegesis of Esther and Daniel. As with other volumes in the series, this book is ideal for those called to ministry, serving as a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.




Daniel & Esther


Book Description

This debut YA romance by Patrick Raymond follows a young musician struggling with being defiant until he falls in love with a beautiful girl from Australia as the rest of the world faces the looming threat of war. Moody, defiant, and recently expelled from his last school, Daniel, a musically talented teenage boy, finds himself at Dartington Hall, a progressive school in England. Even with a fresh start, the teachers at his new school find Daniel rebellious and difficult, and it’s not long before he’s in serious trouble. But when Daniel meets Esther, a new, younger girl from Australia, her proud, distant beauty captures his heart. Initially, Daniel finds himself getting into even greater trouble trying to impress Esther until he falls under the guidance of a German composer. Even as Daniel becomes less defiant, the world around him and Esther begins to crumble with the constant threat of war forcing the two of them apart. “In his first YA novel, British writer Raymond evokes the desperation of first love with such gripping immediacy that it takes the breath away.” — Publishers Weekly




Life Lessons from Daniel and Esther


Book Description

Staying faithful when the pressure was most intense. That’s what these two did. The Jewish people had reason to be depressed. Their nation had been conquered. Their hometown was in ruins. They were living in captivity. Yet from the ashes, God raised up two key figures to preserve the Jewish race. Daniel was among the first of the captives carried away by the Babylonians. Although he lived in a culture opposed to God, he was always faithful to the Lord – even in the face of death – and ultimately was able to influence kings and rulers. Esther was in exile during the time of the Persian Empire. Like Daniel, the Lord also placed her in a position to influence those in power. God also called her to step out in faith and risk her life to foil a plot against her people. As a result of her bold actions, the entire Jewish race was saved from annihilation. As you read, study, journal, and discuss the books of Daniel and Esther, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book: God leads in our lives even in difficult circumstances. Sometimes faithfulness is rewarded by miracles. God will be faithful to his people in the future as he has in the past. The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes: An opening reflection on the Bible book you’re studying. Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting. An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV). Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes. Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection. The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.




Esther in Ancient Jewish Thought


Book Description

This book situates the book of Esther in the intellectual history of Ancient Judaism and provides a new understanding of its purpose.







Life lessons


Book Description

LIFE LESSONSFINDING SPIRITUAL HARMONYYou are about to embark on a very emotional journey, Life's ups and downs the rollercoaster that many of us wish to get off and then those times that we wish we never got on in the first place, but life has a lot to offer even though there are times we have no understanding of why and why did it happen to me. This book is about getting in touch with your true inner self and feeling those emotions run wild realising who you really are and that we are human after all and that carrying emotional baggage will only bring you down in later years if not dealt with swiftly and put at rest. Life is a rollercoaster yes but most important life is for living and a will to live to love you should enjoy every moment till your very last breathe.Life presents the most beautiful situations, only if you allow them to be present in your life. To be closed is a selfish person; to be open allows others to appreciate who you are.




Daniel


Book Description

These study guides, part of a 16-volume set from noted Bible scholar John MacArthur, take readers on a journey through biblical texts to discover what lies beneath the surface, focusing on meaning and context, and then reflecting on the explored passage or concept. With probing questions that guide the reader toward application, as well as ample space for journaling, The MacArthur Bible Studies are an invaluable tool for Bible Students of all ages.




God's Presence During Hardship


Book Description

This twelve-volume John MacArthur Old Testament Study Guide series provides intriguing examinations of the Old Testament. Each guide looks at a portion of Scripture from three perspectives---historical studies, character studies, and thematic studies---incorporating extensive commentary, detailed observations on themes, and probing questions.




Esther and Her Elusive God


Book Description

What if the way the book of Esther has been taught to us in church and retold to us in films, cartoons, and romance novels has missed the original point of the story? Far from being models of piety and devotion, Esther and Mordecai seem indifferent to the faith of their ancestors. How then did this story become part of the Bible and gain the broad acceptance that it has? If the church should not neglect the story, how should it be read? Esther and Her Elusive God calls Christians to avoid the common attempts to make Esther more palatable and theological, and to reclaim this secular story as Scripture. Readers will be encouraged to see in Esther a profound message of God's grace and faithfulness to his wayward people.