以斯帖記導論

以下哪位是以斯帖記裡主要的人物？

Which of the following are the main characters in the Book of Esther?

• 末底改

  Mordecai

• 以斯帖

  Esther

• 亞哈隨魯王

  King Ahasuerus

• 哈曼

  Haman

故事裡的亞哈隨魯王，他是波斯帝國的王。故事的設定，代表了以色列經歷了國破家破的傷痛。但有哪一方面可以代表他們仍在宗教的信仰保持獨立，不被同化？

In the story, King Ahasuerus is the king of the Persian Empire. The setting reflects the pain of Israel’s national downfall. However, in what way did the Israelites maintain their religious identity and avoid assimilation?

• 他們獲准住在王宮內They were allowed to live in the royal palace

• 他們可以使用希伯來語交談They could speak Hebrew among themselves

• 他們可以穿傳統猶太服飾They were permitted to wear traditional Jewish clothing

• 他們有自己一套律法Their customs are different from those of all other people

以斯帖記內沒有提及“神”或“耶和華”等字眼，但哪些行動中看到猶太人仍然是依靠耶和華？

The Book of Esther does not mention “God” or “Yahweh”. But through which actions can we see that the Jews were still relying on the Lord?

• 舉辦音樂節讚美神

  They held music festivals to praise God

• 到耶路撒冷聖殿朝聖

  They made pilgrimages to the temple in Jerusalem

• 獻祭並設立敬拜站

  They offered sacrifices and set up worship stations

• 禁食、哭泣、悲傷；許多人披上麻衣，躺在灰塵中

  They fasted, wept, and mourned; many put on sackcloth and lay in ashes

以斯帖記內提及了一個猶太人的「普珥節」。「普珥」的意思是籤（lot），有隨機的意義，所以他們守這節日的用意是？

The Book of Esther mentions the Jewish festival of Purim. “Purim” means “lots,” suggesting randomness. What is the purpose of observing this festival?

• 慶祝春天的來臨和豐收

  To celebrate the arrival of spring and the harvest

• 記念猶太人在波斯文化中的地位

  To remember the Jews’ social status in Persian culture

• 感謝王后的英勇行動

  To thank the queen for her courageous act

• 記念在危機中神的救恩

  To remember God’s deliverance in a time of crisis

以斯帖記的故事發生在波斯帝國首都書珊城內。再仔細觀察故事內容，有哪個場景在以斯帖記內反覆出現？

The story of Esther takes place in the Persian capital city of Susa. On closer inspection of the story, which setting appears repeatedly throughout the book?

• 城門的審判台

  The judgment court at the city gate

• 皇后的私人禱告室

  The queen’s private prayer room

• 王的寶座前審問室

  The interrogation chamber before the throne

• 宴席

  Banquets