Wayne Barkhuizen has produced a most helpful guide for anyone seeking more insight into the treasured story of Esther. This compact commentary is embedded with interesting nuggets while still keeping pace with the flow of the narrative. It's also a great reminder for someone like myself, with a Jewish/Gentile family background, of the rich heritage we have in a gracious God who has acted in history to save his people from bondage in Egypt, genocide in Persia and, ultimately, eternity in hell through the timely rescue of our crucified Messiah. This book will encourage you to rejoice and trust in the God who is always present, even when it seems like he is not!
--Rt. Rev. Glenn Lyons, presiding bishop of REACH-SA
"Wayne Barkhuizen has done the Church of Christ worldwide a great favor with his book God Behind the Scenes. Here is an excellent presentation of the message of the book of Esther. Written simply and very engagingly, Wayne puts Esther in historical perspective and also succeeds in putting flesh and blood on all the characters in the story. This book is a great reminder of the providence and sovereignty of God over all of life and his special care for his own people. Wayne reminds us that God's love, ultimately displayed through his Son our Lord Jesus on the cross, is shown in Esther to be constantly in action behind the scenes, even in the most precarious circumstances. Wayne puts the reader in touch with the main themes of the book--complete with occasional historical references that are very helpful--then skillfully draws all these themes together at the end. This is an altogether helpful book that will not only be a great help to individual Christians but also helpful for those who meet in group studies. I highly recommend it."
--Rt. Rev. Frank Retief, former presiding bishop of REACH-SA
"The book of Esther poses numerous challenges for Christian readers. Barkhuizen helpfully guides us through the story to understand the God who, though never named, stands behind it and with his people. This guidance, along with theological reflections throughout, shows how and why this book remains important today."
--David Firth, author of The Message of Esther
"Wayne Barkhuizen has given us a fresh and insightful take on the book of Esther. ... [T]he author takes us through the book as Christian Scripture, deepening our appreciation of the magnificent providence of God at work in the history of the Jewish people. Simply written, this book will be a help to preachers, teachers, and general readers."
--Rev. Dr. David Seccombe, retired principal of George Whitefield College, South Africa
"I feel privileged to commend Wayne Barkhuizen's wonderful little book on a wonderful Old Testament story. If you want the book of Esther to light up, this is the way in for you. I can't think of a better one. And the message where God is seen working in a sovereign and hidden way in the darkest of times comes through with deep relevance for us in these present times of deep national, international, and personal stress and distress. Wayne shows how this little Old Testament book speaks with deep meaning directly into our own contemporary and troubled context. This volume also vividly illustrates how big dynamite can come in a small package. Read, study, put a bomb under your seat, and be inspired."
--Michael Cassidy, founder of African Enterprise, author of The Church Jesus Prayed For
"Wayne Barkhuizen has written a highly readable and insightful guide for individuals or groups studying the book of Esther. The reflection questions are sure to inspire some lively thought--and debate! I can recommend it highly to Bible readers who want to begin digging deeper into this fascinating narrative."
--Anthony Tomasino, author of Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Esther and Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Esther
