Esther

For many Christians, reading Esther is like entering a strange new land. Here is a book unlike any other in the Bible. But with Peter Lau’s careful reading of the text to hand, they have a guide that will not only help them to find their way around, they will understand the ways in which this book continues to speak into contemporary life. A helpful guide, Lau attends carefully both to the context of the text and the experience of reading Esther in Asia today, showing how these two enrich our discipleship.

Rev David G. Firth, PhD

Old Testament Tutor and Academic Dean, Trinity College, Bristol, UK

This excellent commentary skillfully combines knowledge of the literary devices at work in the book of Esther, and knowledge of the cultural background from which the book was written, with a careful study of the text. The results of this process are applied specifically to the Asian context and written in language that a layman can understand. Without presenting literary analysis, exegesis, and application in different sections, as in many commentaries, this commentary exhibits a rare combined approach. It demonstrates the kind of integration which I hope will be the hallmark of contemporary Asian biblical and theological scholarship. The Bible is an integrated book and it is good for Bible commentaries also to reflect this integration.

Ajith Fernando, DD

Teaching Director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka