Bible Discussion Thread

Walter, in this tale you will notice that the only falsity in evidence was on the part of Mordecai and Esther. Mordecai concealed his true identity and required that Esther do likewise; Mordecai acted as a spy and by means of subterfuge; Mordecai urged Esther to -- let's call it what it is: prostitute herself. Vashti, the Persian queen, had the character to turn away from position and wealth to protect her virtue, but Esther prostituted herself to gain power and riches.
Furthermore, the Persians had liberated Jews and Persian 'taxpayers' were called upon to offer up their treasure to sustain Jews as they rebuilt Jerusalem. Where was Mordecai and Esther's gratitude for this major and ongoing generosity?

That gives rise to another question: Why were Esther and Mordecai in Persia and not in Jerusalem? Aren't we told that the entire quest of Jewish people is for the "land of zion," to return to Jerusalem? Why was Esther in Persia?

Finally, you'll notice that god is not mentioned in the entire book of Esther. The book is not a spiritual tract, it is political.
Inasmuch as Benj. Netanyahu closed an important speech with emphasis on Esther, and that Jewish people who celebrate no other element of Jewish religion or culture nevertheless celebrate Purim, the feast of the slaughter of 75,000 Persians, it becomes important for Christians everywhere to completely rethink the intentions of Jewish people in other lands.