Esther Through the Centuries

This interdisciplinary commentary ranges from early midrashic interpretation to contemporary rewritings introducing interpretations of the only biblical book not to mention God. <br /> <ul> <li>Unearths a wealth of neglected rewritings inspired by the story’s relevance to themes of nationhood, rebellion, providence, revenge, female heroism, Jewish identity, exile, genocide and ‘multiculturalism’</li> <li>Reveals the various struggles and strategies used by religious commentators to make sense of this only biblical book that does not mention God</li> <li>Asks why Esther is underestimated by contemporary feminist scholars despite a long history of subversive rewritings</li> <li>Compares the most influential Jewish and Christian interpretations and interpreters</li> <li>Includes an introduction to the book’s myriad representations in literature, music, and art</li> <li>Published in the reception-history series, <i>Blackwell Bible Commentaries</i></li> </ul>