Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records. – Esther 9:32

Today’s Scripture Reading (August 18, 2017): Esther 9 & 10

“That's what fiction is for. It's for getting at the truth when the truth isn't sufficient for the truth.” This is how fiction writer Tim O’Brien describes much of his own life's work. Good fiction often reflects truth better than the truth itself. It is the reason why so many of us read fiction. Summer is coming to a close, and for decades I have devoted my summers to the practice of reading good fiction. Getting alone with a good book is one of my primary ways of relaxing and recouping what I need for the year ahead. But it is also an excellent way to be reminded of what is true because even if the stories are formed from the imagination of the authors, the truths are the ones that we need to understand.

One of the most enduring questions surrounding the Book of Esther is whether or not the book is historical. There are several historical accuracies and inaccuracies. King Xerxes was a real king, and the story is anchored in a particular place and time in history. It reflects some of the practices of that time very well. But it also fails at the same task.

The question is not new. Esther was the last book to be accepted into the Hebrew Canon, and even then it was a severely redacted version that was approved. And one line of thought is that Esther was never intended to be a history, but rather a historical novella. Historical novellas were popular at the time when Esther was written, so this becomes another favorite novella from this period. But it is also a story written with a purpose. It strove to reveal the truth in the celebration of Purim, which celebrates the events of the story. But the meaning of Purim actually goes beyond the story of Esther. It celebrates the idea that God always takes care of his people. Always.

Esther might be historical, or it might be a historical parable. But either way, we can’t lose sight of the truth that is being told by the story. God is involved with the lives of his people. He always has been, and he always will. And the story, like many pieces of good fiction, reveals the truth that we all need to hear.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Ezra 7