How many of you remember what "chiastic structure" means . . . "peripety"?
Ahh, I don't feel so bad!
This session we were shown that even the structure of a book can be used to give depth to a story. Beth introduced two literary devices that were used in the Book of Esther, and I am not even going to pretend that I can properly sum up what she said. I will, however, give you the Merriam Webster dictionary's definition of peripety - "a sudden or unexpected reversal of circumstances or situation especially in a literary work." This, Beth said, is what the sixth chaper of Esther is . . . the place where the story of Esther pivots and there is a reversal of destiny.
The second literary device – chiastic structure – takes it's meaning from the Greek letter, "chi", which is the first letter of the word "chiastic". The letter itself is written like an "X" and means, in Greek, a crossing. The device is used to illustrate a theme that occurs several times throughout a story. We learned that "feasts or banquets" are a recurring theme in Esther and it is at a banquet in the sixth book of Esther that the reversal of the destiny of the Jewish people begins to take shape.
While I was watching this session, I began to think about some of the significant "hinge" moments in my life and it brought me to a new understanding of the goodness of God toward me. Was anyone else impacted? Beth pointed out that the King's "hinge moment" didn't happen where we might have thought it would happen – it was during his sleep . . . more to the point, when he was unable to sleep. Have any of you been surprised at the place God has chosen to reverse your destiny? If you'd like to share, you're welcome to leave a comment, or go to the "Study group members only . . . " link in the upper right hand corner.
Beth finished the session with "Scenario #7 – it's tough being a woman who feels responsible for the 'how'." Her antidote – God is responsible for the how . . . we, like Esther, are called to be obedient. (Hmmm, maybe there should be a Scenario #7(b) – it's tough being a woman who has to let go of the 'how' and be obedient!)
I am so looking forward to our first study of 2010 . . .
. . . see you on Saturday! Jan : )
I feel like the timing of my life right now has been pretty much focused on my home purchase, my move in December, and my attempts at settling into my new place and space! It has been exhausting, and fun! Did I say stressful? And fun!
ReplyDeleteOur times together on Saturday mornings have kept me grounded and connected to important things like relationships with you ladies! And too I have missed the connection during the Christmas break....so I am really looking forward to being with you all again soon!
This thing of obedience and leaving 'the how' to God is so difficult at times....so daily...I'm so glad He is with us through it all!!
Jan, thank you again for keeping this blog going, whether there is response or not. I love having the summaries - a quick snapshot of the journey we are on...sort of like a photo album!
One last thing Jan, I have signed in to this blog but am not showing up on the 'followers' list. Help!!
Your somewhat 'technically challenged' friend!! :>)