Jonathan Cahn delivered a passionate response to comments made by Tucker Carlson regarding the biblical book of Esther, pointing out how Carlson has been twisting Scripture and spreading anti-Semitic narratives.
Opening the broadcast, Cahn framed the controversy by asking viewers: “What on earth is that? What does Tucker Carlson have to do with the book of Esther? What was the stunning thing he actually said concerning the book of Esther in the Bible?”
The remarks came after Carlson criticized Christian leaders who support Israel and referenced Esther during a discussion about war and civilian casualties.
In a clip played during the program, Carlson referred to Esther as “the story, among other things, of a genocide.”
Cahn immediately challenged the statement.
“What on earth is he saying?” Cahn responded. “He’s saying the book of Esther is wrong. Thus, the Word of God is wrong.”
The Real Context of Esther
Cahn argued that Carlson ignored the actual context of the biblical account.
“You see, there is a genocide or a planned genocide in the book of Esther,” Cahn said. “But it’s not what Tucker Carlson is trying to tell you was genocide.”
Reading from Esther 3, Cahn highlighted the decree issued through Haman “to annihilate, kill, and destroy all the Jews, both young and old, women and children.”
“The genocide in the book of Esther,” Cahn said, “is against the Jews.”
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As Cahn noted, the Jewish people in Esther were defending themselves against annihilation—not targeting Persians because of ethnicity.
“That’s not genocide,” Cahn declared. “That’s self-defense.”
He further accused Carlson of reversing the biblical narrative.
“He accuses the Jews of genocide for trying to stop a genocide,” Cahn said. “What a deceptive twist.”
‘The Devil Slanders Israel’
As the message continued, Cahn connected the controversy to what he described as a larger spiritual battle surrounding Israel and the Jewish people.
“The devil slanders Israel and has been doing so for ages,” Cahn said. “Tucker Carlson, unfortunately, has become in recent times his mouthpiece.”
Cahn also pointed to the historical misuse of Esther by anti-Semitic groups throughout history.
“The Nazis actually brought up the book of Esther just as Tucker Carlson brings it up now,” he said, “to try to prove that the Jews manipulated rulers.”
He warned Christians not to embrace rhetoric that demonizes the Jewish people.
“This is not a natural hatred,” Cahn said. “It is satanic.”
Esther, Iran and Modern Conflict
Cahn also drew parallels between the Esther story and modern tensions involving Israel and Iran, noting that ancient Persia corresponds to modern-day Iran.
“It is Iran that is threatening to obliterate Israel,” Cahn said. “Israel is fighting because it is surrounded by those who would seek to annihilate it.”
He argued that the same spiritual conflict seen in Esther continues today.
“The same exact thing of the book of Esther,” Cahn said, “the same exact strategy Tucker Carlson is trying to use.”
A Final Call to Prayer
Despite the sharp rebuke, Cahn closed the message by encouraging believers to pray.
“Pray for Tucker Carlson,” he said. “He needs to get saved.”
He also urged Christians to reject antisemitism entirely.
“Have nothing to do with this darkness,” Cahn warned. “It’s poison. It’ll destroy you.”
Ending with a passage from Isaiah, Cahn offered viewers encouragement amid spiritual conflict:
“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid. I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will also help you.”
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
