by Ed Ostrom

Created on: July 11, 2010   Last Updated: July 12, 2010

There is an exciting, interest holding book in the Cannon of Old Testament, called Esther. . It is unique book that many wonder why it is in the Scriptures because seemingly it does not mention God or prayer.

The Canon of the Old Testament contains an exciting and interest holding dramatic book  called Esther. It is an unique composition that leaves many wondering why it is even included in the Scriptures as seemingly it does not mention God or prayer.

The name  Esther means "something hidden". This is truly a harbinger of what the Book of Esther is about. For those who argue that God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, I would suggest that they be not too quick to accept that statement as fact. For truly there is "something hidden" in the text of the Book. The learned Rabbis boldly declare that in the ancient Hebrew language God appears on the pages of the Book of Esther eight times.

We will explore each of these interesting examples to discover "something hidden". We will shine the spot light of God's Word on to the pages of history, to find God in the Book of Esther. As we find Him may we grow in spiritual maturity, and ascertain what Good has for us as Christ followers in today's world.

The Old Testament uses a number of artistic styles that can act as ways to hide things within the text. an example of one such artistic style is the use of acrostics. An acrostic is a systematic sequence of letters with a text which can have meaning and significance on its own. It has been called "the code of skipping letters."

The Book of Esther has five acrostics in the Hebrew language and three equidistance letter sequences that point to God and  demonstrate that God is found on the pages of the Book of Esther, and plays a significant role in the events portrayed .

The First Acrostic appearing in the Hebrew language of the Book of Esther is found in Esther 1:20.  The name of JHVH is spelt backwards, because God is turning the counsel of man back.

The Second Acrostic  appears in Esther 5:4 when Esther invites the King and Ham to a banquet. This time the name of God, JHVH is spelt forward because God was ruling and causing Esther to act.

The Third Acrostic occurs in Esther 5:13  when Haman is gloating. In final letters the name of God, JHVH are spelt out backwards. God was overruling the gladness in Haman's heart . Haman's counsel was being turned back.

The Fourth Acrostic is found in Esther 7:7. It is formed by the final letters

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