Esther, ESV Expository Commentary

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Eric Ortlund
Bible Book: Esther
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 17, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.4/10

A clear mid level guide that supports faithful preaching and teaching in Esther.

Publication Date(s): 2020
Pages: 576
ISBN: 9781433546402
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.4/10
We find Eric Ortlund attentive to context in Esther, following the flow of the passage and keeping the main point in view.
Christ Centredness: 8.2/10
We are helped to preach Christ from Esther with restraint and confidence, tracing promise and fulfilment without forcing connections.
Depth of Insight: 8.2/10
We gain solid insight into structure and themes, with enough engagement to sharpen our judgement for preaching and teaching.
Clarity of Writing: 8.6/10
The writing is clear and well organised, making it workable for weekly preparation and easy to consult in the study.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.4/10
The commentary repeatedly helps us move from explanation to congregational use, with application that is direct, wise, and not gimmicky.
Readability: 8.4/10
It is substantial, but it is paced for pastors and teachers, and it rewards steady use over time.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
576 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.4 / 10
Strength
Helpful outlines and section summaries that support series planning.
Limitation
Occasional sections feel brief, so pairing with a specialist work can help.

We find Eric Ortlund a steady guide for reading Esther in the life of the church. As part of ESV Expository Commentary, this volume aims to keep us close to the passage while still helping us preach with clarity. Volume 4.

We are helped by the way the commentary keeps the passage in front of us. It does not try to impress, it tries to serve, and that makes it easier to use with confidence.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want a reliable mid level companion that follows the text, respects context, and still speaks to ordinary believers. It gives us help with structure and emphasis, then nudges us toward faithful application.

It is a strong tool for training others. The method is not showy, but it models careful reading and helps newer teachers learn how to move from meaning to message.

When we need deeper detail, we can add a more technical work alongside it. Even then, this volume often gives the clearest path from study to sermon shape.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this volume for pastors and teachers who want an accessible guide to Esther that keeps theology and application tied to the passage.

Used alongside prayerful study, it helps us speak with greater clarity and conviction, and it keeps our application tied to the text.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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