Introduction In Matthew 10:26, Jesus said, “there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed.” I wonder if He might have had this chapter of Esther in mind. After all, there are no real witnesses to all the plotting and manipulation going on here. Though God’s name never appears in this book, His hand is … Continue reading Esther Chapter 3: Misplaced Honor and God’s Unseen Hand
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Esther 2 — The Hidden Hand of Providence
Esther 2 begins with a kingdom in turmoil and a king in regret. Behind the grandeur of Persia’s empire and the beauty of its palace lies a subtle but powerful truth: even when God’s name is not mentioned, His hand is everywhere at work. The events of this chapter unfold as a tapestry woven by … Continue reading Esther 2 — The Hidden Hand of Providence
Esther Chapter 1: When God Seems Silent
The story begins with King Xerxes (aka Ahasuerus) throwing a lavish feast, filled with excess and pride. The king is strutting his stuff for the princes and nobles of the empire. Why? As best we know from history, he is likely building confidence and support for his planned invasion of Greece. Think May Day parade in 500 … Continue reading Esther Chapter 1: When God Seems Silent
Introduction: Discovering God’s Hidden Hand
I am excited to say that my church is starting a preaching series through the Book of Esther. One commentator has said that this is the most overlooked and understudied book in the Bible. The Old Testament writers never referred to the book. The New Testament writers allude to three times, just once in each … Continue reading Introduction: Discovering God’s Hidden Hand
Top Five Reasons a Dispensational Understanding of Prophecy is Better than a Preterist Understanding
We began by exploring what preterism is all about. We've also seen how preterism and its supporters have grown over time. In previous posts, I looked at some key interpretive issues in the Book of Revelation and shared why a dispensational approach is particularly helpful. Now, I'd like to take a step back from the … Continue reading Top Five Reasons a Dispensational Understanding of Prophecy is Better than a Preterist Understanding
What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 20:1-6 (The Millennium)
In Revelation 20:1-6, we see mentions of Satan being bound, Jesus reigning, and the first resurrection — all of which are connected to the Millennium, or a thousand-year period. Preterists see this passage as symbolic and historical, often connecting it to events like the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Instead of looking for a future, … Continue reading What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 20:1-6 (The Millennium)
What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 19:11-21 (The Rider on the White Horse and the Final Battle)
Revelation 19:11-21 depicts Christ's victorious return on a white horse, the defeat of the beast and the false prophet, and the final battle between Christ and the forces of evil. Preterists interpret this passage as symbolizing events that took place in the first century, particularly the judgment of Jerusalem and the end of the old covenant … Continue reading What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 19:11-21 (The Rider on the White Horse and the Final Battle)
What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 17:1-18 (The Woman and the Beast)
Revelation 17:1–18 introduces a vision of a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, symbolizing a significant figure in the apocalyptic narrative. Preterists interpret this passage within the context of first-century events, particularly focusing on the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70. The key points of the preterist interpretation are: The … Continue reading What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 17:1-18 (The Woman and the Beast)
What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 13:1-18 (The Beast and False Prophet)
In Revelation 13:1–18, two key figures are introduced: the beast from the sea (often interpreted as the Antichrist) and the beast from the earth (often interpreted as the False Prophet). The passage describes their rise to power, their blasphemy, and their role in deceiving the nations. Preterists interpret this passage within the historical context of the … Continue reading What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 13:1-18 (The Beast and False Prophet)
What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 11:1-2 (The Measuring of the Temple)
In Revelation 11:1–2, John is instructed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there, while the outer court is given to the Gentiles to be trampled for forty-two months. Preterists interpret this passage this way: The Temple as Symbolic of Old Covenant Israel: Preterists view the temple in this passage as … Continue reading What Preterists Get Wrong About Revelation 11:1-2 (The Measuring of the Temple)
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