Esther

Summary

We find Jobes a calm and clear companion through Esther, helping us read the book as providence in action rather than a collection of clever turns.

Her method fits the NIV Application Commentary aim. She listens carefully to the ancient setting, then helps us cross the bridge to faithful contemporary application without flattening the narrative.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume when we want help preaching Esther with confidence and care. Jobes is attentive to structure and detail, which keeps us from sentimentalising the story or treating it as a political thriller with a moral tacked on.

We also gain a steady hand for application. She regularly pushes us to consider how power, fear, identity, and public courage land in the lives of God’s people today, while keeping the Lord’s hidden hand central.

For us as Reformed readers, the strength is the way the commentary keeps the text’s own emphases in view. That steadiness serves Christward preaching, because sound application begins with sound reading.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level resource for preaching and teaching Esther. It is thorough without being heavy, and it consistently helps us move from the text to the lives of our people.

As pastoral next steps, we can read the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index as we build a wiser shelf.