21. Xerxes the Great and Queen Esther

The Persian king traditionally identified as the husband of Esther is Xerxes the Great, who succeeded Darius and fought the Second Persian War. While Persian records make no direct reference to the events described in the Book of Esther, the chronology of Xerxes's career is fully compatible with the story described in the famous book of the Hebrew scriptures. For more free resources, please visit www.brucegore.com.

[@psalm3721]

Bruce thank you for these teachings. Please make sure these lectures stay avaliable in one way or another for the comming decades.

[@carmenjonesrose3]

So glad I found this. This was wonderful and so edifying. The historical context provided so much clarity.

[@glendadunn8986]

Thank you so much for your teachings and ministry. They have enriched my life and study of the scriptures. God bless you and yours.

[@seeconrad3504]

Bruce, your expository of Scriptures and history is excellent. Never did I perceived that Scriptures can be clearly and extraordinarily expounded from secular history.

[@nanushinthetube7065]

What a great lecturer! A pleasure and so accurate! This guy knows his stuff.

[@starwarsfananimations]

24:08 You inspired me to think, "what have I come to the kingdom for? "I wasn't seeking discernment in your video, but I found a great deal of self assurance and direction. Thank you!

[@GoreBruce]

I could not hope for more encouraging feedback. Thank you!

[@davemccormickmusic]

@@GoreBruce i concur with Mr. White, and thus you do your job in the Kingdom! :) Sir, you are a great speaker and teacher, the only kind of "preacher" i will listen to! i am no one, but i hereby dub thee "Gore The Great"! (in the most humble, modest, God-fearing sense, of course) lol Thank you!

[@GoreBruce]

@@davemccormickmusic Thanks. I'll be sure to mention that to my wife the next time she reminds me to take out the trash.

[@davemccormickmusic]

@@GoreBruce lol thanks brother!

[@Adaisy45]

Wonderful study and teaching Bruce. I’m doing a Bible study on Esther and knew I needed to get your teaching on it first! Thank you!

[@esvk1965]

Great lesson tying Esther's example of being willing to perish to Discipleship Luke 14:27

[@Spikeythepomsky]

Nice lecture. Thanks for putting it up online so we can all learn from it

[@allisonloukanis476]

Thank you so much... this was intensely interesting and I subscribed for more!💕

[@theresalaux5655]

Wow, you are an awesome teacher. I really enjoy your lectures. God bless you.

[@matimus100]

Which God Zeus?

[@-ariari]

I'm so happy to find this channel:D I'm learning so much! Thank you teacher

[@GoreBruce]

바이블라이프-Bible’s life Thank you! Wonderful to hear from you!

[@geniusworld9045]

Thanks a lot Dr Gore! Great to know it's background studies! With Prayers for you,Family and Ministry from India

[@GoreBruce]

Thank you! I'm honored to hear from you!

[@Lalalexylou]

Incredible. Im glad I found this. Thank you :)

[@susanmcdonald6879]

I am enjoying your lectures ;)

[@susanmcdonald6879]

but I do not find anything "great" about the "king of kings" Xerxes! I am so glad the Greeks kept the Persians out of Europe! ;)

[@Alejandrodiaz-lm2lj]

Another great lecture, thanks!

[@ianpeter8939]

That is a great Sermon and Lecture.Both at the same time. Most preachers just read the bible without explaining context.You have a gift.Please keep on using it.

[@GoreBruce]

As long as God gives breath to this old man, I plan to 'keep on using it.' Thanks much for your kind feedback.

[@mikescahill277]

Thank you, Bruce.

[@solonkazos1379]

Very good lessons in this study. Bless you

[@pinoychristianpilgrim]

Great teaching as always!

[@jo69ma]

Powerful lectures!!!!!!!!!!

[@GoreBruce]

Thanks!

[@jacobwright2168]

Excellent lecture

[@ERP292]

Sir this is very nice

[@azish1000]

His persian name was ( khashayar ) .

[@Templarkommando]

I've been following your lecture series for a bit now, and I must say that I really appreciate your putting these up. One of the things that has been fascinating to me is where this period of history stands in relation to Biblical prophecy. For example, Daniel predicts the rise of Persia. Persia rules a huge portion of the world, but here comes this upstart Alexander from Macedonia - a backwater if there ever was one - and poof, you have the Greek Empire in a tiny period of time. Maybe some people would predict a Macedonian conquest of the world, but I would never see it coming. Then, Alexander's Empire is even more grand than Persia's and it falls apart in pretty close detail to what Daniel predicts.

[@GeneralPadron]

Templarkommando The Holy Word of YEHOVAH is clear. If you do not understand prophecy, then it is not for you.

[@DB-ed6si]

@@GeneralPadron ?

[@saeedvazirian]

Wrong. The Achaemenid Empire had a larger area than the Macedonian.

[@simongiles9749]

Textual analysis of the Book of Daniel shows evidence of Aramaic idioms that didn't exist before ca. 200BC, so it's pretty likely that Daniel (at least the prophecies) was written some time after the events to which they refer. Which isn't as impressive.

[@danny.odonoghu.8362]

@@simongiles9749 LOL ... just anything to discredit God of the Bible

[@samandeli3424]

Ok, Thanks. I'll check it out; I did not know there were two King Darius'. All these names too often get me a bit confused. Thanks again for these informative teachings. Blessings.

[@AtticTapes14]

Darius I or II

[@MrCJ-qz9dl]

Bruce Gore and Dr. Randall Smith are two excellent expositors in history; both from a secular and spiritual standpoint. I have really enjoyed the exegesis in their lectures, and wish l could be there in person. Bruce Gore appears to not be as assertive as Dr. Smith. Nevertheless, l respect their outlooks.

[@michaelkirkpatrick7789]

You are a great teacher I've learnt a lot .thank you God will bless you.

[@GoreBruce]

Thank you, my friend.

[@matimus100]

Which God Zeus?

[@paulphelps7809]

Tremendous lecture of Bible history --and how it applies to us. Thank you.

[@matimus100]

Yeah this Supernatural Poison is everywhere today!

[@michellegreen2994]

Thank U sooo much.

[@ArnoldTeras]

Esther and Xerxes represented what the Jews and the Persians once were to each other...friends and allies. If only history had gone differently. And if only their peoples today were not so blinded by their hatreds...they would realize that they were ever meant to stand together against the darkness of this world.

[@alexandervanwyk7669]

BRUCE, THANK YOU very much. I enjoy the history but most of all your perspective on God's word and our own journey through life. Bless you. Keep it up

[@JustinKoshy]

Thank you very much for publishing these videos...really helpful...may Jesus help you to do more for His glory...bless you...

[@GoreBruce]

...and thank you my friend for your kind encouragement!

[@JustinKoshy]

....my pleasure in Jesus...thank you for your precious response....

[@matimus100]

Worshipping a Blood cult really!

[@Bye_Hghts]

"All of the timing, all of the close calls, all of the little details -- show that while God is never mentioned He is in the machinery all the way through. " 🍙🍘

[@MarkLewis...]

Interesting... Let me start at the beginning.

[@sofianjmekeru8525]

Amen! Shalom! God bless you!🙏👑🌹

[@updaburnah892]

Master Teacher

[@z_wawasan.k.s5481]

Xerxes is a legend

[@patriothippie5881]

Mr. Gore, is there a particular translation of "The Histories" that you recommend ?

[@GoreBruce]

Landmark.

[@Okieshowedem]

May Father YAHweh bless your understanding.

[@matimus100]

Supernatural nonsense!

[@christopher7687]

thank you for this, LORD's many blessings

[@GoreBruce]

Thank you, and blessings to you as well!

[@Haaduwkahn.]

shaluwm. May the peace and blessings of both the self-existing one and his anointed be with you.... the events of the book of Esther, did it take place before or after Ezra's and Nehemiah's return to the land of YaHuWdaH? Josephus has placed it after?

[@GoreBruce]

I incline to the view that Xerxes, son of Darius, was the husband of Esther, which would put the events of the Book of Esther before Ezra and Nehemiah. For a scholarly treatment of the question, you might check out Edwin Yamauchi's excellent volume, Persia and the Bible. www.amazon.com/Persia-Bible-Edwin-M-Yamauchi/dp/0801021081/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2HAHJAVIYK0IB&dchild=1&keywords=edwin+yamauchi&qid=1610551721&sprefix=edwin+y%2Caps%2C491&sr=8-2

[@Haaduwkahn.]

@@GoreBruce thank you

[@pumpupjam9648]

Esther 5:4 makes mention of God's Personal Name - JEHOVAH in one sentence. It was written in code. The 4 hebrew letters representing the name YHWH. The sentence read as follows: Ya voh Ham-me-lekj Weha-man Hai-yohm. It's found in Esther 5:4, where she asks the King to come to her banquet along with Haman. If you do deep research you can find this answer too!

[@alonsomiguellozanoaumne5668]

Hi Bruce As far as when you speak of Babilonia records, what books do you recommend to buy that is equivalent to Herodotus the histories but for Assyria and Babylon ? What about best Roman historian as far as bíblica context as well? Thank you love these videos have learned much

[@GoreBruce]

There is nothing comparable to Herodotus for Assyria or Babylon, but Herodotus covers both civilizations to some extent in his Histories. The best primary source for Assyria is Pritchard, Anthology (www.amazon.com/Ancient-Near-East-Anthology-Pictures/dp/0691147264/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510173153&sr=8-1&keywords=Pritchard)Good secondary sources for both include: Oates, Joan, Babylon, Thames and Hudson (1979); Rogers, Robert William, The History of Assyria, Charles River Editors; Roux, Georges, Ancient Iraq, 3rd Edition, Penguin Books (1992)

[@alonsomiguellozanoaumne5668]

Bruce Gore sorry to bug you again What about Roman historian , books?

[@GoreBruce]

Best ancient sources: Livy, The History of Rome; Virgil, The Aeneid; Polybius, The Rise of the Roman Empire, Penguin Classics (1979); Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, Penguin Classics. Good secondary resources: Grant, Michael, History of Rome, History Book Club; Hadas, Moses, Imperial Rome, Time Incorporated (1965). Many other histories are also excellent.

[@alonsomiguellozanoaumne5668]

Bruce Gore thank you sir

[@TheDonovanFisher]

Thank you so much for posting these! I am thoroughly enjoying them. I do however have one question... what business does a Christian have watching a movie such as 300???

[@sholomrabin2011]

loving your lessons and following with interest. your timeline seems great in all aspects except this one. the story of queen esther actually takes place between the two temples and is given permission to be rebuilt by Darius II who was esters son by xerxes.

[@GoreBruce]

Thank you for the kind feedback. For a scholarly assessment of your hypothesis, please see Dr. Edwin M. Yamauchi, Persia and the Bible. www.amazon.com/Persia-Bible-Edwin-M-Yamauchi/dp/0801021081/ref=sr_1_3?crid=39BSZ80SUSJWQ&dchild=1&keywords=edwin+yamauchi&qid=1610286105&sprefix=edwin+yama%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-3

[@HaraldHadrada87]

Hello Dr. Bruce! Love your teachings of history and God's Word. I would like to inquire if Haman the Agagite was Gog of Magog from Ezekiel's prophecy? I thought of this because prior to the Gog-Magog situation, there was a revival of Israel based on Ezekiel 37 "Dry bones" which I think was fulfilled during Cyrus the Great's commission to Zerubbabel and other Jews to rebuild the 2nd temple. And after the Gog-Magog situation, in Ezekiel 40 to 48 was a vision of a new temple. However, this temple was said to have "offering/sacrifice areas", which lead me to conclude that this was not the new temple/new jerusalem made of living stones which was from Jesus Christ after the so-called millennia. Because we both believe that Jesus Christ is the once and for all sacrifice for the sins of the world and with that a new covenant as well. Could all of Ezekiel's prophecy have come to pass? Thank you Dr. Bruce! Bless you a hundred-fold.

[@GoreBruce]

I incline to the view you are suggesting. Others tie the prophecy to the events related to the Maccabean Revolt (c. 165).

[@HaraldHadrada87]

@@GoreBruce Thank you fo your reply Dr. Bruce! I appreciate your classes. Will definitley acquire your book :)))

[@valriebell5333]

Does Esther go on fasting for 3 days for her people, so how u r saying God does not mention in the book of Esther???

[@VSP4591]

Nice presentation. One question: Ester is not related to Ishtar????

[@GoreBruce]

Not sure what you are referring to with the word "Ester"

[@VSP4591]

@@GoreBruce I mean, Ester could be a form of Isthar. It is involved in love affair and revenge.

[@GoreBruce]

@@VSP4591 Ok, Esther is in fact the same word in the original language as Isthar. It was not her original name, of course, which was the Jewish name Hadasah. The name was assigned to her or taken by her as she entered the Persian court, in the same way that people arriving in a foreign country permanently will often take a name that is more customary in that language.

[@VSP4591]

@@GoreBruce Ok, thank you for your answer. Tis is what I know. Have a nice day,

[@behnoodfathi7236]

Hi Bruce! I have read all documents from Persian sides and this was the first time that has ever come to me from English sides; interesting indeed! However, I guess I couldn't find in ur lecture raising my doubts on being not complete upon these historical facts. To notice again, as you also said, the history upon that time was just received to us by Greek historian; not Persian. This is because Alexander the Great once conquered Persian empire ordered an order to burn Persepolis which also include the largest library there all time; later we also had Muslims and Mongolian that did the same. However, after the reveal of remaining Persepolis that was hidden for centuries; many stories have got different visions as Persian could finally say what they have done. Let's come back to the forgotten points of your lecture; Xerxes (called Khashayar Shah in Persian) during the second war burned Athena as this hurted the Greek people for years so that they never could leave this and it eventually came to their books as well; after that in revenge many years later Alexander the Great did the same back to Persepolis. Another fact is all about the beauty of the story that Xerxes through consultation by his marine Army leader (the first woman army leader worldwide called Artemis) lined up all his army ships to be able to pass the sea briding between Turkey nowadays and Greece. Just share to thank you at first but also share some of the facts that might have bee forgotten in ur beautiful said stories. Lastly, to just you know, the movie 300 is hatred in between Persians and no one even like this as they all believed this the history written by our enemies Greek but not Persian; so it could be biased for sure.

[@GoreBruce]

Thank you. That is a very helpful perspective!

[@samandeli3424]

Hi Bruce, thanks for getting back with me; I've always had trouble keeping these kings strait and in order. Just curious on Daris, because of chapter 9:1 in Daniel. And it does fit that Almighty God would put his man on the throne, even in a Gentile nation. Any way, I love your series and am learning a lot, Thank you! ! ! Blessings,

[@GoreBruce]

+Sam Andeli This character, known as Darius the Mede, is not to be confused with Darius the Persian, who lived in a different time frame. It can be a bit confusing because the names can also be quasi-titles, or 'throne names' as they are sometimes called. For a thorough treatment, I recommend Edwin M. Yamauchi, Persia and the Bible (Baker, 1990, 1996).

[@johnhbaldwin9178]

Do you understand how Gentile was used among the ancient Hebrew people ? Gentiles were Hebrews living outside Judea or Israel . The Hebrews used the word Gentile as we would use " expat " Jesus even makes it clear when he sent the Disciples to the lost sheep of Israel . None of the Disciples were sent to the heathen nations to teach the heathens , they were sent to Hebrews living in Rome , Greece , and other nations but not to the Romans or Grecian themselves . Most people don't understand this and believe Paul was sent to preach to the Heathens but that's not true . There were no Christians at that time . But there were Hebrews living among the Heathens who Had been disperses outside Judea by the Persians , Greeks and Romans, they were the Gentiles .

[@GoreBruce]

The book of Daniel stands in general for the idea that God puts in place rulers of His choosing, for purposes of His determination (cf. 2:20ff; 4:34ff, etc.). Those rulers are often Gentile, and may be acting unwittingly to carry out the purposes of God (cf. Isa.10:5ff). Thanks again for your interest!

[@GoreBruce]

Sorry for my earlier response - mistakenly connected to a different question. As far as I know, the position you are arguing here would be quite unexpected among virtually every credible New Testament scholar and commentator on the early history of the church, whether Jewish or Christian (cf, e.g., Amasa ben Abraham, Ph.D, Mark's Gospel in a Jewish Context, 2014).

[@henryv4222]

Sam Andeli Hi Sam - I am very disappointed to hear about your confusion over Darius and Darius. I can't believe that you find it "difficult to keep in order" a mere 5000 years of history. Next you will be telling us that you don't know the entire Bible and have trouble translating Aramaic to Ancient Greek. ;-)

[@benjaminwheeldon9853]

What do you think about this reference to Mordecai? Esther 2:5-6 5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.

[@johnbuchan3678]

If "approaching the king" was dangerous (as stated at 4:11), how could Esther have "informed" the king of the plot to kill him (as stated at 2:22)? (I think I know.)

[@GoreBruce]

She could have sent the message through a messenger, but one way or another, we are not given all the details of the story.

[@johnbuchan3678]

@@GoreBruce Dr. Gore, thanks for your quick reply. (By the way, I thought your “Sunday school lesson” was right on the mark.) Based on what we know of Esther, considering that her husband’s life was in imminent danger, and that sending a messenger might have resulted in the messenger’s death, I think Esther chose to risk her own life by immediately interrupting Xerxes’ schedule to courageously tell him that Bigthan and Teresh (door guards whom Xerxes had likely personally selected to protect him from assassins) were about to assassinate him. I think the clue to the reluctance Esther expressed to Mordecai at 4:11 is found in the phrase “I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.” Though she had risked her life and had successfully rescued him from assassination, apparently Xerxes had neither thanked her nor even spoken with her for a month. I think there is an intriguing reason why Xerxes, who had seemed to be reasonable regarding wine (1:8) and languages (1:22) intentionally let a month go by, until (at 5:3) he magnificently showed his sincere appreciation for what Esther had done.

[@samandeli3424]

??? Are these folks the parents of King Daris???

[@GoreBruce]

+Sam Andeli The Persian rulers were Cyrus (550 - 530), Cambyses (530 - 522), Pseudo-Smerdis (522), Darius (522 - 486), Xerxes (486 - 465), Artaxerxes (465 - 435). Dates approximate. It is improbable that there were any children born of Xerxes by Esther.

[@cwilsonyt]

Haman was an Agagite. Agag was an Amalekite. Amalek was a grandson of Esau. Esau was the slightly-older twin brother of Jacob aka Israel. Jacob would “earn” Isaac’s blessing at Esau’s expense. Esau and Jacob made amends but their descendants would have conflict for centuries, even while both under the rule of the Persians. The story behind Mordecai and Esther (descendants of Jacob) vs Haman (a descendant of Esau) was an old family beef.

[@olandsaputra3803]

Now i can read old testament clearly

[@matimus100]

Nonsense!

[@dadsonworldwide3238]

ArteXerxes and Xerxes are two different kings and the ancient scholars beloved he was Esther's husband. Only modern scholars think it's esthers husband. If so herototus accounts of a different king

[@mortezahamid8298]

I really enjoyed your class and wanted to thank you. As an Iranian, I wanted to ask the question, how likely is it that the story of Queen Esther and the massacre of the Iranians is true, because the story of Queen Esther is only mentioned in the Jewish Bible and does not appear in any history book.

[@GoreBruce]

Thanks for the kind feedback. You might appreciate an excellent treatment of the question you raise in the scholarly work by Edwin M. Yamauchi, Persia and the Bible. www.amazon.com/Persia-Bible-Edwin-M-Yamauchi/dp/0801021081/ref=sr_1_10?crid=K1YV6PVZDV8S&dchild=1&keywords=edwin+yamauchi&qid=1624884768&sprefix=edwin+ya%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-10

[@tonybarfridge4369]

When I get the chance I'll finish watching this, but speaking of ancient history, I believe the Gores have been prominent and tied up with the Ormsbys, the Viking descendants of Orm. My grandmother was also a direct descendant of the original Ormsbys, but from the English line, as opposed to the American.

[@AtticTapes14]

Two candidates for Esther: Amestris or Stateira

[@gideonsmit4344]

Where does the battle of Marathon fit in and when was the war with Greece the so-called "300" greeks @ Persia??

[@GoreBruce]

Marathon was a battle in the first Persian war, under Darius, the father of Xerxes (c. 490). The battle of the 300 (Thermopylae) was fought by Xerxes in the Second Persian War. It is not mentioned in the book of Esther, but would likely have occurred in the time between chapters 1 & 2.

[@glendathegoodwitch6987]

Thank you for loving Jews, we love you back!

[@GoreBruce]

Rena Oppenheimer Thank you!

[@glendathegoodwitch6987]

Bruce Gore -- Perhaps you will appreciate conservative Rabbi Daniel Lapin's podcast. He is an orthodox rabbi absolutely convinced, for the sake of Western Civilization, of the importance of America returning to its Christian base.

[@henryv4222]

Brain Freeze doesn't take a rocket scientist....anyone arguing against that is letting prejudice get in the way. I encourage you to check out your Israeli Yeshua - with a bunch of church history to examine you will find that the church has persecuted Jews, and before that vice versa - but none of it is what Yeshua teaches. Also read Isaiah 19 & Google Egypt 70000 cave Immanuel. It demands a serious look.

[@glendathegoodwitch6987]

Henry V -- Relax dude . . . there is a lot more going on in this world to worry about with the Mohammedans following in their prophet's footsteps. We here in the West are getting blown up, driven over, knifed, shot, our daughters are getting raped and groped, and it is just awful.

[@coreybailey7551]

Jews were never, ever, ever, Caucasian.

[@guyharris889]

Ester 2:5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. This timeline doesn’t make sense because if Esther and Mordecai were carried away during Jeconiah’s reign then she would be really old correct to have been married to Xerxes. If Xerxes reigned 483 BC - Jeconiah’s reign was before 586 BC - right ???? I am confused somebody please help explain this lol

[@GoreBruce]

The common, and I believe correct view, is that the pronoun of Est. 2:6 is referring to Kish and not to Mordecai.

[@guyharris889]

Ezra 2:1 Ezra 2:1 ¶ Now these are the children of province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; 2 ¶ Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of This verse says Modecai was taken....doesn’t mention Kish. I wonder if the Ahaserus = Xerxes needs to be looked at again??

[@GoreBruce]

@@guyharris889 There are some who take that view, but it creates insurmountable chronological obstacles elsewhere. The common, and virtually universal view among credible scholars is that the Mordecai of Ezra 2:2 is not the cousin of Esther.

[@matimus100]

Free Man here !

[@larrysmith2485]

Im confused i thought Alexander the great fought and defeated darius

[@GoreBruce]

Alexander defeated Darius iii c. 332 b.c.

[@larrysmith2485]

@@GoreBruce thats right, thanks for clearing that up for me. I forgot the third. I also apologize i backed up the video and you had explained this.

[@pharmagator]

THIS IS SPARTA!!!

[@gilgalbiblewheel6313]

The book of Esther had re-occurring themes such as the lack of rewarding to Mordecai in Esther 2 reoccurred in Esther 6. The same is true that Vashti who didn't want to present herself to the king at his banquet, despising him in Esther 1, however Esther takes the risk of presenting herself before the king unexpectedly not knowing what his reaction would be, to invite him to her banquet.

[@AtticTapes14]

Now solve who is "Darius the Mede" and his father "Ahaseurus" according to book of daniel

[@GoreBruce]

Darius was likely a Median general who served under Cyrus, and who assumed rule of Babylon after it fell to Cyrus in 539 b.c. Ahaseurus is Hebrew of Xerxes, and as used more as a title than a proper name. A comprehensive scholarly treatment of the matter is available in the volume by Edwin Yamauchi, 'Persia and the Bible.' www.amazon.com/Persia-Bible-Edwin-M-Yamauchi/dp/0801021081/ref=sr_1_9?crid=398CF6VY9Z7SM&keywords=edwin+yamauchi&qid=1688934396&sprefix=edwin+ya%2Caps%2C818&sr=8-9

[@mrnoedahl]

Gore the Great; he’s our mate.

[@queenstaresthergalit8029]

Hello ❤❤❤

[@MelanCholy2001]

IDK, after banging my head around all these varying histories of the Persians, I'm back to my first "innocent, first-read-through and non-scholarly Bible reader" view of *Darius I being the husband of Esther!* He talked to the prophet Daniel in about 522BC when Daniel was ANCIENT, and needed "building up" (like he'd just clipped a cousin who was ineffective compared to Cyrus the Great). But mostly: Mordecai's age if he was brought over with Daniel by Nabochednessar (Nabochodonosor), *if we believe Daniel as Christ sure did.* _It is very odd that the "missing histories" that were known and accepted by the Juice in the time of Christ somehow became "mysterious". Isn't that odd? Like someone pulled a Hatshepsut erasure on Persian histy ...for "no known reason"._ 🤷 😇✝️ (I know: the Church tends towards Xerxes.)

[@susanmcdonald6879]

I have always wondered why the book of Esther was the only OT book not included in the Dead Sea scroll documents. Also, I wonder what influence the Greek play "Antigone" in examining the laws of man versus a higher law that by giving its name to another ancient woman, how this may have played into the Hebrews' conception of and in response to a woman who influences a king (although no evidence of any queen/ concubine in Persian history has ever been found) but how perhaps Esther may have been a Hebrew response to a Greek play, although the heroines are quite different in the roles they play & in what the 2 cultures were exploring or promoting.... one saves her people; one dies for breaking a king's law for a higher purpose.... for me, I find the story of Antigone a greater one in that she does fully, without a male representative or uncle, chooses to sacrifice herself for a higher good not as a concubine but as a fully human thinking person, a truly inspiring story written also by a male author, but nonetheless, very insightful. The contrast is eye-opening when comparing the Hebrew & Greek contributions to "sophia". ;)

[@GoreBruce]

Interesting....thanks!

[@scottleft3672]

OVER REACH susan.....you are mythologising. the hittite king did the same dismissal of old wife trick too.....it is what it is.

[@henryv4222]

Susan McDonald same here - of course we may also wonder at why every other book is there :-)

[@henryv4222]

Susan McDonald Susie : all Scripture is God-breathed - why you gotta divide men and women into tribes? I recommend Derek Prince God is a Matchmaker.

[@Johnnycdrums]

Douay-Rheims Bible translated from the Latin Vulgate has longer versions of Daniel and Esther.

[@ERP292]

I am indian,your english is some difficult to me,pray for me for understanding your english

[@eskanderx1027]

8:15 Well the Exodus had about 1.5M people walking for 40 years around a desert mostly, so maybe someone was spinning that story too... Also no evidence of leftovers logistics of such a big crowd were found around the Sini peninsula. As always, great lecture, thanks!

[@lynnmitzy1643]

Gore the 👍🏼 great, aww go for it, hand out business cards in class 😂

[@GoreBruce]

I think that would be a 'career limiting' move.

[@lynnmitzy1643]

@@GoreBruce I love Esther 👍🏼super study, thank you.

[@amas2441]

In nowadays we're exactly the opposite of what we were. Its embarrassing

[@AtticTapes14]

SKIP TO 18:04!!!!!

[@donnakeizer1468]

DIVINE NAME YHVH is in the book of Esther frontwards and backwards 5 times, Companion Bible - King James

[@maximme]

IN THE olden days, you gather vassal states armies to go to war. You dont maintain the entire 1 million man. As the king makes his way to Greece, the other armies along the way join up. So , YES, very likely scenario , provided they join up along the way and move off after the battle. BECAUSE the logistics and provisions for 1 Million man army in the olden days is NOT feasible.

[@mafabarzani9621]

Queen Esther was in median era time not persian.

[@GoreBruce]

For contemporary scholarship on this question, please see Edwin M. Yamauchi, Persian and the Bible. Thanks for your interest. www.amazon.com/Persia-Bible-Edwin-M-Yamauchi/dp/0801098998/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=persia+and+the+bible&qid=1594557695&sr=8-1

[@ifereimivasu9551]

Tukutuku ni gauna sa Oti, vinakavakalevu nai talanoa.

[@killingfields1424]

In the battle with Sparta, Persia's troops are paid soldiers. Unlike Sparta and Greek have slaves as soldiers.

[@Mama-yn5eo]

Cambyses and his army got lost in the desert

[@GoreBruce]

For an excellent and scholarly treatment of the life of Cambyses and other Persian rulers, I suggest Edwin Yamauchi, Persia and the Bible. www.amazon.com/Persia-Bible-Edwin-M-Yamauchi/dp/0801021081/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=yamauchi&qid=1659444638&s=books&sprefix=yamouchi%2Cstripbooks%2C259&sr=1-1

[@donnakeizer1468]

Western wall was not destroyed in 70AD

[@donnakeizer1468]

@Menachem Mevashir it’s still attached to the temple. Some tin foil general doesn’t compare to God.

[@donnakeizer1468]

@Menachem Mevashir what planet are you from? Pluto perhaps.

[@donnakeizer1468]

@Menachem Mevashir if you had structures on Pluto.............

[@donnakeizer1468]

@Menachem Mevashir maybe go to Horses of the Bible Shepherds chapel. UFOs are real and nothing is Unidentified to God, the word amberin hebrew In EZEK. 1 means highly polished bronze vehicle, remember EZEK, had only seen an ox cart.

[@mrmoss190]

At 23:38, you stated that the Book Of Esther "Never mentions Gxd once." That is COMPLETELY FALSE for in the Book Of Esther CH 14 (The Apocrypha where the Book Of Esther picks up from CH 10 VS 4 where the Old Testament leaves off in CH 10 VS 3) it speaks of Esther praying to YHWH.

[@GoreBruce]

mrmoss Yes you are correct. I was not referring to apocryphal additions to Esther in my comments.

[@dadsonworldwide3238]

mrmoss it's the issue of ArteXerxes confused as verses different people. Only modern scales credit Xerxes as esthers wife.

[@mahfai6355]

There is no where in history that name Esther as a Queen of Persia , indeed Achaemenians had intermarriages to keep the entire dynasty blood's pure, this story is only found in Torah.

[@nicoangel3452]

What? Helots were Jews? Nonsense ! Helots were Hellenes from a nearby State near Sparta.... pronounced Sparti !

[@GoreBruce]

You are quite correct. Best evidence suggests helots were Micenaeans who had been subjugated by the Dorians.

[@user-wo4fg2gr8k]

do not have real Esther and Mordecai

[@ashozarathushtra4809]

Esther was never the queen of Persia or the wife of Xerxes the Great. His only known wife was Amestris. It is now well established that the Book of Esther was written as a novel in the second century BCE. THERE WAS NO VASHTI, NO ESTHER AND NO MORDECAI, who should have been over a hundred years old when appointed to high office in the Persian Empire.

[@GoreBruce]

For a scholarly treatment of the matters you raise here, please see Yamauchi, Edwin M., Persia and the Bible (Baker Book House).

[@zazaz7895]

@@GoreBruce Esther is a Babylonian story, and it is not true

[@johnhbaldwin9178]

There were no people called Jews taken into bondage in Persia or Babylon , The " J " was not even in existence in that time . They were Hebrews from the tribes of Benjamin , Levi and Judah .

[@GoreBruce]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@scottleft3672]

so....judean hills....jerusalen....judaea.....judah.....judas.....jesus......they yoused the letter "I" BUT PRONOUNCED IT AS "J" AND "Y" BOTH....ACTUALLY.....as in BENYAMIN.........I.N.R.I......what does that mean.....YOU ARE SPLITTING HAIRS .....HEBREW WAS NOT RECORDED THE SAME AS LATER ROMAN....BUT JOSEPHUS DIDNT CARE....AND HE OUGHT TO KNOW.

[@HotManJonah]

Oh my gosh this comment... just think man. just please think.... english didnt exist back then, so why are you even trying bring english into it. Heve you ever thought that english isnt the only langauge? People havent always spoken english. in Hebrew for "jew" it is "yehudi". jerusalem = Yerushalayim, Jacob = Yaakov, (v and b are represented by the same letter in hebrew.) Now please I hope you understand.

[@str.77]

@@GoreBruce Being courteous to everybody is one thing, thanking a know-it-all for a stupid comment as a "clarification" quite another.

[@GoreBruce]

Yeah, sometimes I have to bite my tongue. My ambition is to win human beings, not win arguments. Thanks for the feedback.

[@jdgilbert74]

Oooh Jesus is coming sooo soon!

[@matimus100]

What Supernatural nonsense

[@mikeh3005]

Your mind has been deceived by the Evil one and won't be able to comprehend.

[@kyvansalari3641]

🇮🇷🤙🙏❤️🌹🤡

[@aesfan2513]

Xerxes didn't lost the war. His aim was to punish the greek . And he did it and has a victory speech in Athens . Get your facts right Herodotus is the biggest liar existed .

[@peshrokehder1784]

Ecbatana and Media is kurdish and why you talk about persian what a shame

[@bluesky6985]

Esther never happened

[@jameshall2889]

Educate yourself

[@bluesky6985]

@@jameshall2889 I did. Daniel never mentioned Esther. Jesus never mentioned Esther and Esther isn't anywhere in Persian history

[@parmidasasani2299]

Esther was fictional, Xerxes had only one queen and her name was Amestris. There is no evidence that Iran had ever had a queen with Esther or Vashti name. The resource of Esther fiction is only Torah.

[@GoreBruce]

Thanks for the feedback. For a scholarly assessment of the perspective reflected here, please see Edwin Yamauchi, Persia and the Bible. www.amazon.com/Persia-Bible-Edwin-M-Yamauchi/dp/0801021081/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=edwin+yamauchi&qid=1620479034&sr=8-1

[@parmidasasani2299]

@@GoreBruce Bible is not a valid resource.

[@user-wo4fg2gr8k]

@@GoreBruce do not have real Esther and Mordecai

[@daweiisgood2392]

The film 300 is hardly historically correct. Only the location. Its an art movie based on a legend. And its true to the legend. Nothing else. Edit (sorry couldnt help myself:): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Thermopylae